Following the introduction of the much-requested ability to utilize one WhatsApp account on secondary devices in 2021, WhatsApp is now introducing another major feature. You can now use the same WhatsApp account on up to five phones.
Every additional phone connects to WhatsApp independently, ensuring that messages, media, and calls remain encrypted from end to end. You link WhatsApp on web browsers, tablets, and desktops the same way.
Additionally, as a security precaution, if your primary phone is inactive “for a long period” (the company does not specify), then all companion devices will be automatically logged out.
With this update, you can now switch between multiple phones without having to sign out of WhatsApp. This update has already started rolled out to all WhatsApp users worldwide. The rollout is expected to conclude “in the coming weeks”.
WhatsApp also plans to roll out (over the next few weeks) a “more accessible way” of linking to companion devices. In place of scanning a QR code, you will be able to enter your phone number on WhatsApp Web, and then receive a one-time code, which you can use on your phone to enable device linking.
At the moment, this is only available on WhatsApp Web, but it will soon be available on other companion devices.
