WhatsApp, one of the most widely used messaging applications in the world, has become an essential tool for communication. Whether for personal chats or professional communication, users rely heavily on this app to stay connected. For those who own multiple devices, the ability to access WhatsApp on all devices simultaneously can be a game-changer. This is where WhatsApp’s Linked Devices feature comes in, offering an easy and seamless way to use the same account across various devices, whether it’s another phone, a tablet, or a laptop. The process is relatively simple, but users need to follow specific steps to ensure their devices are adequately linked without any issues.
What is the ‘Linked Devices’ feature in WhatsApp?
The ‘Linked Devices’ feature in WhatsApp allows users to access their WhatsApp account simultaneously on up to four additional devices. The feature works without needing your primary phone to connect to the internet constantly. You can send and receive messages on your linked devices even if your phone is turned off or disconnected. This flexibility benefits those who work on multiple devices or need to stay connected on a phone and a laptop or tablet. However, it is essential to remember that each linked device must use the latest version of WhatsApp to avoid compatibility issues.
How to use the same WhatsApp number on two mobiles
If you wish to use WhatsApp on a secondary Android phone or iPhone, follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your primary device.
- Step 2: On the top-right corner of the screen, tap on the three dots (menu icon) to open the settings. From the menu, select the Linked Devices option.
- Step 3: Once you’re in the Linked Devices section, tap the option to Link a Device. This will activate the QR code scanner.
- Step 4: Next, go to your secondary phone and install WhatsApp if it isn’t already installed. Once it’s installed, open the app.
- Step 5: If your secondary phone uses a different number, you might be prompted to log in with that number. To avoid this, tap the three dots in the top-right corner of the secondary phone’s screen and select Link as a Companion Device.
- Step 6: A QR code will appear on the secondary phone. Use the QR scanner on your primary phone to scan this code. Once the scan is successful, your WhatsApp chats will begin loading, and you can view your conversations on both phones.
How to link WhatsApp on a laptop
WhatsApp also allows users to connect their accounts to a laptop or desktop computer, which is incredibly convenient for those who spend a lot of time working on a computer. Here’s how you can link WhatsApp to your laptop:
- Step 1: Open a web browser on your laptop or desktop and go to web.whatsapp.com. A QR code will appear on the screen.
- Step 2: Go back to the WhatsApp app on your primary phone. Tap the three dots on the top-right corner to open the Linked Devices section.
- Step 3: In the Linked Devices section, select Link a Device. Then, use your phone to scan the QR code displayed on the WhatsApp web page.
- Step 4: Once you scan the QR code, your WhatsApp chats will sync with the web version, and you can begin using WhatsApp on your laptop.
Things to keep in mind when using WhatsApp on multiple devices
While the process is fairly straightforward, there are a few things to remember to ensure a smooth experience:
- Active internet connection: The primary device must be connected to the internet to use WhatsApp on linked devices, but the linked devices can operate independently.
- Limit on number of devices: WhatsApp allows you to link up to four devices simultaneously. This is useful for people who can use WhatsApp on multiple devices without constantly switching between them.
- Security considerations: Be mindful of security. Always ensure that you link your devices to trusted devices only. If you no longer wish to use WhatsApp on a particular device, you can remove it from the Linked Devices section.
- Cross-platform compatibility: WhatsApp’s Linked Devices feature works seamlessly between Android and iOS. You can link an iPhone with an Android device or vice versa, as long as both devices are running the latest version of the app.
- No support for phone calls: While you can send and receive messages on multiple devices, making voice or video calls is not supported on linked devices. These features are only available on the primary phone.
