WhatsApp users can link multiple phones to their WhatsApp account from today, the team behind the encrypted messaging app said in a post Tuesday. An app update will add this much-requested user request and simplify the linking process, WhatsApp said.
“Each linked phone connects to WhatsApp independently, ensuring that your personal messages, media and calls are end-to-end encrypted, and if your primary device is idle for a long period of time, we automatically disconnect you from all companion devices” , reads the blog post.
Encrypted messaging apps are a popular way to keep conversations private. In addition to WhatsApp, the owner Meta also offers encrypted chats on facebook messenger.
The update also brings a new approach to account linking that is “more accessible” than the previous method of scanning a QR code, the WhatsApp team said. Users can enter their phone number on WhatsApp Web to receive a one-time code, which they will then use to activate device pairing.
The update has started rolling out globally and users can expect to see the new feature on their app in the coming weeks, WhatsApp said.
The change will benefit anyone who uses WhatsApp on multiple devices, the WhatsApp team said, but pointed out that small businesses can instruct their employees to use their respective devices to communicate with customers under the same WhatsApp Business account. .
WhatsApp implemented multi-device features last year, which allowed people to connect up to four additional non-phone devices to a WhatsApp account for seamless communication. Today’s move brings phones into the mix.