WhatsApp has finally introduced multi-device login support for multiple phones.
Mark Zuckerberg announced the feature's launch, saying, "Starting today, you can sign in to the same WhatsApp account on up to four devices."
WhatsApp said the feature will be available to all users in the coming weeks.
Previously, users could only use one WhatsApp account on a phone and multiple desktop devices. With the new presentation, users' messages will be synchronized across devices, including other phones. This means that users can access the application from other devices even if one of their devices is turned off.
With over 2 billion users, WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging services. However, due to end-to-end encryption protection for chats and calls, it has been lacking in multi-phone support until now. The company began testing multi-device compatibility with specific beta users in 2021. At the time, Facebook (later renamed Meta) said it had developed a new technology to synchronize messages across devices while maintaining end-to-end encryption protection.
Other competitors such as Telegram and Messenger had offered multi-device synchronization for messages, but did not support end-to-end encryption.
In 2022, WhatsApp began rolling out multi-device features to everyone. However, it did not support multiple phones. WhatsApp also offers a new way to connect devices using a one-time code.
Meta CEO Zuckerberg said, "Now, instead of scanning a QR code on your mobile phone, you can get a one-time code by entering your mobile number into WhatsApp Web to connect your devices. The company said in a blog post that it will make this feature available for more connected devices in the future."