Chat without a separate extension
Supported messengers open directly from Opera’s sidebar. Sign in to the service you already use and access your existing contacts and conversations from the browser.
Integrated messengers in Opera’s sidebar
Open WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack and other supported services from Opera’s sidebar while you browse. Messengers are integrated into the browser, so you can chat, share media and keep conversations beside the webpage without installing a separate sidebar extension.
How integrated messengers work in Opera
Opera keeps supported messaging services in a browser panel that can be opened from the sidebar, pinned beside the page, muted when needed and configured from Sidebar setup.
Browse and chat side by side
Pin a supported messenger panel beside the current webpage when you want the conversation to remain visible, then unpin it when you need the full browsing area again.
See updates without opening every app
Opera can show messenger notification badges in the sidebar. Notification badges can be enabled or disabled, and supported messengers can be muted or logged out.
Choose which services appear
Use the three-dot Sidebar setup control or Settings > Sidebar > Manage sidebar to add or remove messengers and manage the services shown in the sidebar.
Messaging and social services available from the sidebar
Opera’s sidebar separates messengers from social media and other browser services. The exact services shown in Sidebar setup can vary by Opera version and availability.
Open WhatsApp from the sidebar, pair it with your phone using the QR code, then access chats, media and notifications while browsing.
Telegram
Keep Telegram conversations and channels available from the sidebar without turning each chat into a separate browser tab.
Discord
Access Discord communities and conversations from Opera’s sidebar while keeping the webpage you are using open beside them.
Slack
Use Slack from the sidebar for work conversations and team communication without installing an additional browser extension.
Facebook Messenger
Opera also provides integrated access to Facebook Messenger on desktop, including Messenger web features such as supported calls and chats.
Instagram, X & Bluesky
These are presented as social media services in Opera’s sidebar rather than the same messenger category as WhatsApp or Telegram.
Set up and manage sidebar messaging
Enable only the services you use, sign in with the relevant service account and control how messenger panels and notifications behave while you browse.
Add or remove messengers
Click the three-dot icon at the bottom of the sidebar and use Sidebar setup, or open Settings > Sidebar > Manage sidebar, then select the messengers you want available.
Connect WhatsApp
Open WhatsApp from the sidebar, then scan the displayed QR code with WhatsApp on your phone or tablet to connect your existing account.
Pin, mute or manage notifications
Pin a supported conversation when you want it beside the webpage. Use messenger controls to mute or log out, and manage notification badges from Sidebar settings.
Opera sidebar messaging FAQs
Which messengers are available in Opera’s sidebar?
Opera’s current Sidebar setup lists WhatsApp, Telegram, VK, Slack and Discord under Messengers. Opera also provides integrated Facebook Messenger access, while Instagram, X and Bluesky are listed separately as Social Media services. Availability can change by version or region.
Do I need a browser extension for Opera’s integrated messengers?
No. Supported messengers are integrated into Opera’s sidebar, so you do not need a separate browser extension for the sidebar integration. You still sign in with the account required by each messaging service.
Can I keep a messenger open beside a webpage?
Yes. Supported messenger panels can be pinned so the conversation stays visible beside the current webpage. Unpin the panel when you want to return the full width to browsing.
How do I show or hide messenger notification badges?
Open Settings > Sidebar > Manage sidebar and use the notification badge control for messengers. You can also mute an individual messenger when you do not want its notifications.
How do I add WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord or Slack to the sidebar?
Click the three-dot icon at the bottom of Opera’s sidebar to open Sidebar setup, then enable the services you want. The same options are available under Settings > Sidebar > Manage sidebar.
Are ChatGPT and Gemini part of Opera sidebar messaging?
No. ChatGPT and Gemini are listed as AI Services in Opera’s sidebar, not as messengers. Instagram, X and Bluesky are listed as Social Media, while WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack and Discord belong to the messenger category.
SIDEBAR MESSAGING
Keep conversations beside the web
Download Opera, choose your messengers in Sidebar setup, and pin a chat beside the page whenever you want to browse and communicate at the same time.
