WhatsApp’s New Feature: Using Two Accounts on One Device
WhatsApp, the globally renowned messaging app, is set to introduce a feature that will allow users to operate two accounts on a single device. This feature has been long-awaited by users who have had to juggle between two devices or continuously log in and out to switch accounts.
Key Highlights from Times of India:
- Dual WhatsApp Account Feature: WhatsApp is introducing the “Dual WhatsApp Account” feature, which will enable users to effortlessly switch between their accounts within the app. This will simplify the management of conversations across multiple accounts.
- Announcement by Meta CEO: Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, announced that this feature would soon be available, eliminating the need for users to constantly log out or carry an extra device.
- First Release for Android: Android users will be the first beneficiaries of this feature. The timeline for its availability on other platforms remains uncertain, but a rollout is anticipated shortly.
- Requirement of Two Active Phone Numbers: To set up a second WhatsApp account on the same device, users will need a separate phone number and either a dual SIM or eSIM phone. The setup process remains unchanged.
- Setup Process: Users can set up their second account by opening WhatsApp settings, selecting their profile, and clicking “Add account”.
- Separate Settings for Each Account: Users can customize their privacy and notification settings independently for each account.
Insights from GSMArena:
- Comparison with Telegram: Telegram, another popular messaging app, has had this feature for years. WhatsApp is now catching up by allowing users to use two different accounts on the same Android smartphone.
- Beta Testing: This feature was initially available to WhatsApp’s beta users and is now being rolled out to the stable channel.
- Eliminating the Need for Two Phones: With this feature, users won’t need to carry two smartphones or rely on app cloning.
- Setting Up Multiple Accounts: To set up a second account, users will need a second phone number and SIM card or a phone with multi-SIM or eSIM support. If the second SIM card is on a different device, users can still set up the second WhatsApp account as long as they can receive the security code for login.
- Feature Rollout: Although the latest version of WhatsApp on Android devices doesn’t yet show the option to set up a second account, it’s expected to be available to all Android users worldwide in the coming weeks.