WhatsApp allows users to link multiple devices to one phone number so you can use WhatsApp on all your devices while keeping your messages synced. Here are the steps to link WhatsApp devices using your phone number:
Requirements for Linking Devices
Before linking devices, make sure:
- You have an active WhatsApp account set up on your primary device (usually your smartphone) with your phone number.
- The phone number you want to link devices with is the same number registered on your primary device.
- You have a stable internet connection on all devices you want to link.
- All devices you want to link are updated to the latest version of WhatsApp.
- Your primary device has the option to link devices in WhatsApp settings (if not, update to latest version of WhatsApp).
How to Link a Secondary Device
Follow these steps to link a secondary device like a tablet or computer:
- On your secondary device, open WhatsApp and tap ‘Link a Device’ (Android) or ‘Link Device’ (iOS).
- A QR code will appear on screen. Go to your primary device and open WhatsApp.
- Tap Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device.
- Scan the QR code on your secondary device using your primary device’s camera.
- Tap ‘Link’ on primary device when prompted.
- On your secondary device, tap ‘Link’ to confirm when prompted.
That’s it! Your secondary device is now linked. Your chats and data will sync across devices.
How to Add More Devices
You can link up to 4 devices in total, including your primary device. To add more secondary devices:
- Go to WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices on your primary device.
- Tap ‘Add New Device’.
- Scan the QR code on your new secondary device to link it.
Repeat those steps for each additional device you want to link up to a maximum of 4 total.
Linking Limitations
- You can’t link multiple devices using the same operating system. For example, you can’t link two iPhones or two Androids.
- Tablets count as separate devices you can link.
- You can’t use one WhatsApp account on more than one phone at the same time.
- Calls can only be made or received on one linked device at a time.
- If you log out of your account on your primary device, all linked devices will be unlinked.
Linking Multiple Numbers on One Device
You can link multiple phone numbers to one device in WhatsApp Business. Here’s how:
- Download WhatsApp Business and set up your primary number.
- Tap More Options > Linked Devices > Add New Phone.
- Enter the secondary number you want to link and tap ‘Link’.
- Enter the 6-digit confirmation code sent to your secondary number.
Now both numbers will be linked and you can switch between them in WhatsApp Business. Repeat to link up to 4 numbers to one device.
Troubleshooting Linked Devices
If you encounter issues with linked devices, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Make sure all devices are on latest WhatsApp version.
- Check internet connection on all devices.
- Restart WhatsApp on all devices.
- Unlink devices then re-link.
- Delete and reinstall WhatsApp.
- Factory reset device if all else fails.
Unlinking Devices
To unlink a linked device:
- On your primary device, go to WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices.
- Tap the device you want to unlink.
- Tap ‘Unlink [device]’ and confirm.
The device will be unlinked but your account and chats on that device will remain intact.
You can also unlink all devices at once from your primary device by going to Linked Devices and tapping ‘Unlink All Devices’.
Keeping Data Synced
To ensure your WhatsApp data stays synced across linked devices:
- Keep all devices connected to the internet.
- Avoid unlinking and re-linking devices frequently.
- Don’t delete or reinstall WhatsApp on your primary device.
- Make sure you have enough storage space on each device.
- Keep all devices updated to the latest OS and WhatsApp versions.
Transferring Chats Between iOS and Android
WhatsApp allows moving your chat history between iOS and Android when switching phones. Here is how to transfer WhatsApp chats between operating systems:
- Back up chats on your old device before transferring to new phone.
- On your new device, install WhatsApp and verify your number.
- On Android, tap ‘Restore’ when prompted to restore chats from iCloud.
- On iPhone, tap ‘Move from Android’ and follow prompts.
- Wait for your chat history to transfer from the cloud to your new device.
Important notes:
- You can only transfer chats using a new device.
- Transfers must be between iPhone and Android.
- Old device OS must be iOS 8+ or Android 4.0+.
- Use same phone number on new device as old device.
- You’ll be notified once transfer is complete.
- Media will be uploaded when you tap on them.
Backing Up Chats
To backup your WhatsApp chats:
- iPhone – Go to WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Back Up Now.
- Android – Tap More Options > Settings > Chats > Chat backup > Back up.
Backups save to iCloud for iOS devices and Google Drive for Android. Make sure you have enough cloud storage space for backups.
Restoring Backups
If you need to restore a WhatsApp backup from the cloud onto a device:
- iPhone – Uninstall WhatsApp > Reinstall > Verify number > Tap ‘Restore’ when prompted.
- Android – Uninstall WhatsApp > Reinstall > Verify number > Tap ‘Restore’ when prompted.
WhatsApp will fetch your latest backup from iCloud or Google Drive and restore your chats.
Troubleshooting Backups
If you have issues with WhatsApp backups and restores, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Check your internet connection and retry backup.
- Verify sufficient iCloud/Google Drive storage space.
- Update your OS software and WhatsApp.
- Force close and restart WhatsApp.
- Toggle WhatsApp chat backup on/off.
- Clear cache and data for WhatsApp and try again.
- Contact WhatsApp support if issues persist.
Conclusion
Linking WhatsApp to multiple devices is easy with a few simple steps. Make sure your primary device meets the requirements, scan the QR code to link additional devices, and keep your data synced. You can also transfer chats between iOS and Android when changing phones. Regularly back up chats and restore if needed. Following these best practices allows you to enjoy WhatsApp’s multi-device support and pick up conversations across all your linked devices without missing a beat!