The team behind the encrypted messaging app said in a post on Tuesday that WhatsApp users can link multiple phones to their WhatsApp account starting today. WhatsApp said that updating the app will add this much-needed demand from users and simplify the linking process.
“Each phone associated with WhatsApp connects independently, ensuring that your personal messages, media, and calls are end-to-end encrypted, and if your primary device is inactive for a long time, we automatically log you out of all companion devices,” the blog post reads.
Encrypted messaging apps are a popular way to keep conversations private. In addition to WhatsApp, Owner Meta also offers encrypted chats on Facebook Messenger.
The WhatsApp team said the update also brings a new approach to account linking that’s “more accessible” than the previous method of scanning a QR code. Users can enter their phone number on WhatsApp Web to receive a one-time code, which they will then use to enable device tethering.
WhatsApp said the update is starting to roll out globally, and users can expect to see the new feature on their app in the coming weeks.
The WhatsApp team said the change would benefit anyone who uses WhatsApp on multiple devices, but highlighted that small businesses can have employees use their own devices to communicate with customers under the same WhatsApp Business account.
WhatsApp implemented multi-device features last year that allowed people to connect up to four additional non-phone devices to a single WhatsApp account for seamless communication. Today’s move brings phones into the mix.