WhatsApp is giving its users more options on how to use the platform. Users on the messaging platform can message seamlessly across all their devices, but the Meta-owned company is now introducing the option to use one account on multiple phones.

In a blog post on Thursday, WhatsApp announced that users can now independently link their WhatsApp account on up to four mobile phones at once. The Meta-owned platform says users highly requested the feature and that all messages, media, and calls are encrypted end-to-end on all devices. If the primary device for an account is inactive “for a long period,” the company says the account automatically logs out on other companion devices, which is a good security feature.

Users can select a primary account and use WhatsApp on the Web, Desktop, Android tablets, and other devices as companions. To link a device, open your WhatsApp account and tap on “More options” on Android or “Settings” on iPhone, go to Linked devices > Link a device. If you have biometric authentication, the phone prompts you to use this. If there is no biometric, WhatsApp prompts the user to the PIN unlock for the phone. The user is directed to point the primary phone to the screen of the intended companion device and scan the QR code.

While there might be some security concerns about the feature, it is useful for WhatsApp Business accounts, which must respond rapidly to customer enquiries. WhatsApp says the update is available to all users globally and will be available to everyone in the “coming weeks”.

Image: WhatsApp