WhatsApp has long been planning to add a new Companion mode to link two smartphones to the same WhatsApp account. The functionality was recently made available for Android tablets, and it is now being tested for a secondary smartphone as part of a beta update.
A recent WABetaInfo report shows that WhatsApp has started rolling out Companion mode to some Android users as part of the 2.22.24.18 beta. This will allow you to link an additional phone to the same account to make it easier to manage it across two devices.
It is noted that the new function is called “Linka device”. You can find it in the settings of the messenger. After activation, a QR code appears on the screen of the primary device, which can be scanned by the camera of a smartphone or tablet, which will allow you to automatically log into your account.
All of your chats will be synchronised to the second phone after the two mobile phones are paired by following the on-screen instructions.
However, due to the experimental nature of the functionality, some functions will stay inaccessible. Features like live locations, as well as managed broadcast lists and stickers, will be unavailable.
Companion mode is an expansion of the multi-device functionality, allowing you to connect up to four devices and use WhatsApp on any accessible device. There’s a potential you’ll be able to connect more than two phones to a single WhatsApp account.
The feature is said to be rolled out to more users in the coming weeks. We can expect stable Android and iOS users to get it soon. However, it has not yet been announced when this will happen.
