WhatsApp Beta for Android will allow the user to add a secondary cell phone to the same messenger account. Until then, it was possible to link computers to the number, but another Robozinho cell phone or tablet was available to a restricted group of testers.
The idea is to allow the use of a single profile on two or more devices simultaneously, such as personal and work cell phones or a cell phone and a tablet. This would allow switching between mobile devices without losing conversations on the original device and with real-time synchronization between them.
In practice, you could send a message from Zap installed on a Galaxy S23 and view it independently on your Motorola G23. There would be no need to disconnect from either and conversations and media would appear on both, without the need for an active internet connection on the primary phone.
The so-called “Companion Mode” will be expanded to all beta testers for Android — before, only a select few had been contemplated. The novelty was demonstrated in November 2022 as part of a major overhaul of the Meta messenger.
In this case, the second cell phone must be Android, as “Buddy Mode” is not available for iOS. If it’s the other way around — you already have an iPhone and need to connect an Android — then you’ll be able to link, as the feature is available on Google’s operating system.
How to link a secondary cell phone on WhatsApp?
- On your secondary mobile, download the latest WhatsApp Beta version (Android);
- Tap the floating menu on the registration screen and find the option “Link a device”;
- Open WhatsApp on your primary device, tap Settings > Linked Devices;
- Point the secondary phone’s camera to scan the QR Code of the primary device.
Now, just wait for the app to synchronize the conversation history with the newly added device.
WhatsApp on multiple phones
Companion Mode doesn’t have all the features of the original device, so it means there will be limitations for secondary phones. It is not possible, for example, to manage broadcast lists or post a status update from the linked device.
According to the WABetaInfo website, it will be possible to link up to four secondary devices at the same time, which can be a good advantage for micro and small companies. In addition, all exchanges of messages, files and calls continue with end-to-end encryption.
To test the novelty, it is mandatory to be enrolled in the WhatsApp testing program and have the latest Beta version installed on the device. In January, the app implemented a new loading interface on the connection screen on multiple devices. The new look was friendlier than the previous interface, presenting information more clearly.
This Monday (10), the Beta version also freed the user to add contacts without needing another app, thanks to a dedicated menu for editing information from saved numbers. This exchange should dispense with the use of the cell phone agenda, as the change would be recorded in the owner’s own account.
Source: WABetaInfo
