Seeing what devices are connected to your WhatsApp Web account can be useful for monitoring and managing your account security. There are a few simple ways to check your connected devices on both desktop and mobile.
Check Connected Devices on Desktop
If you normally use WhatsApp Web on your computer, you can easily see your connected devices right from the desktop application. Just follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp Web on your computer and access your account.
- Click on the 3 dots menu in the top right corner.
- Select “Linked Devices” from the menu.
This will open a popup that lists all the devices that are currently connected to your WhatsApp Web account. It will show the device type (Computer, Phone, Tablet) along with a name or description of each device.
For example, you may see:
- Your Computer – Chrome on Windows 10
- Your Phone – iPhone 11
- Your Tablet – Samsung Galaxy Tab S
This allows you to quickly see all active sessions and devices. If you see any unfamiliar or unknown devices in the list, it’s recommended you disconnect them immediately to secure your account.
Check Connected Devices on Mobile
You can also view your connected WhatsApp Web devices right from your mobile app. The process is similar:
- Open the WhatsApp app on your phone.
- Tap on the 3 vertical dots menu in the top right.
- Go to Linked Devices.
- Tap on “Link a Device” at the top of the screen.
This will show you the list of mobile devices and computers currently linked and connected to your WhatsApp account through WhatsApp Web.
Again, if you notice any unknown devices, disconnect them right away. On mobile, you can tap on a device and then select “Disconnect” to remove it.
Disconnect Devices
If you want to manually log out or disconnect a device from WhatsApp Web, just follow these steps:
- Open your Linked Devices list on either desktop or mobile.
- Identify the device you want to disconnect.
- Tap or click on “Disconnect” next to the device name.
- Confirm you want to disconnect it when prompted.
This will instantly log that device out of your WhatsApp Web account and remove access. It’s a good security practice to periodically disconnect old or unused devices you no longer need connected.
You may also want to disconnect devices if:
- You’re switching between devices or computers.
- You lent your device to someone temporarily.
- You’re upgrading or replacing your smartphone.
- You notice an unknown/unauthorized device.
Limits on Connected Devices
WhatsApp does limit the number of devices that can be actively connected to one account at the same time. The limits are:
- Up to 4 devices can be linked for regular users.
- Up to 10 devices can be linked for WhatsApp Business accounts.
So if you try to link an additional device beyond the limit, you may need to disconnect an existing linked device first. Keep this in mind as you manage your connected devices.
Link New Devices
If you want to link a new phone, tablet, or computer to your WhatsApp Web account, the process is easy:
- Make sure the device meets system requirements for WhatsApp.
- Open WhatsApp Web on your computer or the WhatsApp app on your mobile device.
- Use the QR code scanner to link the new device to your account.
- The device will now be linked and show in your Connected Devices list.
The QR code scanner provides a secure way to link devices to your account. Make sure to only scan codes with devices you trust to prevent unauthorized access.
Common Connected Device Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about managing your connected WhatsApp Web devices:
Can I see when a device was last used?
Unfortunately, WhatsApp does not provide information on when a linked device was last active or used to access your account. You can only see a list of currently connected devices.
Will devices auto-disconnect after inactivity?
Linked devices will remain connected until you manually disconnect them. There is no auto-disconnection after a certain time period of inactivity.
Does disconnecting log out of WhatsApp on that device?
Yes, if you disconnect a device it will be logged out of your WhatsApp account on that device. They will need to scan a new QR code to link and access your WhatsApp again.
Can I see connected devices of someone else’s account?
No, you can only view linked devices for your own WhatsApp account. There is no way to check connected devices for other users.
How do I know if someone is using WhatsApp on my computer?
Check your Linked Devices list – if you see an unknown or unfamiliar computer listed, that likely means someone else has accessed your account on that device.
Protecting Your Account
Being able to view and control your connected WhatsApp Web devices helps improve account security and prevent unauthorized access. Here are some tips:
- Periodically check your connected devices list and disconnect anything unfamiliar.
- Make sure to logout and disconnect devices you no longer use.
- Never scan a QR code from an unknown source.
- Use strong passwords and enable two-step verification.
- Keep your devices updated and use security software when possible.
Following these best practices will help ensure only your trusted devices stay linked to your account. Never hesitate to disconnect something suspicious to protect your privacy and security.
Conclusion
Checking your connected devices on WhatsApp Web is easy and provides valuable insight into what has access to your account. Keep your list trimmed to only active and recognized devices you trust. Disconnect anything unknown or unused as a precaution. Linking new devices only takes a few clicks using the QR code scanner. Overall, responsibly managing your connections allows you to securely use WhatsApp Web across all your devices.