WhatsApp has started rolling out much-awaited multi-device support for all users. With the latest functionality, both Android and iOS users can use their WhatsApp account on different devices at the same time to send and receive messages on the app even if their phone does not have active internet access. The feature has been in beta for quite some time. You can use up to four linked devices and one phone at a time However, it should be noted that if the phone is idle for 14 days, the connected devices will be disconnected.
WhatsApp has updated its FAQ page with details about the Multiple-Device Support feature. WhatsApp will now allow users to connect their instant messaging accounts to up to four devices, including laptops or PCs. Users do not need to have their phones connected to the Internet to access this functionality. However, if you do not use your phone for more than 14 days, WhatsApp will disconnect you from the paired device. WhatsApp ensures that it enables end-to-end encryption in chats that take place using connected devices. So WhatsApp or third parties will not be able to read the messages you send or receive on your connected PC or laptop.
How to link your WhatsApp account to a secondary device
To use the multi-device feature, users need to update to the latest version of their WhatsApp. Once done, you can follow these steps to use WhatsApp on multiple devices:
- Open Whatsapp on your Android smartphone and tap on the three-point menu. Select Linked device. WhatsApp iOS users can select linked devices by tapping Settings Icon
- Select Link a device.
- Unlock your phone with biometric authentication or enter PIN.
- Open web.whatsapp.com or WhatsApp desktop app on your PC or laptop.
- Scan the QR code on your smartphone.
Once linked, WhatsApp can be accessed to send and receive messages simultaneously on different devices. It should be noted that some features are not supported on linked devices
According to WhatsApp, it is not possible to view live location on paired devices. Creating a broadcast list from the WhatsApp web and viewing or sending messages with a link preview cannot be done on secondary devices. Also, iPhone users cannot delete or clear chats on the linked device. Calling or texting any user with an older version of WhatsApp will not be supported on the linked device.
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