What you should know about WhatsApp’s new multi-device support

Good news for WhatsApp users. The messaging platform is all set to introduce multi-device functionality to its beta users. However, it is an opt-in program that offers you early access to the trial of a new version of WhatsApp for Web, Desktop, and Portal. The feature will let its beta users link nearly four devices to their one WhatsApp account. None of those devices can be another phone though. 

Interestingly, one can use this feature fully even if the main phone is without an active internet connection. The devices, however, will be logged out if the connection with the main phone is not set up for over 14 days. 

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The feature is available to WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business app beta users in limited countries. “The multi-device beta will be rolling out worldwide,” WhatsApp said in a post.

Coming to the downside of this offer, it will not allow you to use certain features on the linked in device, including viewing live locations on the companion devices, pinning chats, joining, viewing, and resetting group invites from WhatsApp Web and Desktop and more. Calling someone on their phone using an old version of WhatsApp will not be possible from the linked device. Calling from Portal or WhatsApp Desktop to linked devices that aren’t enrolled in the multi-device beta is also not supported.

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Furthermore, WhatsApp Business users will not be able to edit their business name or labels from WhatsApp Web or Desktop.

Here’s how to enabling multi-device support for WhatsApp

Beta users can choose to join or leave multi-device test with the following steps:

1. Open your WhatsApp account.

2. Tap on the three-dot menu icon on the extreme right side of the home page.

3. Click on Linked Devices.

4. Click on Multi-Device Beta.

5. Tap on Join Beta or Leave Beta if already joined.