WhatsApp introduced the ability to link devices in 2020, allowing users to access WhatsApp on multiple devices without needing their phone connected to the internet. This can be convenient, but also raises privacy and security concerns for some users who may want to disable the feature.
What are Linked Devices in WhatsApp?
Linked devices allow you to use WhatsApp on up to 4 additional devices besides your phone. This includes:
- Tablets
- Computers
When you link a device, it connects directly to your WhatsApp account. This means you can use WhatsApp on your linked devices even if your phone is dead, lost, or not connected to the internet.
Some key things to know about linked devices:
- You need to link each device manually by scanning a QR code from your phone.
- Linked devices sync conversation history and messages from your phone.
- If you log out, unlink, or lose access to your phone, your linked devices will be logged out.
- End-to-end encrypted messages can only be viewed on one device at a time.
Why Would You Want to Disable Linked Devices?
There are a few reasons you may want to disable WhatsApp’s linked devices feature:
- Privacy – If you’re concerned about other people accessing your messages on linked devices without your permission.
- Security – To prevent unauthorized access if one of your linked devices is lost, stolen, or compromised.
- Control – If you want full control over which devices can access your WhatsApp account at any given time.
Disabling linked devices ensures that no devices have active access to your WhatsApp account besides your phone. It cuts the connection between your phone and any linked devices.
How to Disable Linked Devices on WhatsApp
If you’ve linked devices to your WhatsApp account and want to disable the feature, here are the steps:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- Go to Settings > Linked Devices.
- Tap on each linked device and select ‘Unlink’.
- Confirm you want to unlink the device.
This will remotely log out that device and remove its access to your WhatsApp account. Repeat this for every device you’ve previously linked.
Once complete, linked devices will show as ‘None’ in your settings, indicating the feature has been fully disabled.
What Happens When You Disable Linked Devices?
Here’s what happens when you disable linked devices on your WhatsApp account:
- All previously linked devices are remotely logged out of WhatsApp.
- Your WhatsApp account can only be accessed from your phone.
- Your chat history remains intact on your phone.
- Any new messages will only send to your phone, not linked devices.
- You can no longer scan a QR code to link additional devices.
Essentially, this cuts off multi-device access and confines WhatsApp again to just your phone. Your account remains active, just without linked device capability enabled.
What If You Lose Access to Your Phone?
If you disable linked devices then lose access to your phone, you have a couple options to regain access to your WhatsApp account:
- If you still have your old phone number, you can reverify your account with that number on a new phone.
- You can contact WhatsApp to remotely unlink your account from the lost phone.
- You can set up two-step verification for an added layer of security if you lose your phone.
The key is maintaining access to the phone number associated with your WhatsApp account. With that, you can restore your account on a new phone and re-enable linked devices if desired.
Can You Re-enable Linked Devices Later?
Yes, disabling linked devices does not permanently disable the feature on your account. You can re-enable it at any time by:
- Going to WhatsApp > Settings > Linked Devices.
- Tapping ‘Link New Device’.
- Scanning the QR code with the device you want to link.
This will once again give that device access to your WhatsApp account as long as you remain logged in on your phone.
Tips for Managing Linked Devices
If you want the convenience of WhatsApp on multiple devices but also want control, here are some management tips:
- Carefully choose which devices you link, preferring personal over public devices.
- Periodically review linked devices and unlink any you’re no longer using.
- Link important devices again after manually unlinking everything.
- Link and unlink as needed before and after travel or lending devices.
- Use strong passwords/biometrics on linked devices.
- Set up two-step verification for an account recovery option.
The Bottom Line
Linked devices offer more ways to stay connected through WhatsApp. But the feature also gives more access points to your account. Disabling linked devices removes those access points and tightens security. Just know you can re-enable the feature in the future if wanted. Manage linked devices carefully and unlink any you don’t fully trust or recognize.