WhatsApp's Multi-device Feature Is Now Available For Beta Users On Android And iOS

After waiting for a very long time, the feature is finally here! WhatsApp has begun the rollout and limited public testing of it’s multi-device feature.

The multi-device feature allows WhatsApp users to operate one account on 4 devices at once without having to log out of any of the devices, while also maintaining the same level of privacy and security through end-to-end encryption (E2EE)

Also Read: New WhatsApp Scam Can Hijack And Delete Your Account

WhatsApp also maintains end-to-end encryption even when data such as contact names, chat archives, starred messages, etc, are sycing between the 4 devices.

For this new functionality to work, the user will need to have 1 phone connected to their WhatsApp account. After then, new devices can be registered and linked. However, if the user(s) do not use their phone for over 14 days, the linked devices will be disconnected.

How to join WhatsApp's multi-device beta program:

This Whatsapp's new feature seems to be limited to some markets for now, though the Facebook-owned compays said that it will roll out the feature worldwide for its beta testers. However, it wouldn't cost you anything to try out and see if it's already available in your country.

Though the multi-device feature is limited to WhatsApp beta users, beta users must be on the latest version of WhatsApp beta on Android and iOS, and for WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business to be able to particpate.

To join the multi-device beta program on Android:

• Open WhatsApp and then on tap More Oprions 
• Click on Linked Devices and click on Multi-Device Beta
• Now click on Join to participate in the program

To join the multi-device beta program on iOS:

• Open WhatsApp and then go to WhatsApp Settings 
• Click on Linked Devices and click on Multi-Device Beta
• Now click on Join to participate in the program

At any point in time, users can leave the program if they want to. Meanwhile, since we've mentioned the things that can be done when using the multi-device feature, it would also be nice to know things that can't be done, or won't work with this new feature.

Unsupported features on WhatsApp multi-device:

• Viewing live location on companion devices
• Pinning chats on WhatsApp Web or Desktop
• Joining, viewing, and resetting group invites from WhatsApp Web and Desktop. You'll need to use your phone instead.
• Messaging or calling someone who is using a very old version of WhatsApp on their phone won't work from your linked device
• Calling from Portal or WhatsApp Desktop to linked devices that aren't enrolled in the multi-device beta
• Other WhatsApp accounts on your portal won't work unless those accounts have joined the multi-device beta
• WhatsApp Business users can't edit their business name or labels from WhatsApp Web or Desktop.

Since this feature is just being rolled server-based to testers, we can't say when the test will be completed ready for a wide public rollout.