WhatsApp Starts Rolling out Multi-Device Support; Here’s How It Works
Nov. 6, 2021Aftertesting multi-device support with beta testersfor months, WhatsApp has gradually started rolling out the long-awaited feature to the stable version for all Android and iOS users. As the name suggests, this featurelets you use WhatsApp on multiple devices without having to keep your smartphone connected to the internet.
How to Use WhatsApp Web without Smartphone Connected to Internet
WhatsApp’s multi-device feature officiallysupports a total of four devicesother than your primary smartphone. These devices can be WhatsApp Web, desktop, or Facebook Portal smart screens. It’s worth pointing out thatyoucan’t use the same WhatsApp account on two phones, at least for now.
WhatsApp officially says it’s in the early rollout stages of multi-device support. Hence, you may not immediately see the feature even if you are on the latest version of the messaging app. That said, you can check if it’s available from the ‘Linked Devices’ option accessible from the vertical three dots menu at the top right on Android. You will find the ‘Linked Devices’ option under Settings on iPhone.
Meanwhile, popularWhatsApp alternativeSignal’s founder Moxie Marlinspike criticized WhatsApp for changing the security code of users.“Pretty unfortunate design decision here, I can’t believe this is the solution they chose. With some minimal effort, they could have done this multi-device transition seamlessly,”wroteMoxie Marlinspike on Twitter.
We went hands-on with WhatsApp’s multi-device feature earlier this year when it was in beta. You can check our linked guide to know how touse WhatsApp on multiple devicesor using WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp desktop without a smartphone.
Subin writes about consumer tech, software, and security. He secretly misses the headphone jack while pretending he’s better off with the wireless freedom.
