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More than two billion people were using WhatsApp as of the third quarter of 2022, that's some serious numbers. In 2021, WhatsApp released multi-device mode, which allowed you to use WhatsApp across all your devices, however you could only connect one phone to your account. In April 2023, Meta released a WhatsApp update that supports multiple phones with Companion mode.

The updated Companion mode feature lets you connect to four additional devices, including phones. That means you could use a cheaper Android smartphone to continue texting with your friends when you are at the beach and pick up the conversation on your primary phone when you get home. Here's how to set up and use WhatsApp's Companion mode.

A smartphone standing upright on a white wireless charger with green leaves sprouting from the charger. The phone’s screen displays the WhatsApp welcome screen. The background is blurred and shows a warmly lit room.

WhatsApp Companion mode: A brief introduction

Companion mode allows you to use a single WhatsApp account on all of your devices. Chats, contacts and groups will be synchronized across devices. You can link up to 5 devices to your WhatsApp account.

Although the set-up process is similar to the existing ‘Linked devices’ function (more on that below), WhatsApp's Companion mode is different as it is designed specifically for smartphones. The feature was officially released on April 25, 2023.

Although WhatsApp announced Companion mode in late April, users may have to wait a few weeks until they see the feature on their phones.

Install and configure WhatsApp

Before you set up Companion Mode, you'll want to make sure you're running the most recent version of the app. You can download WhatsApp Messenger app from the Google Play Store and in the App Store for iOS. Android users can also download the APK on WhatsApp's website.

  1. Open the Play Store or App Store and search for WhatsApp.
  2. A screenshot of the WhatsApp page on the Google Play Store scrolled down to the beta program section. The section displays a message indicating that the beta program is full.
    If you don't have the app on your phone, select Install from the Google Play Store or Get on the App Store. If you have WhatsApp installed, click Update to download the most recent version of the app.
  3. Select your preferred language and tap Continue.
  4. If your secondary phone does not have a SIM card inserted, the app will now display a QR code.

If a SIM card is in the phone, you will be asked to enter your phone number instead. To use Companion mode, ignore that prompt, tap on the ⋮ overflow menu, and then on “Link to existing account.”

Next, use your main smartphone to scan the QR code and link your account.

  1. Open WhatsApp on your main smartphone.
  2. Tap the ⋮ overflow menu.
  3. Tap Linked devices.
    A screenshot of the Linked Devices settings page on WhatsApp for Android displaying options for managing linked devices.
  4. Tap the green Link a device button.
  5. Scan the QR code displayed on your other phone.
  6. Your secondary phone will start synchronizing your messages.

WhatsApp will also release a new way to link devices in April or May 2023. The updated linking method will allow you to enter your phone number on WhatsApp Web to receive a one-time passcode to link your devices.

Enjoy texting from two (or more) phones

With these few easy steps, you can use WhatsApp on two devices without too much hassle. This method also lets you place WhatsApp calls, and send and receive voice messages, files, GIFs, images, and videos, just as if you were texting using your main phone.

Want to know more about WhatApp multi-device options? Here is a guide to show you how you can use WhatsApp on your tablet.

FAQ

Q: Can you use WhatsApp on multiple phones?

Yes, WhatsApps' Companion mode allows you to use a single account for up to five devices.

Q: Does Companion mode work on business accounts?

The April 2023 WhatsApp update allows you to use companion mode for personal and business accounts.

Q: What devices can I connect to my WhatsApp account?

WhatsApp offers companion support on the following platforms:

  • Android
  • iOS
  • iPadOS
  • MacOS
  • WhatsApp Web
  • Window

Q: Can I use WhatsApp ifI don't have carrier service on my companion phone?

Yes, you can link a phone that doesn't have service through a carrier. You'll need to use your primary phone, however, to link new devices, and it needs to have carrier service.

Q: Will my message history appear on all my linked devices?

When you link your primary phone to another device, WhatsApp will send an encrypted copy of your recent message history. This data is stored locally on each device. If you do not see an older message on a companion device, you should be able to find the message on your primary phone.