If you want to use WhatsApp on multiple devices, this is sometimes only possible with restrictions. We will show you how it works and what problems can occur in the process.
Using WhatsApp on two devices
As soon as you register with WhatsApp on a second smartphone with your mobile phone number, access is blocked on the first smartphone. It is therefore possible to use WhatsApp on two devices, but not at the same time. Each time you switch, you have to verify yourself again.
- You can, however, use WhatsApp on up to 5 devices without any problems, as long as you only use WhatsApp on one smartphone. The 4 other devices must be computers only and not mobile phones.
- This means you can use WhatsApp on multiple devices via WhatsApp Web in the browser or via the software of WhatsApp for Windows or WhatsApp for macOS.
- Here you can simply connect to your WhatsApp account from your mobile phone and then also use WhatsApp on your computer. You no longer need your mobile phone for this after the one-time setup. You will only be disconnected if you do not use WhatsApp on your mobile phone for longer than 14 days. Find out in this tip how exactly to set up WhatsApp in the browser or as software.
These are the restrictions to WhatsApp usage on multiple devices
Only since November 2021, WhatsApp has allowed you to connect multiple devices at the same time without the smartphone being permanently connected to the internet. Currently, some functions on the connected devices are still limited:
- The connected devices cannot fix chats, send live locations or accept invitations to groups.
- If one of your contacts is still using a very old phone with a very old version of WhatsApp, you may not be able to send them messages or call them from the connected devices.
Using WhatsApp on two smartphones at the same time
Unfortunately, there is currently no way to use WhatsApp on two smartphones without any problems.
- Alternatively, you can get a new SIM card for as little as 10 euros at Aldi Talk or Edeka Mobil. This way you can get a second number for your second smartphone quickly and cheaply.
- If you don’t want your friends to have you stored twice, simply upload your second mobile number from your first mobile phone to the groups or personal messages you want.
- This way, your second mobile phone is always reading and can join the conversation when you can’t or don’t want to use your first mobile phone.
