WhatsApp linked devices allow users to use WhatsApp on multiple devices while syncing messages and calls across them. With linked devices, users can access WhatsApp on up to 4 additional devices using the same account at the same time.
How do WhatsApp linked devices work?
WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption to secure messages and calls. Previously, this encryption tied each account to one device at a time. With linked devices, WhatsApp applies advanced cryptography and new device-binding security protocols to allow for multiple devices without compromising end-to-end encryption.
When linking a new device, it establishes a secure connection between the main device and the newly linked device using a unique pairing process. Once paired, messages and calls sync seamlessly across devices while each one maintains the highest level of security through end-to-end encryption.
What devices can you link to your WhatsApp account?
You can link up to 4 additional devices to your primary smartphone where your WhatsApp account is registered. This allows you to use WhatsApp Web, WhatsApp Desktop, and Portal without needing your phone to be connected to the internet. You can also link a secondary phone or tablet to your primary device.
Here are the devices you can link to your WhatsApp account:
- 1 smartphone (primary device)
- Up to 4 additional devices:
- WhatsApp Web (accessed via browser)
- WhatsApp Desktop (Mac or Windows app)
- Portal (with WhatsApp calling)
- 1 additional phone or tablet
How to link devices to your WhatsApp account
Follow these steps to link a new device to your WhatsApp account:
- Open WhatsApp on your primary device
- Go to Settings > Linked Devices
- Tap on “Link a Device”
- Point your phone’s camera at the QR code displayed on the new device
- Tap on Link when prompted and allow access on both devices
That’s it! The new device will now be linked. Any new messages or calls will appear on all linked devices so you can pick up conversations from wherever you are.
Features available on linked devices
Once linked, devices gain access to the following features:
- Send and receive messages
- Make and receive calls (not available on WhatsApp Web)
- View live location
- Manage broadcasts
- Sync message history across devices
Some limitations include:
- Cannot message or call users who are not on the latest version of WhatsApp
- Cannot view another user’s live location
- Cannot link to multiple phones of the same type (e.g. 2 smartphones)
Primary device and linking requirements
Your primary device is the smartphone that your WhatsApp account is registered to. It has the following requirements and limitations when linking devices:
- Must have the latest version of WhatsApp installed
- Must remain connected to the internet for syncing across devices
- Only 1 smartphone can be your primary device
- If you log out, unlink, reset, or delete your account on the primary device, all linked devices will be unlinked
Linking an additional phone
You can link one additional phone or tablet to your primary smartphone. Here are some things to note when linking a secondary phone or tablet:
- Secondary Android phones must be running Android 5 or later
- Secondary iPhones must be running iOS 15 or later
- Tablets can be Android or iPadOS
- You’ll receive calls and messages on both devices
- Unlinking the secondary phone won’t log you out or delete your WhatsApp account
Using WhatsApp Web and Desktop as linked devices
With linked devices, WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop can stay connected without your primary smartphone needing to be online. However, there are some differences in functionality:
| Feature | WhatsApp Web | WhatsApp Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Make and receive calls | No | Yes |
| Native app or browser | Browser-based | Native app |
| Persistent connection | No | Yes |
Managing linked devices
You can manage the devices linked to your WhatsApp account in Settings > Linked Devices. From here you can:
- See all currently linked devices
- Add a new device
- Unlink a device to remove its access
- Set a primary device (for smartphones only)
Unlinking a device will remove its access to sync with your WhatsApp account. You can always link the device again in the future if needed.
Troubleshooting tips
Here are some troubleshooting tips if you have problems with linked devices:
- Make sure all devices are updated to the latest OS and WhatsApp versions
- Check internet connectivity on the primary device
- Restart linked devices if messages have stopped syncing
- Unlink and relink devices if sync issues persist after restarting
- Log out and back in on the primary device if you see an error “Waiting to sync”
- Contact WhatsApp support if linking errors persist
Security and privacy
WhatsApp assures users that linking multiple devices does not compromise security:
- End-to-end encryption continues to protect messages and calls across devices
- Devices sync by establishing a secure Bluetooth pairing or scanning a QR code
- Cryptographic identity keys prevent unauthorized devices from linking without permission
However, there are some privacy tradeoffs when linking devices:
- Linked devices can access your message history and contact info
- Location and status info will appear on all linked devices
- More potential endpoints increases the risk of security breaches
Overall, Make sure you only link trusted devices and use strong passwords to minimize security risks.
Conclusion
WhatsApp linked devices allow users to access WhatsApp from multiple devices conveniently while maintaining end-to-end encryption. Up to 4 additional devices – like WhatsApp Web, Desktop, Portal, and a secondary phone or tablet – can link to your primary smartphone.
Linked devices provide seamless messaging, calling, and syncing capabilities between smartphones, tablets, PCs, and browsers. Users should take care to only link trusted devices and use strong security practices to maximize privacy protections.
With advanced security protocols in place, linked devices offer a convenient way to stay connected to WhatsApp from anywhere while using your favorite devices. The ability to use WhatsApp seamlessly across multiple devices is reshaping communication and improving flexibility for users worldwide.
Linked devices offer effortless connectivity while retaining the trusted security of end-to-end encryption that makes WhatsApp so popular worldwide. As WhatsApp continues enhancing features for users, linked devices provide the foundation for securely expanding WhatsApp’s ecosystem across the devices people use every day.
WhatsApp’s rollout of linked devices has revolutionized cross-device use while upholding its standards for privacy and security. With more users relying on WhatsApp as their primary communication platform, the ability to seamlessly sync across devices ensures users never miss a message no matter which device they choose.
As WhatsApp continues growing its user base and adding new features, linked devices provide the flexibility for people to take WhatsApp wherever they go across their favorite devices. The technology upholds WhatsApp’s emphasis on security while offering expanded utility making communication easier and more accessible.
Overall, linked devices represent a major step forward in adapting WhatsApp’s powerful messaging platform to the multi-device needs of users worldwide. Securely syncing messages and calls across smartphones, tablets, PCs, and browsers enhances flexibility and convenience without compromising the trusted end-to-end encryption WhatsApp is known for.
This major update shows WhatsApp’s continued commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its broad user base while upholding strict standards for privacy and security. Linked devices offer the best of both worlds – seamless connectivity across your digital life while keeping your communications end-to-end encrypted.