Whatsapp update: One account possible on several smartphones
Until now, you were only allowed to use Whatsapp on one smartphone plus devices such as tablets or computers. With the latest update, you can link up to four smartphones to the same account.
If you use Whatsapp on your smartphone, you no longer have to limit yourself to one device. You can now use up to four smartphones at the same time with one account. The function will be rolled out to all users on Android and iOS devices in the coming weeks.
To use the new function, you need to reinstall the app on the second, third or fourth device. You will then be asked to log in with your phone number. Instead, you can now select the "Link to existing account" option. This will generate a QR code that you can scan from your primary smartphone.
Source: Michelle Brändle
An additional linking option will be added soon after launch: Instead of using the QR code, you can enter your phone number in Whatsapp Web and receive a unique code for device linking.
The extension to multiple smartphones should according to Whatsapp be useful for small businesses that want multiple employees to be able to communicate using the same business number. Or for people who use several smartphones on a regular basis for reasons.
The original phone on which you have saved your account with the number remains the primary device. However, it does not have to be switched on to receive messages via the other smartphones and devices. However, if the primary device is inactive for more than two weeks, Whatsapp will automatically deregister all other devices. If you want to log out linked devices manually, you can do this via the primary smartphone.
Keep chatting - despite the expiry date
Whatsapp has introduced another interesting feature in its blog. Chat messages with an expiry date have a new bookmark function. This allows a message to be saved permanently by contacting the sender. While the rest of the chat history is automatically deleted after 24 hours at the earliest, depending on your pre-definition, the saved messages are retained.
Source: Michelle Brändle
The function can be switched on or off as desired. If you have saved a received message in this way, the person who sent the message will be informed and asked for permission. If both agree, the message will be bookmarked. You can read the saved texts in a separate folder.
Whatsapp is working on further improvements. Among other things, the keyboard is to be updated. A beta version is already in the test phase.
Cover photo: Michelle Brändle
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