After several weeks in beta, now WhatsApp will allow you to use the same account on up to four smartphones, regardless of whether you are running on Android or iOS. The head of the parent company Meta, Mark Zuckerberg, announced this multi-device WhatsApp support feature.
So far, individual Whatsapp accounts can only be linked to web browsers on tablets, laptops or desktop devices. But now with the multi-device mode of WhatsApp allows up to four devices to be linked at the same time, without the need to keep the primary smartphone connected.
The process to link the devices will be similar to what already exists for other platforms by scanning a QR code. Whatsapp also plans to introduce “an alternative and more accessible way to link to companion devices“. Then you can enter your phone number on Whatsapp Web to get a one-time code. This can then be used to activate the device link on the phone without having to scan a QR code.
Your WhatsApp chats will be updated on all linked mobiles as a result of this new functionality. This means that you can start a conversation on one phone and carry it on with another without losing any previous chats. This can be particularly useful for folks who carry both a personal and business smartphone and wish to connect with family and friends from the same account regardless of what devices they have available.
If you’re worried that this new WhatsApp feature could jeopardise the privacy of your messages, the service assures you that there’s nothing to worry about. Each additional mobile device connects to your account individually, so calls, texts, images, and videos are still safeguarded by end-to-end encryption.
Furthermore, WhatsApp explains that if the primary mobile phone is detected as being idle for an extended period of time, the session on the other phones will be automatically suspended.
This new multi-device capability is also accessible in WhatsApp Business, allowing clients to be answered on multiple phones associated with the same account, a very helpful feature that will increase the flexibility of its use.
