- WhatsApp is testing companion mode, which allows the same account to be used on multiple smartphones
- The feature is now available for all testers of the beta version of WhatsApp for Android
- This novelty eliminates one of the main disadvantages of WhatsApp
WhatsApp has many advantages and among these is the security provided by its end-to-end encryption system. But so far using WhatsApp is not at all practical for those who have two smartphones. Indeed, the messaging service is currently only accessible on a single smartphone (plus PC and other devices).
But the good news is that Meta is already eliminating this drawback. And if you want to use WhatsApp on two or more smartphones, you can already test this new feature in beta.
Step 1: access the WhatsApp beta
In fact, WhatsApp has been testing its “companion” mode since last year. This new feature allows you to use your WhatsApp account on a main smartphone, and on a secondary smartphone or “companion” smartphone. The problem is that these tests were not accessible to everyone. But according to an article by WABetaInfonow anyone can use this mode, if they are using the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android.
To access this beta version:
- You have to go on the page beta of whatsapp on google play store
- Once on this page, follow the instructions
- When you are accepted, you normally see this welcome message
- As specified by WhatsApp, the update from the stable version of the application to the beta version is done automatically (if the app is not yet installed on your smartphone)
- Otherwise, there is a link to download the beta version of WhatsApp for Android
Step 2: use the feature
Once you have installed the beta version of WhatsApp for Android on your secondary Android smartphone (the one that is not yet connected to your WhatsApp account), all you have to do is open it.
- When logging into the account, instead of entering your phone number, you need to open the menu at the top right and then tap on “Connect device”
- WhatsApp then presents you with a QR code that you will need to scan with the WhatsApp application on your main smartphone (the one that is already connected to your WhatsApp account)
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- On your main smartphone, you must go to Settings > Connected devices
- Tap the “Connect Device” button
- And scan the QR code which is on your secondary smartphone
© 01net.com
Now you have the option of using the same WhatsApp account on both smartphones. Contacts and chats will be synced, even when the primary smartphone is turned off or disconnected from the internet. But the most important thing is that despite this synchronization, WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption remains active.
According WABetaInfo, WhatsApp allows you to connect a maximum of 4 devices. This means that if you have a third smartphone, or an Android tablet, you just have to repeat the operation. And if you have an iPhone and an Android, you can use the iPhone as the primary device and the Android smartphone as the secondary device (as long as you install the beta version on it).
But apparently, as it is still a test, some WhatsApp features would not work properly.
