If you have multiple smartphones, you don't have to pick just one phone for WhatsApp anymore. With Companion Mode, WhatsApp lets you link your existing account to another phone. And all your chats sync on both devices without signing you out of the primary phone. It works with both Android phones and iPhones, so go ahead and follow the steps to link WhatsApp to another phone.
Before You Link WhatsApp to Another Phone
There are a few things you should check before you begin the process, so the linking goes through on the first attempt.
- Update the WhatsApp app on both phones from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Also, keep the phone software updated, as the company has started blocking WhatsApp on phones running outdated software.
- Keep your primary phone (where your number is registered) with you, since you will have to scan a QR code from it.
- Make sure both phones are connected to the internet. The second phone doesn't need a SIM card and it can work via Wi-Fi also.
- Check that you have not crossed the device limit. WhatsApp allows up to four linked devices and this count includes WhatsApp Web, the desktop app and tablets.
- It's a good idea to back up your WhatsApp chats on the primary phone before you start the linking process, just to be on the safe side.
Note that you should never enter your phone number on the second phone. If you register your number there and verify the OTP, WhatsApp will move your account to the new phone and sign you out of the old phone.
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How to Link WhatsApp to Another Phone
- First off, install WhatsApp on the second phone and open it. Now, tap on Agree and continue.
- When the app asks for your phone number, don't enter it.
- Instead, tap on the three-dot menu at the top-right corner and choose Link as companion device or Link to existing account. A QR code will now appear on the screen.
- Next, open WhatsApp on your primary phone.
- On Android, tap on the three-dot menu and go to Linked devices > Link a device. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Linked devices > Link device.
- Finally, scan the QR code shown on the second phone using the primary phone. WhatsApp will link the two phones and start syncing your chats.
Once the linking process is complete, the second phone will show "This is a linked device" under its Settings page. If you want to use WhatsApp on a laptop or a computer, you can follow our guide on how to use WhatsApp Web, which uses the same Companion Mode.
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How to Unlink WhatsApp From the Second Phone
If you don't need WhatsApp on the second phone anymore, you can remove it from your account in a few taps. Open WhatsApp on your primary phone > tap on the three-dot menu and go to Linked devices. Here, tap on the linked phone and choose Log out. The second phone will be signed out right away and your chats on the primary phone will remain untouched.
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Things to Know About WhatsApp Companion Mode
Companion Mode works well for most people, but there are a few limitations you should know about.
- The 14-day rule: The companion or the second phone keeps working even when your primary phone is switched off or offline. However, if you don't use WhatsApp on the primary phone for more than 14 days, all linked phones will be logged out.
- No live location: WhatsApp does not support live location sharing on companion/linked phones. So, you will have to switch to the primary phone when you want to share your location on WhatsApp in real time.
- Linking stays with the primary phone: You can't link new devices from a companion phone. All device management and linking/unlinking happen from your primary phone.
- Chat history may be incomplete: WhatsApp syncs your recent chat history to the second phone and much older chats may not be available. WhatsApp has acknowledged a known issue where some linked devices don't show chats after one year. Basically, your complete chat history remains on the primary phone.
Since a companion/linked phone gets full access to your chats, I would recommend that you lock the WhatsApp app on the secondary app as well. Also, never scan a QR code or enter a code that someone else sends you. Scammers have been using the Linked devices feature to take over accounts. WhatsApp has also added new features to protect your WhatsApp account from takeovers, which you should turn on.
Finally, in India, keep an eye on the SIM binding rules that become operational from January 1, 2027. Under the new rules, WhatsApp will need the registered SIM to be present in the phone and so far, WhatsApp has not yet said how companion phones will be handled.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use WhatsApp on two phones with the same number?
Yes, Companion Mode lets you use the same WhatsApp account (with the same number) on your primary phone and other four phones or devices.
Does the second phone need a SIM card to use WhatsApp?
No, the companion/second phone works via Wi-Fi or mobile data without requiring any SIM. Only the primary phone needs to have your registered number, though this could change in India once the SIM binding rules kick in from 2027.
Can I make WhatsApp calls on the linked phone?
Yes, you can send messages, share images/videos and make voice and video calls from the linked phone and everything remains end-to-end encrypted, just like on your primary phone.
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