With over 2 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps. A key feature of WhatsApp is that it links to your phone number, allowing you to only be logged in on one device at a time. However, if you have both an Android tablet and Android phone, you may want the flexibility to use WhatsApp on both devices simultaneously.
Can I use WhatsApp on two Android devices at once?
The default WhatsApp setup does not allow you to be logged into the same account on two devices at the same time. However, there are a few workarounds that will let you use WhatsApp on an Android tablet and Android phone concurrently:
- Use WhatsApp Web on the tablet while using WhatsApp on your phone
- Link a second phone number to your tablet to create a separate WhatsApp account
- Use apps like WhatsApp Plus or GB WhatsApp which remove the one-device restriction
Let’s explore each of these options in more detail.
Use WhatsApp Web on your Android tablet
The official way to use WhatsApp on multiple devices is to use the WhatsApp Web feature. WhatsApp Web allows you to link your WhatsApp account to a browser on your computer or tablet. Here is how to set it up:
- On your Android phone, open WhatsApp and tap the 3-dot menu in the top right.
- Select WhatsApp Web.
- A QR code scanner will open. On your Android tablet, open web.whatsapp.com in the Chrome browser.
- Tap the 3-dot menu in Chrome and select Desktop site to enable the QR code scanner.
- Point your tablet’s camera at the QR code on your phone. This will link your tablet to your WhatsApp account.
The advantage of WhatsApp Web is that messages will sync between your devices in real-time. The disadvantage is that you can only use it on one browser tab at a time. If you open WhatsApp Web on a second browser, it will log you out of the first one. Still, having WhatsApp Web on your tablet while using the native app on your phone is the easiest way to achieve dual WhatsApp access.
Link a second phone number to your tablet
Since WhatsApp ties your account to your phone number, one workaround is to add a second phone number to your tablet. This will let you create a separate WhatsApp account on your tablet. Here is how it works:
- On your tablet, install a second SIM card or use a service like Google Voice to get a second phone number.
- Verify this new number using SMS or a phone call.
- On your tablet, install WhatsApp and sign up using this new number.
- You can now use WhatsApp with your primary number on your phone and secondary number on your tablet.
The advantage of having two different WhatsApp accounts is you can use the app natively on both devices simultaneously. The downside is that your messages are split across two accounts.
Using Dual SIM devices
If your Android phone has dual-SIM capabilities, you can make the setup even easier. Simply move your primary SIM into your phone, and secondary SIM into your tablet to link both devices to different numbers.
Some popular dual SIM Android phones include:
| Phone | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S22 | Top-tier flagship with dual physical SIM slots |
| Google Pixel 6 | Powerful single eSIM + physical SIM support |
| Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro | Budget 5G device with hybrid dual SIM |
Use modified WhatsApp clients like GBWhatsApp
Third-party or modified WhatsApp clients like GBWhatsApp and WhatsApp Plus remove the one device restriction, allowing you to use your WhatsApp account on multiple phones and tablets at the same time. Here’s how they work:
- GBWhatsApp: This is a popular modded version of WhatsApp that unlocks many extra features along with multi-device support. You can install GBWhatsApp on both your phone and tablet using the same account.
- WhatsApp Plus: Another mod that lets you use WhatsApp on multiple devices. It also gives you customizable themes and chat privacy controls.
The advantage of using these mods is seamless dual device support combined with extra features. However, using unauthorized versions of WhatsApp could result in your account getting banned. Make sure to backup your chats before switching to third-party WhatsApp clients.
Other WhatsApp mods
Here are a few other WhatsApp mods that allow multi-device support:
| Mod | Notable Features |
|---|---|
| YoWhatsApp | Online status hiding, increased media sharing limit |
| FMWhatsApp | Password protection, custom privacy |
| NSWhatsApp | Built-in call recorder, auto-reply |
Use Remote Control apps
Remote control apps like TeamViewer QuickSupport and Vysor allow you to view and control your Android phone’s screen from a tablet. Here is how they can enable dual WhatsApp access:
- Install TeamViewer or Vysor on both devices.
- On your phone, share your screen. On the tablet, connect to your phone’s shared screen.
- You can now use WhatsApp on your phone while viewing the screen on your tablet.
- With controls enabled, you can also use WhatsApp by controlling your phone from the tablet.
The benefit of remote control apps is you get true dual screen support. The downside is there may be lag when remotely controlling your phone, and controlling the small screen from a large tablet can be tricky.
Use Apps with WhatsApp Integration
Some third-party Android apps integrate with WhatsApp to offer multi-device support:
- WisePie: This app lets you access WhatsApp on other devices. It syncs messages between your phone and tablet.
- App Cloner: This app lets you clone WhatsApp and have multiple instances of it on one device. Useful for having two WhatsApp accounts on your tablet.
- Tablet Talk: Links your tablet to phone via Bluetooth to transfer calls, messages and notifications between the two.
The advantage of these apps is seamless WhatsApp integration across your devices. The disadvantage is you may still be limited to only one active WhatsApp login at a time.
Use WhatsApp Business
WhatsApp Business is a separate app designed for businesses to manage accounts and automate responses. However, it also supports using your personal WhatsApp account on multiple devices. Here is how:
- Install WhatsApp Business on your tablet
- When setting up your account, tap “Have an existing account?”
- Verify your personal WhatsApp account using SMS or call confirmation.
- You can now use WhatsApp Business on your tablet and WhatsApp on your phone together.
The benefit of this method is you get separate apps optimized for each device. The limitation is some personal WhatsApp features like statuses and calls may be limited on Business accounts.
Use WhatsApp on a Secondary Android User Profile
If your Android tablet supports multiple user profiles, you can set up an additional profile to use WhatsApp separately. Here’s how:
- On your tablet, go to Settings > System > Multiple Users and add new user.
- Switch to the new user and set up WhatsApp with your account.
- Log back into your main profile which will also have WhatsApp active.
This approach lets you keep your personal and work WhatsApp separate across user profiles on your tablet. A limitation is receiving notifications from only one profile at a time.
Use WhatsApp on an Android Emulator
Android emulators for PC like BlueStacks allow you to run Android apps on your computer. By pairing your phone with an emulator, you can use WhatsApp on both concurrently. Here is how:
- Install BlueStacks or other Android emulator on your PC.
- Download WhatsApp for Android on BlueStacks.
- Scan the QR code shown in the emulator using your phone’s WhatsApp to link the accounts.
- You can now use WhatsApp on your PC and phone at the same time.
The advantage of using an emulator is being able to use WhatsApp on a large screen. The disadvantage is emulated apps may suffer performance issues compared to native apps.
Use a Friend or Family Member’s Phone Temporarily
If you urgently need dual WhatsApp access and have no other options, you can temporarily borrow a phone from a friend or family member:
- Install WhatsApp on their phone and log in using your account.
- You can now use WhatsApp simultaneously on your phone and their phone.
- When done, log out from their device and delete your WhatsApp account.
While viable in a pinch, this method means borrowing someone else’s phone which isn’t always convenient. You also have to be careful with privacy when logging in on an unfamiliar device.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp officially only allows one device per account, there are several handy workarounds to use WhatsApp on your Android tablet and phone at the same time. The easiest method is to use WhatsApp Web on your tablet in combination with the WhatsApp app on your phone. Linking a second number to create a separate WhatsApp account on your tablet also works well. Modded versions of WhatsApp remove the one device restriction but come with risks. With multiple workarounds available, you should be able to find a dual WhatsApp setup that suits your needs.