WhatsApp Rolls Out Another Major Change Of 2023

Meta, which owns Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, has announced that users can log into one WhatsApp account on up to four phones.

Meta Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Zuckerberg announced the new development on Tuesday, April 25, which will see users install the application on the four handheld devices and use them at the same time

"Starting today, you can log into the same WhatsApp account on up to four phones," Zuckerberg said, though he did not reveal further details.

Previously, users were forced to log out of one account on a phone so that they can access the application on a different device.

A photo of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg during the launch of WhatsApp Cloud API on May 19, 2022. /FACEBOOK.MARK ZUCKERBERG

However, the Meta Group allows users to log into WhatsApp through the web software and desktop applications on their laptops and computers.

In a blog post, Meta said the feature was highly requested by users and will be used the same way users link with WhatsApp on web browsers, tablets and desktops. 

"A feature highly requested by users, now you can link your phone as one of up to four additional devices, the same as when you link with WhatsApp on web browsers, tablets and desktops. Each linked phone connects to WhatsApp independently, ensuring that your personal messages, media, and calls are end-to-end encrypted, and if your primary device is inactive for a long period, we automatically log you out of all companion devices," the company said.

"Linking phones as companion devices makes messaging easier. Now you can switch between phones without signing out and pick up your chats where you left off. Or if you’re a small business owner, additional employees are now able to respond to customers directly from their phones under the same WhatsApp Business account."

The social media company added that the update has started rolling out to users globally and will be available to everyone in the coming weeks.

Meta is also introducing an alternative and more accessible way to link to companion devices.

"Now you can enter your phone number on WhatsApp Web to receive a one-time code, which you can use on your phone to enable device linking, rather than having to scan a QR code. We look forward to introducing this feature to more companion devices in the future," the social network company further stated.

The latest announcement came after Zuckerberg issued an update in terms of the user interface of disappearing messages.

"Anyone in a disappearing message thread can long press on a message to keep it. The sender will be notified if it was saved and can decide if it stays or remains a disappearing message," he declared.

The updates add to new features available on the app that include custom avatars and heightening security with end-to-end encryption that also applies to group chats. Moreover, users can also share their WhatsApp statuses on their Facebook timelines.

In terms of status, WhatsApp also introduced the capability of users to share their voice notes as a status to their viewing contacts, what is now called a 'voice status'.

The voice status feature is available within the text status section, with WhatsApp users soon also having the ability to delete their voice recordings at will before sharing them.

The maximum recording time for a voice note is 30 seconds. Voice notes shared as status updates will be end-to-end encrypted.

Just like the normal WhatsApp status, voice status updates once shared will disappear after 24 hours, similar to the images and videos. Users will also have the ability to delete voice notes for everyone after they have been posted as status updates.

A screenshot of WhatsApp voice status. /WABETAINFO