WhatsApp, the chat app owned by Meta Platforms, is introducing a new feature that allows users to link multiple phones to a single account. This update was highly requested by WhatsApp’s users, according to a blog post by the company.
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Each linked phone is connected independently to WhatsApp, and users’ personal information is end-to-end encrypted. If the primary device is inactive for an unspecified amount of time, users will be automatically logged out of all companion devices.
The update is being rolled out globally and will be available to all users in the coming weeks, the company said. According to WABetaInfo, a news website that tracks WhatsApp developments, the new feature will allow users to link up to four additional devices, just like how users can currently connect the desktop version of WhatsApp for Windows PCs and Macs.
However, the feature is limited to WhatsApp for Android. Users set up WhatsApp on a secondary phone by scanning a QR code, the same way they do to connect on desktop. But soon, users won’t need a QR code anymore. The update will allow users to enter their phone number on WhatsApp Web to receive a one-time code, which they can use on their phone to enable device linking.
Despite the new feature, some capabilities may not be available, such as managing broadcast lists and posting a status update from the linked device, WABetaInfo reported.
