Want to use the same phone number on two phones or devices to enjoy WhatsApp? Check out our step-by-step guide to syncing your devices and staying connected at all times!
WhatsApp finally goes multi-device
For years, WhatsApp had one major constraint: being usable only on one cell phone. Over time, the application has become a must-have for communication, and users have been asking for WhatsApp to be extended to other devices. The most frequent request was to install WhatsApp on two phones or devices with the same number. And finally, after a long wait, this feature is now available.
In this article we will explain all the methods to achieve this synchronization, as well as the compatible platforms and connection types supported by the new WhatsApp and its multi-device mode.
WhatsApp on two or more devices: how does it work?
According to WhatsApp's helpdesk, you can now “link other devices to your primary phone to use WhatsApp on Web or Desktop versions, Android tablets, additional phones or other devices. You can use up to four linked devices at the same time.” These devices can be Windows computers, macOS, Android devices (phone and tablet), iPhone or any device with a browser to run WhatsApp Web.
This way, you will be able to access your personal messages, multimedia files and calls from different devices or phones. All of this content is “end-to-end encrypted”, so it's safe and secure.
One of the benefits is that you no longer need to keep your main phone connected or online. You just need to use it to “register the WhatsApp account and link new devices”. However, keep in mind that the linked devices will disconnect if you don't use your main phone “for more than 14 days”.
How to link a device with WhatsApp?
Here's how to link a device, whether you have WhatsApp on Android or iPhone, and whether you want to use it on Windows, macOS or Linux with WhatsApp for Desktop or via WhatsApp Web :
- Open WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop on the device you want to link.
- Then open WhatsApp on your main phone.
- On Android, go to More options; Linked devices; Link a device.
- On iPhone, go to Settings > Linked devices > Link a device.
- Unlock your phone with the method enabled, if necessary.
- Point your phone's camera at the QR code displayed on the device to be linked.
- Once the QR code is scanned, the link will be effective.
Now you will have access to your WhatsApp messages, files, groups and contacts on two or more devices. The device linking process needs to be done only once and on each device to be linked.
WhatsApp on two Android phones or iPhone
The previous method allows you to use WhatsApp on two or more devices. However, if you want to share a WhatsApp account on two phones, the process is slightly different. Thanks to WhatsApp's multi-device mode, the process is now easier than before.
WhatsApp has recently provided an official method to use the same WhatsApp account or phone number on two different phones. This way you can link an additional iPhone to your main iPhone, or link an iPhone with an Android, and vice versa.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Download, install and open WhatsApp on the second phone.
- Accept the terms of the application and press Accept and Continue.
- On Android, open the drop-down menu and tap Link with an existing account.
- On iPhone, tap Link this device to an existing account.
- Open WhatsApp on your main phone.
- Open the drop down menu and select Linked Devices.
- On iPhone, follow the path Settings > Linked devices.
- Choose the option Link a new device.
- With your primary phone, scan the QR code of the second phone.
- When finished, you will see that the account is activated and synced on both phones.
Now you will have access to your WhatsApp messages, files, groups and contacts on two iPhone and/or Android phones. The device linking process needs to be done only once and on each phone to be linked. As mentioned before, the information is stored locally and synced online. To ensure the security of this data, it is encrypted from end to end.
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My name is Maggie and I'm a writer for thesilverink.com, a website dedicated to news, culture and lifestyle. I have always been passionate about writing and I decided to make it my profession by becoming a web editor. I work on counterpoint.info and I mainly take care of the lifestyle section. I like to share my discoveries and my favorites with the readers, whether it's about fashion, beauty, decoration or gastronomy.
