After releasing a beta version of the WhatsApp simultaneous log-in test in August, the feature is officially rolling out worldwide today. An hour ago, Meta and Mark Zuckerberg introduced an exciting new feature that allows users to log into two accounts simultaneously on their phones.
Thus, the new feature will save you the need to log in and out each time you want to use a different phone number on WhatsApp for whatever reasons you may have, as historically, people had to carry two phones to use two WhatsApp accounts. It is a brilliant addition, and we will cover more of the features below.
Related: Is WhatsApp Channels an Improvement or a Silly App Feature?
WhatsApp Is Allowing Switching Between Two Accounts on the Same Phone
According to a statement from the company in a blog post: “The new feature is helpful for switching between accounts – such as your work and personal – now you no longer need to log out each time, carry two phones or worry about messaging from the wrong place.” It is quite a turn from WhatsApp, as they were previously very strict in account access and limiting users to having one account on one phone.
Some phone manufacturers, such as Xiaomi and Oppo, even had features like app cloning to let people take advantage of multiple WhatsApp to bypass the troublesome limitation. However, with this new feature, WhatsApp will finally let you add two accounts to one device, as long as you have a second phone number or a phone that supports eSIM or dual/multiple SIMs.
How to Utilise the New Feature?
We know you are excited to use the new feature, and we have simplified the steps into bullet points for your ease of view.
- To get access to two accounts simultaneously, visit the Whatsapp Settings page.
- Then, click the arrow next to your name to find the Add Account option.
However, to reiterate, you must ensure you have your second phone with SIM or a phone with a physical or eSIM facility for multi-SIM to access the feature. Moreover, you can control privacy and notification settings for each account, letting you separate how you use the two phone numbers. Therefore, you can decide when to receive alerts from one and close notifications in the other.
According to the company, this feature will discourage users from installing fake apps to use a second WhatsApp account on their phone, which is a privacy and security risk. Lastly, WhatsApp has strictly warned users not to download imitations or fake versions to get more accounts on their phones, as the messages are only secure and private when using the official WhatsApp.
Concluding Statement
The new WhatsApp feature is undoubtedly one of the best additions of the year, as it makes it easier to juggle different aspects of your life while maintaining boundaries. For example, it is worthwhile if you are on vacation and do not want to hear from your work or business for a while, but you would still like to connect with friends and families. What are your thoughts about the new feature? Let us know on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Can We Access the New WhatsApp Feature?
The multiple accounts feature will gradually roll out to Android users over the coming weeks and months. Unfortunately, there is no official release date for iOS users, so they’ll have to wait a little longer.
What Other Features Did WhatsApp Release This Year?
WhatsApp released an official rollout of passkey support for Android users earlier this week to allow passwordless login. For instance, if you wish to create a passkey using a facial recognition scanner, fingerprint scanner, or screen lock, it will verify your identity and enable you to log into your account without typing any passwords or SMS codes.
Is Meta Jumping on the AI Bandwagon?
Yes. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed to the world on Meta Connect 2023 that his platform will now focus on virtual and augmented reality and artificial intelligence. For more information, you can check out our article here.