WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion monthly active users. However, one limitation of WhatsApp is that you can only have one account per phone number. This means you cannot use multiple WhatsApp accounts on the same device.
Why doesn’t WhatsApp allow multiple accounts?
There are a few reasons why WhatsApp only allows one account per phone number:
- User identity – WhatsApp ties each account to a phone number to maintain user identity and prevent impersonation.
- Simplicity – Allowing multiple accounts per device would make the user experience more complicated.
- Limit spam – Preventing multiple accounts per number can help limit spam and abuse.
So in summary, WhatsApp’s one number, one account policy is intended to maintain simplicity and trust in the platform by verifying identity and limiting spam.
Are there any workarounds to use multiple WhatsApp accounts?
Although WhatsApp does not officially support multiple accounts per device, there are some workarounds people use:
- Dual SIM phones – A dual SIM phone allows you to have 2 different phone numbers, and thus 2 WhatsApp accounts.
- Dual apps – There are some “dual apps” that clone WhatsApp and allow you to log in to 2 accounts on one device.
- Multiple devices – You can use different devices (or browsers) to access multiple accounts.
However, these workarounds have limitations. Features like messaging and calls will only work on one device at a time. The experience is not as seamless as having truly separate accounts.
Will WhatsApp ever allow multiple accounts?
There is no official confirmation from WhatsApp on whether they will ever allow multiple accounts. However, here are some key considerations:
- Increased complexity – More accounts means increased complexity for both users and engineers.
- Potential for abuse – Multi-account support risks enabling spam, misinformation campaigns, etc.
- Dilution of brand – Having one account per number helps reinforce WhatsApp’s brand identity.
- Business opportunity – Multiple business accounts could enable new opportunities for businesses.
In summary, while multiple accounts have some benefits, there are also substantial risks and complexities. Overall, WhatsApp seems unlikely to make this change anytime soon.
WhatsApp’s view
WhatsApp has not explicitly commented on if/when they will allow multiple accounts. However, a WhatsApp spokesperson reportedly stated in 2020:
“WhatsApp is designed for private messaging so we don’t allow multiple accounts to help prevent misuse. We recommend people use dual SIM phones if they want to use a second number.”
This suggests WhatsApp is not actively working on or planning to enable multiple accounts due to concerns about misuse. A dual SIM phone is their recommended workaround.
Expert opinions
Here are some opinions from industry experts on the likelihood of WhatsApp allowing multiple accounts:
- “I don’t foresee WhatsApp ever allowing multiple accounts given their privacy-focused vision.” – John Wu, President of AODocs
- “Maybe someday enterprises and social media influencers will require multiple accounts, forcing WhatsApp’s hand.” – Pamela Clark-Dickson, Lead Analyst at Omdia
- “Supporting multi-accounts introduces a lot of complexity that may not be worth the trouble for WhatsApp currently.” – Jack Kent, Analyst at IHS Markit
The consensus seems to be that while not impossible, multiple WhatsApp accounts are unlikely in the foreseeable future. Privacy and simplicity concerns outweigh the benefits for now.
The bottom line
In summary:
- WhatsApp currently does not allow multiple accounts due to identity, simplicity and spam concerns.
- Workarounds exist but have limitations compared to true multi-account support.
- WhatsApp is unlikely to allow multiple accounts soon given the increased risks and complexities.
- Experts believe WhatsApp will maintain the status quo of focusing on privacy and simplicity before considering multi-accounts.
While not impossible someday, those wanting multiple WhatsApp accounts currently will have to rely on makeshift solutions. Authenticating accounts via phone numbers remains core to WhatsApp’s identity and strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I create a second WhatsApp account?
WhatsApp specifically prohibits using multiple accounts on the same device and ties accounts to phone numbers to maintain user identity and prevent abuse. So you cannot create a second account on the same phone number.
Can you have two WhatsApp accounts with one number?
No, WhatsApp only allows one account per phone number. You cannot have two accounts with the same number.
Is having two WhatsApp accounts illegal?
Having two WhatsApp accounts itself is not illegal. However, it does go against WhatsApp’s terms of service. The legality mainly depends on whether you are using the second account for unlawful activities like spam, scams, etc.
Can I use WhatsApp on two phones with same number?
You can install WhatsApp on two phones using the same number. However, the WhatsApp account will only be active on one device at a time. You cannot use two phones to message via the same number simultaneously.
Will WhatsApp ban account for using dual apps?
WhatsApp may ban accounts that violate their terms by using unauthorized apps to create multiple accounts. However, using the official WhatsApp on two different numbers via dual SIM is allowed and will not get you banned.
Comparison of WhatsApp with Other Apps
| App | Multiple Accounts Allowed? |
|---|---|
| No | |
| Telegram | Yes |
| Signal | No |
| Yes | |
| LINE | Yes |
As this comparison shows, WhatsApp is one of the few major messaging platforms that does not allow multiple accounts on one device. Telegram, WeChat and LINE all support using multiple accounts. Signal, like WhatsApp, only allows one account per number.
The Growth of WhatsApp
WhatsApp has seen tremendous growth since its launch in 2009:
| Year | Active Users |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 250,000 |
| 2011 | 10 million |
| 2013 | 200 million |
| 2015 | 800 million |
| 2017 | 1.2 billion |
| 2019 | 1.6 billion |
| 2022 | 2+ billion |
Despite not allowing multiple accounts, WhatsApp has managed to grow into one of the most widely used apps globally. Its acquisition by Facebook in 2014 for $19 billion also demonstrated the immense value of WhatsApp’s simple, identity-centric approach.
Conclusion
In closing, while WhatsApp is unlikely to introduce multiple accounts anytime soon, its single account policy remains core to its success. This policy maintains the app’s privacy-focused approach, reduces spam risks, and avoids unnecessary complexity. For those who need multiple accounts, dual SIM phones or separate devices remain the recommended workaround for now. But in the future, if demand grows from businesses and influencers, WhatsApp may eventually revisit allowing more than one account per phone number.