WhatsApp Business allows small business owners to connect with customers easily using the popular WhatsApp messaging app. One useful feature is the ability to use one WhatsApp Business account on two different devices simultaneously. This allows you to manage conversations and respond to customers from multiple devices with the same phone number.
Requirements for Using WhatsApp Business on Two Devices
To use WhatsApp Business on two devices with the same number, you need:
- Two compatible devices – both must support WhatsApp Business (see list below)
- A WhatsApp Business account registered with your business phone number
- Both devices must be connected to the internet
- The main device must have the SIM card for your business number inserted
- The secondary device can use WiFi or mobile data, no SIM card required
- You’ll need to link the second device to your WhatsApp Business account
Compatible Devices
Currently, you can use WhatsApp Business on the following devices:
- Android phones running OS 4.0.3+
- iPhones running iOS 10+
- iPads running iOS 10+
- Select Nokia S40 phones
- Windows Phone running OS 8.1+
So your two devices must be compatible models from this list. You cannot use WhatsApp Business on the same account from an iPhone and Android phone, for example.
How to Set Up WhatsApp Business on a Second Device
Follow these steps to link a second device to your WhatsApp Business account:
- On your main device that has your business SIM card inserted, open WhatsApp Business and go to Settings > Linked Devices.
- Tap on ‘Link a Device’.
- Open WhatsApp Business on your secondary device and access the menu.
- Tap on ‘Linked Devices’ then tap on ‘Link a device’.
- Point the camera on your secondary device at the QR code displayed on your main device. This will link the two.
- Log in on your secondary device using the same phone number as your main device.
That’s it! Both devices are now linked to the same WhatsApp Business account and number. Any messages will sync across both devices.
Using WhatsApp Business on Two Devices
Once set up, you can use WhatsApp Business on both devices interchangeably to manage your account and chat with customers. Here are some tips:
- Messages sent and received will sync across both devices automatically.
- Media and files will also sync, so photos, videos, documents etc are accessible from both devices.
- Calls can only be made or received on the device that has the SIM card inserted.
- If you miss a call, it will show as a missed call on both devices.
- Statuses, profile changes and settings will sync across devices also.
- You can link up to 4 devices in total, but only 1 can be active at a time for calls.
- To unlink a device, go to Linked Devices and tap ‘Unlink [device]’.
Managing a Business Account on Two Devices
Having two devices linked allows greater flexibility to manage your WhatsApp Business account on the go:
- Reply to customer messages from whichever device is most convenient at the time.
- Manage order requests and queries across devices.
- Check your messages on one device while taking a call on your main device.
- Use a tablet and smartphone to manage chats – the larger screen of a tablet can make it easier to view media and files from customers.
- Always have a backup device in case you run out of battery on your main device.
Tips for Managing Messages
To avoid confusion when managing conversations across two devices, follow these tips:
- Open and close conversations properly on each device when you’re finished.
- Check other device first to avoid duplicating replies.
- Add notes on each device to keep track of who has replied to what.
- Communicate with any team members using the account so you know who is replying from which device.
- Rename the devices with your name or initials so you can distinguish them in linked devices.
Troubleshooting WhatsApp Business on Two Devices
If you encounter issues using WhatsApp Business on two devices, here are some troubleshooting tips:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Unable to link device – QR code not scanning | Ensure phones are not too far apart, scan code in good lighting, check for camera obstructions, try manually entering code instead of scanning |
| Messages out of sync between devices | Force close and restart WhatsApp on both devices, check internet connections are active |
| Linked device shows ‘Waiting for main device’ | Main device may have connection issues, move main device closer to secondary device, restart main device |
| Call function not working on secondary device | Ensure main device with SIM card inserted is connected to cellular data or WiFi calling |
| Business account shows as personal account on secondary device | Unlink device and re-link, make sure you’re using same phone number on both devices |
For any other issues, visit the WhatsApp FAQ page for troubleshooting business accounts on multiple devices.
Conclusion
Using WhatsApp Business on two devices is a handy way for business owners to stay connected with customers at all times. Linking your smartphone and a secondary device like a tablet enables you to manage your account seamlessly across two screens. Just follow the setup steps carefully, use good practices when replying to messages, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. With WhatsApp used by over 1 billion people, having two devices can help ensure you never miss an important message from a customer.