WhatsApp’s linked devices feature allows you to use WhatsApp on up to 4 additional devices while still using your main smartphone device. This is a great way to access WhatsApp on your computer, tablet, and other devices. However, a common issue many users face is linked devices randomly disconnecting or losing connection to your main smartphone.
Quick Overview of WhatsApp Linked Devices
WhatsApp’s linked devices feature works by connecting additional devices to your main smartphone device that has WhatsApp registered with your phone number. Your phone number is still used for registering your account, verifying identity, and end-to-end encryption. The linked devices simply mirror the app from your phone.
Some key things to know about linked devices on WhatsApp:
- You can link up to 4 additional devices and 1 phone
- Linked devices sync messages and calls from your main smartphone device
- If your phone is offline, linked devices will be disconnected
- Linking a new device requires scanning a QR code from your phone
- Devices maintain end-to-end encryption using keys synced through your phone
Why Do Linked Devices Get Disconnected?
There are several potential reasons why your additional linked devices may lose connection or get disconnected from your main WhatsApp account on your phone:
Phone Offline or Battery Drained
Linked devices require your main smartphone device to be online and connected to the internet to stay linked and receive updates. If your phone’s battery dies, powers off, loses cellular signal, or loses internet connection, it will disconnect all linked devices.
Changed Mobile Number or Reinstalled WhatsApp
Your phone number is the key to your WhatsApp account. If you change your mobile number or reinstall WhatsApp, it will log out all linked devices. You will need to link devices again using the new number.
Linked Device Offline or Closed App
If the linked device like your computer or tablet loses internet connection or you fully close the WhatsApp app, it can get disconnected. Make sure linked devices remain online and the app stays open in the background.
Too Many Linked Devices
You can only actively link up to 4 devices and 1 phone at a time. If you hit the limit, try unlinking unused devices you no longer need linked.
Logged In Elsewhere
If you or someone else logs into your WhatsApp account on another device, it will sign you out of existing linked devices. Only one phone and 4 other devices can be actively linked at once.
Old App Version
Make sure both your phone and linked devices are updated to the latest version of WhatsApp. Older app versions may face disconnection issues.
Security Key Mismatch
Linked devices use keys synced through your phone for end-to-end encryption. If these keys become out of sync due to an update or other issue, devices may disconnect.
Banned or Restricted Account
If your WhatsApp account gets banned or restricted, your linked devices will get disconnected. Make sure you do not violate WhatsApp’s terms to avoid restrictions.
Phone Changed Dates or Times
Having incorrect dates or times set on your phone can sometimes interfere with your linked devices staying connected. Make sure your phone’s settings are set to automatic date and time.
Too Many Missed Verification Requests
Linked devices periodically require re-verification through your phone for security. Declining or ignoring too many of these verification requests can disconnect devices as a security precaution.
How to Prevent Linked Devices From Disconnecting
To help avoid frustrations with linked devices disconnecting from WhatsApp, follow these tips:
Keep Phone Connected and Charged
Make sure your primary smartphone device remains online, charged, and actively connected to the internet. If your phone cuts off, so do all linked devices.
Don’t Change Numbers or Reinstall Often
Changing your mobile number or reinstalling WhatsApp will unlink all devices. Only change numbers or reinstall when absolutely necessary.
Update to Latest Versions
Keep your phone, computer, tablet, and all linked devices updated to the latest version of WhatsApp to avoid potential disconnection bugs.
Use Stable Internet Connections
Use stable high-speed WiFi or strong cellular data connections on all devices to prevent connectivity issues that could disconnect linked devices.
Keep Devices Online With App Open
Make sure linked devices remain online and the WhatsApp app stays open in the background to maintain connectivity.
Unlink Old Devices You Don’t Use
If you’ve hit the limit of 4 linked devices, unlink old devices you no longer use regularly to avoid inadvertent disconnections.
Verify Identity Requests Promptly
When you get identity verification notifications on your phone, approve them promptly to maintain your linked device connections.
Check Date and Time Settings
Go into your phone’s settings and make sure the date and time are set to update automatically. Incorrect dates/times can disrupt connectivity.
Contact WhatsApp Support If Needed
For persistent disconnection issues, reach out to WhatsApp support through email or Twitter for troubleshooting assistance.
What To Do When Linked Devices Get Disconnected
If you notice your linked devices have been disconnected from your WhatsApp account, don’t panic. Here are the steps to get reconnected:
- First, open WhatsApp on your phone and make sure your account is still logged in properly.
- Check your internet connections on all devices and reconnect if needed.
- Open WhatsApp on the disconnected device and tap to reconnect when prompted.
- Scan the QR code displayed on your phone’s WhatsApp to relink the device.
- Make sure your phone stays connected during this process.
- You may need to restart the app on the secondary device after linking.
- Messages should begin syncing across devices again once connection is reestablished.
In some cases you may need to unlink the device entirely first, then go through the full process of adding a new device from scratch. Avoid connecting the maximum of 4 devices to reduce disconnection frequency.
The Bottom Line
Linked devices disconnecting from WhatsApp can be annoying. However, being aware of the main causes and using preventative measures can help minimize disruption. Make sure to keep devices updated, online, and properly linked. With a few troubleshooting steps, you can easily reconnect devices when issues occur.
WhatsApp’s linked devices feature provides great convenience for accessing your account across multiple devices. Learning how to prevent and resolve disconnection problems will allow you to make the most of this feature. Following the tips in this article, you can successfully use linked devices without constant frustrations of losing connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my linked devices keep losing connection?
Common reasons linked devices lose connection include your phone being offline, changing numbers/reinstalling the app, hitting the device limit, or having an outdated app version. Keep your phone online and updated to prevent disconnections.
How do I reconnect my linked device to WhatsApp?
On your phone, ensure your WhatsApp account is logged in properly. On the disconnected device open WhatsApp, tap to reconnect, then scan the QR code displayed on your phone to relink and sync messages.
Do linked devices work if my phone is off?
No, linked devices require your primary smartphone device to be powered on and connected to the internet to function. They will disconnect if your phone is off or loses connection.
Why does my WhatsApp Web keep disconnecting from my phone?
WhatsApp Web relies on your phone connection. Make sure your phone has an internet signal. Also check that you have the latest version of the WhatsApp app and web browser extension.
Can I link WhatsApp on 5 devices?
Currently only 1 smartphone and up to 4 other devices can stay actively linked to one WhatsApp account. Linking a 5th device will unlink the oldest linked device.
Summary of Key Points
- Linked devices disconnect if your phone is offline, loses connection, or WhatsApp is reinstalled.
- Keep your phone charged, updated, and connected to prevent disconnections.
- Make sure linked devices stay online with the app open in the background.
- Unlink old devices if you’ve reached the 4 device limit.
- Promptly verify identity checks when prompted on your phone.
- To reconnect, scan your phone’s QR code in WhatsApp on the disconnected device.