WhatsApp Starts Rolling out Multi-Device Support; Here’s How It Works

Aftertesting multi-device support with beta testersfor months, WhatsApp has gradually started rolling out the long-awaited feature to the stable version for all Android and iOS users. As the name suggests, this featurelets you use WhatsApp on multiple devices without having to keep your smartphone connected to the internet.

How to Use WhatsApp Web without Smartphone Connected to Internet

WhatsApp’s multi-device feature officiallysupports a total of four devicesother than your primary smartphone. These devices can be WhatsApp Web, desktop, or Facebook Portal smart screens. It’s worth pointing out thatyoucan’t use the same WhatsApp account on two phones, at least for now.

WhatsApp officially says it’s in the early rollout stages of multi-device support. Hence, you may not immediately see the feature even if you are on the latest version of the messaging app. That said, you can check if it’s available from the ‘Linked Devices’ option accessible from the vertical three dots menu at the top right on Android. You will find the ‘Linked Devices’ option under Settings on iPhone.

Oneunintentional consequence of WhatsApp’s multi-device rollout today was security code changes. However, WhatsApp’s head of engineering Nitin Gupta says this won’t be the case for long.“We are early in the MD rollout and pushed more broadly than we intended today. We do intend to make it seamless. Our upcoming change will only send security code notifs when a user re-registers their whole account just like today,”wroteNitin Gupta, WhatsApp VP, Head of Engineering.Hi! We know users are seeing security code changes. This is expected during the early rollout stages of our new multi-device capability. This allows you to use WhatsApp on up to four linked devices without requiring your phone to be connected.— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp)November 5, 2021

Hi! We know users are seeing security code changes. This is expected during the early rollout stages of our new multi-device capability. This allows you to use WhatsApp on up to four linked devices without requiring your phone to be connected.— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp)November 5, 2021

Meanwhile, popularWhatsApp alternativeSignal’s founder Moxie Marlinspike criticized WhatsApp for changing the security code of users.“Pretty unfortunate design decision here, I can’t believe this is the solution they chose. With some minimal effort, they could have done this multi-device transition seamlessly,”wroteMoxie Marlinspike on Twitter.

We went hands-on with WhatsApp’s multi-device feature earlier this year when it was in beta. You can check our linked guide to know how touse WhatsApp on multiple devicesor using WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp desktop without a smartphone.

Subin B

Subin writes about consumer tech, software, and security. He secretly misses the headphone jack while pretending he’s better off with the wireless freedom.

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