WhatsApp recently introduced the ability to link your WhatsApp account to multiple devices. This allows you to use WhatsApp on your iPhone as well as up to 4 other non-phone devices, like a tablet or computer, at the same time. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to link your iPhone to use WhatsApp:
Requirements
To use WhatsApp on multiple devices, you need:
- The latest version of WhatsApp installed on your iPhone
- A mobile device running Android version 4.1 or newer, or iOS version 10 or newer
- A computer running Windows 10 (version 1903 and newer) or macOS 10.13 and newer
- WhatsApp Desktop version 0.3.2031 and newer
- A WiFi or mobile data internet connection on all devices
Link Your iPhone to Use WhatsApp
Follow these steps to link your iPhone to use WhatsApp:
- Open WhatsApp on your iPhone
- Go to Settings > Linked Devices
- Tap on “Link a Device”
- Point your iPhone’s camera at the QR code displayed on your secondary device. This could be your computer screen if using WhatsApp Web/Desktop, or your tablet’s screen if using WhatsApp on a secondary mobile device.
- Your iPhone will read the QR code and establish a link between the devices.
That’s it! Your iPhone is now linked to use WhatsApp on the secondary device. You can link up to 4 total devices in this way.
Using WhatsApp on Multiple Devices
Once linked, here are some tips on using WhatsApp across multiple devices:
- You can receive messages and calls across devices. You can answer a WhatsApp call on one device, even if it came in on another.
- If you log out of a linked device, your WhatsApp messages will stop syncing to that device but will continue on your iPhone and other linked devices.
- If your iPhone battery runs out, WhatsApp will remain active on linked devices for up to 14 days. After that your iPhone will need to reconnect to the internet to continue syncing messages.
- If you uninstall WhatsApp on your iPhone, all linked devices will be unlinked and logged out automatically.
- You can unlink a specific device in WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices on your iPhone.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you run into any issues getting your iPhone linked or using WhatsApp across multiple devices, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure all devices are on the latest version of their operating system and WhatsApp.
- Check your internet connection on all devices.
- Restart WhatsApp and try re-scanning the QR code.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Linked Devices and tap on the linked device to troubleshoot connection issues.
- As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp and try linking again from scratch.
Using WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp Web provides a convenient way to use WhatsApp on your computer browser. Here are some tips:
- Go to web.whatsapp.com in your computer’s browser and scan the QR code with your iPhone camera when prompted.
- This will link your computer browser session to your iPhone’s WhatsApp account.
- When using WhatsApp Web, your iPhone must remain connected to the internet.
- Notifications and messages will show up on both devices.
- You can unlink WhatsApp Web in your iPhone WhatsApp settings under Linked Devices.
Using WhatsApp Desktop App
Alternatively, you can download and install the WhatsApp Desktop app for Mac or Windows. Here are some tips for using the desktop app:
- Download WhatsApp Desktop from the Microsoft Store or Mac App Store.
- Open the app and scan the QR code displayed on screen using your iPhone camera.
- The desktop app offers notifications, keyboard shortcuts, and other convenience features.
- The desktop app can remain linked even when your iPhone is offline, for up to 14 days.
- Unlink the desktop app in WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices on your iPhone.
Linking a Tablet
You can also link a tablet to use WhatsApp by following these steps:
- Download WhatsApp for your tablet’s operating system (Android or iOS).
- On your iPhone, go to WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices.
- On your tablet, open WhatsApp and tap Link Device.
- Use your iPhone to scan the QR code displayed on your tablet.
- The tablet should now be linked to your iPhone’s WhatsApp account.
Managing Linked Devices
You can manage the devices linked to your iPhone’s WhatsApp account:
- See all linked devices in WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices on your iPhone.
- Tap on a linked device to disconnect it or troubleshoot issues.
- Scroll down to see when each device was last used.
- Tap unlink device to disconnect that device from your WhatsApp account.
- You can link up to 4 devices total in addition to your iPhone.
Privacy Tips
Here are some tips to keep your WhatsApp messages private across multiple devices:
- Enable encryption in WhatsApp settings for added security.
- Set a strong notification privacy setting on iOS or Android.
- Log out of WhatsApp Web or Desktop when not in use.
- Avoid downloading attachments or files to shared computers.
- Turn off iCloud, Google, or other backups that store WhatsApp data.
- Delete WhatsApp from linked devices you no longer use.
Conclusion
Linking your iPhone to use WhatsApp across multiple devices is easy and convenient. Follow the step-by-step setup instructions, manage your linked devices carefully, and use privacy tips to secure your messages. With your iPhone as the primary device, you can now enjoy WhatsApp anytime, anywhere on your computer, tablet, or secondary phone.