WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One handy feature is the ability to divert your WhatsApp messages to another phone number if needed. But can WhatsApp messages actually be diverted to another number? Let’s take a closer look.
The Short Answer
Yes, it is possible to divert or forward WhatsApp messages from one number to another. There are a few different methods to achieve this depending on your needs.
Using WhatsApp Web
One way to divert WhatsApp messages to another number is by using WhatsApp Web. Here’s how it works:
- On your primary phone, open WhatsApp and tap on the 3-dot menu in the top right corner.
- Select WhatsApp Web.
- Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code displayed on the WhatsApp Web page on your computer.
- Your WhatsApp account on your primary phone will now be linked to WhatsApp Web.
- On your secondary phone, install WhatsApp and verify your secondary number.
- Open WhatsApp Web on your computer and use the camera to scan the QR code displayed there using your secondary phone.
- Your primary and secondary phones will both now mirror your WhatsApp account on WhatsApp Web.
This allows you to view and send WhatsApp messages from either device. New messages sent to your primary number will appear on both phones through WhatsApp Web. You can also reply from your secondary phone and it will appear to come from your primary number.
Pros of Using WhatsApp Web
- Easy to set up.
- Syncs messages in real-time across devices.
- Allows you to send messages from your secondary number that appear to come from your primary number.
Cons of Using WhatsApp Web
- Only works while both devices are actively connected to the internet and WhatsApp Web.
- No way to automatically forward new messages to the secondary number when WhatsApp Web is disconnected.
Using Third-Party Apps
Another option is to use third-party apps that can automatically forward your WhatsApp messages from one number to another.
Some examples include:
- Forwarder for WhatsApp
- Dual Accounts for WhatsApp
- Duplicate & Forward for WhatsApp
Here is how these third-party forwarding apps generally work:
- Download and install the app on both your primary and secondary phones.
- Enter your phone numbers into the app and link the two accounts.
- Grant the necessary permissions so the app can access your WhatsApp messages.
- Set your forwarding rules and preferences in the app.
Once configured, any new WhatsApp messages received on your primary number will automatically forward to your secondary number. Some apps give you the choice to make it look like the forwarded messages are coming from your primary number when received on the secondary phone.
Pros of Using Third-Party Apps
- Automatic forwarding works even when devices are disconnected.
- Extra features like scheduled forwarding and filtering message types.
- Make forwarded messages appear to come from primary number.
Cons of Using Third-Party Apps
- Must give apps access to view all your WhatsApp messages.
- Paid subscriptions required for some features.
- Potential security and privacy risks of third-party apps.
Using WhatsApp Business API
WhatsApp also offers an API (Application Programming Interface) that businesses can use to programmatically forward messages between different WhatsApp numbers.
With the WhatsApp Business API:
- Developers can build tools to automatically forward messages based on rules.
- Businesses can integrate forwarding into their customer service platforms.
- Use cases like order notifications and appointment reminders.
The WhatsApp Business API is more complex to implement but offers more flexibility and control compared to consumer forwarding apps.
Pros of Using WhatsApp Business API
- Robust tools for automated forwarding, filtering, routing
- Flexibility to build custom message flows
- Scalable to an enterprise level
Cons of Using WhatsApp Business API
- Requires developer resources and expertise.
- Must be approved by WhatsApp to get access.
- Primarily intended for business use cases.
Key Considerations When Forwarding WhatsApp Messages
Here are some important things to keep in mind when forwarding WhatsApp messages to another number:
- Privacy – Be mindful of what personal information is visible in messages when forwarding.
- Security – Use trusted apps and tools to avoid potential scams or misuse of forwarded data.
- Legality – Forwarding others’ messages without consent may violate laws in some regions.
- Authenticity – Forwarded messages may not always retain their original context or timing.
- Access – Give apps least privileges necessary and revoke permissions when finished.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I divert my WhatsApp messages to two numbers at the same time?
Yes, it’s possible to divert your WhatsApp messages to multiple secondary numbers simultaneously using WhatsApp Web or third-party apps. Just link both secondary numbers to your primary account.
Do my contacts see a different number when I forward their messages?
With most forwarding methods, your contacts will still see your original primary number when you forward messages to your secondary number. Only the WhatsApp Business API allows configuring the sender ID.
Can I forward calls in addition to messages?
Unfortunately, there is no way to directly forward actual WhatsApp calls from one number to another. Only messages can be forwarded with the current available methods.
Will my messages still forward if my primary phone is off?
With WhatsApp Web, messages will stop forwarding if your primary phone is disconnected or offline. But third-party apps will continue forwarding as long as the secondary phone is connected.
Is forwarding WhatsApp messages allowed?
WhatsApp’s terms of service do allow reasonable forwarding of messages. But be sure not to over-forward spammy messages or violate others’ privacy when forwarding their messages.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp itself doesn’t directly allow message forwarding, there are several good workarounds available using WhatsApp Web, third-party apps, or the WhatsApp Business API. Each method has its own pros, cons, and costs. Evaluate your specific needs to choose the right WhatsApp message forwarding solution for you or your business.