What you need to know
- WhatsApp is rolling out an update, allowing users to sign in to their accounts on more than one phone.
- Users can pick up their conversations right where they left off with end-to-end encryption for their private conversations.
- If the primary device is inactive for 14 days, WhatsApp will log out all of your companion devices.
WhatsApp removes major restrictions from the app, giving users more freedom to sign in with their account. The company mentioned in a blog post that starting Tuesday, users can log into more than one smartphone with their WhatsApp account. The update has started rolling out globally, and users should expect to see the functionality in the coming weeks. It will work with Android and iOS phones.
WhatsApp multi-device support was first introduced in 2021 but has been limited to other devices, such as computers. This update expands the capacity to up to four smartphones, which will link to your primary device to ensure your private messages, media, and calls remain end-to-end encrypted. The Meta-owned company states that you can switch between phones without logging out, and you can pick up your conversations with people exactly where you left them.
WhatsApp sees this as a benefit for small businesses as well, considering that anyone can use their own phone to answer customers while using a company account.
Linking an additional phone (or a few) is fairly simple, as detailed on WhatsApp’s updated support page. The page details that if your primary WhatsApp device is not used within 14 days, your companion devices will be automatically logged out. The live location and status features are also not available on linked devices either.
WhatsApp states that there are more users to expect with this update. The company has included an alternate method for linking companion devices. Instead of scanning the required QR code, there is an additional option where users can enter their phone number on WhatsApp Web to receive a code that can be entered on their desired companion device.
The inclusion of more smartphones in WhatsApp was previewed during a beta test late last year. Now, users can select if they’d like more phones, tablets, or desktops to be part of the four device limit that comes with them. Users should also keep their eyes out for a new feature that WhatsApp rolled out a few days ago that allows you to save disappeared messages — as long as the person you’re talking to is okay with it.