WhatsApp is one of the most widely-used instant messaging apps despite lacking several features. For example, Telegram lets you use the same account on multiple devices but unfortunately, the same wasn’t possible on WhatsApp — until now. You can now use the same WhatsApp account on two phones officially!
The Linked Devices feature on WhatsApp was introduced last year but you could only use it on your computer or web browser. However, WhatsApp has rolled out a new update that allows you to link a smartphone to your account. If you’ve always wanted to use WhatsApp with the same phone number on two different devices, it’s finally possible now. Here’s how it works.
WHAT ARE LINKED DEVICES ON WHATSAPP
WhatsApp introduced a feature called Linked Devices that replaced the old WhatsApp Web functionality. This feature allows you to link up to 4 devices to your WhatsApp account. Once linked, you can use WhatsApp on these devices independent of your smartphone.
However, up until now, you could only use the Linked Devices feature with a computer or via a browser on a different phone. This wasn’t an ideal solution for those who wanted to use the same WhatsApp number on two phones. That’s no longer an issue, thanks to the latest update to the app.
WHATSAPP ON TWO PHONES: SUPPORTED DEVICES
As of now, the ability to use the same WhatsApp on two phones is limited to an Android device. What it means is that the secondary phone that you want to link needs to be an Android device. However, your primary phone can be an iPhone.
You will also need to update to the latest version of WhatsApp on your Android phone to use this feature. The feature is currently in beta and is rolling out gradually to all users so if you haven’t received it yet, wait till you get an update.
HOW TO INSTALL WHATSAPP ON 2 DEVICES WITH THE SAME NUMBER
Needless to say, you will need 2 phones for this to work. Once you have both of them with you, follow these steps.
Step 1: Install and sign in to WhatsApp on your primary phone. If you’re already using WhatsApp on your phone, skip this step.
Step 2: Install WhatsApp from the Play Store on your secondary device. If you already have WhatsApp installed on this phone, uninstall and re-install it.
Step 3: Open WhatsApp on your secondary phone and select your language of choice.
Step 4: Tap on ‘Agree And Continue’.
Step 5: Press the three dots in the top-right corner of your screen when you’re prompted to enter your phone number. Then, tap on ‘Link a device’.
In case you don’t see the ‘Link a device’ option, sideload the WhatsApp Beta APK onto your device using the link below and repeat the procedure.
You will now see a QR Code displayed on your phone’s screen. Switch to your primary device to scan this code.
Step 6: Open WhatsApp on your primary device. Press on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
Step 7: Select Linked Devices. Now proceed to ‘Link a device’.
Step 8: A QR Code Scanner will now appear on your screen. Scan the QR Code on your secondary phone.
You’re now logged into WhatsApp with the same account on both of your devices.
The best part is that WhatsApp on both devices will work independently. What this means is that even if your primary phone is not connected to the internet, you can still use WhatsApp on your secondary device via an active internet connection.
FAQS ON USING THE SAME WHATSAPP ACCOUNT ON TWO PHONES
1. Can I use WhatsApp on more than two phones at a time?
The Linked Devices feature allows you to link up to 4 different devices to the same WhatsApp account. So, if you’ve not linked any other devices like your computer, you can use WhatsApp on up to 4 phones at the same time.
2. Can I continue using WhatsApp Web while using WhatsApp on 2 phones?
Yes, WhatsApp Web will continue to work without any issues as they work independently of each other.
3. Do I need a SIM card to use WhatsApp on the secondary phone?
No, you don’t need a SIM card on your secondary phone to use WhatsApp from your primary number. However, you do need an active internet connection.
USE THE SAME WHATSAPP NUMBER ON TWO DIFFERENT PHONES
Users all over the world have been waiting for years for this feature to roll out and finally, WhatsApp has heard us. You can now add your WhatsApp account to a secondary device to use it on two different phones at the same time. How convenient!
