How to use WhatsApp on multiple devices (2026)

TL; DR: Quick Summary

You can use one WhatsApp account on your main phone plus four linked devices, such as a computer or a second phone.
Linking works by scanning a QR code, or on WhatsApp for Windows and WhatsApp Web by entering an 8-character code.
Open your main phone at least every 14 days, or WhatsApp logs out every linked device.
Linked devices can't create broadcast lists or share live location, so plan your work around those gaps.
You are ready when a message sent from one linked device shows on your main phone and on every other device.

If your WhatsApp account lives on one phone, that phone is a single point of failure. A flat battery, a lost phone or a trip away from your desk can stop your replies.

WhatsApp lets you link more devices to the same account, so you can reply from a computer or a second phone while your main phone stays in your pocket.

This guide shows how to link a device, how to keep it connected, and what linked devices can't do. If you are setting up a whole team, our guide to WhatsApp Business with multiple users covers that side.

How many devices can you use WhatsApp on?

You can use WhatsApp on your main phone plus up to four linked devices. WhatsApp announced linking extra phones on 25 April 2023, and small business staff can answer customers from their own phones under the same WhatsApp Business account. Each linked device connects on its own, so it keeps working when your main phone is offline.

How do you link a device with a QR code?

You link a device by scanning a QR code from your main phone.

Open WhatsApp Web on a computer, or follow WhatsApp's prompts on a second phone.
On your main phone, open Settings on iPhone or More options on Android, then tap Linked devices, then Link a device.
Point your main phone's camera at the QR code on the new device and wait for it to confirm.

Our WhatsApp Web guide covers the computer side in more detail.

How do you link a device with a phone number?

On WhatsApp for Windows and WhatsApp Web, you can link with a phone number instead of a QR code. WhatsApp's help page says this method is currently limited to those two.

On the computer, open WhatsApp for Windows or WhatsApp Web and choose to link with a phone number.
Pick your country, enter the number of your main account and click Next. An 8-character code appears.
On your main phone, tap the Enter code notification and check that the device name and location look right.
Type in the 8-character code from the computer screen.

You can also start on your main phone. Open Linked devices, tap Link a device, then choose Link with phone number instead.

How do you keep linked devices connected?

You keep linked devices connected by opening WhatsApp on your main phone at least once every 14 days. If you don't, WhatsApp logs your linked devices out, and you have to link them again.

A simple routine avoids that.

Set a weekly reminder. Opening the app weekly leaves a safety margin before the 14-day limit.
Check your list. Open Linked devices now and then, and remove any device you don't recognize.
Name your devices. On the Business app, you can name linked devices, so you can tell your office computer from your second phone.
Check the connection. A weak connection on the linked device can cause drops, so check its Wi-Fi or data first.

What can linked devices not do?

Linked devices cover everyday replies, but WhatsApp's help pages list several gaps. Plan around these before you rely on a second device.

No broadcast lists. You can't create or view broadcast lists on a linked device.
No live location or status updates. WhatsApp lists both as unsupported on companion phones.
Calls ring on one phone. If you link more than four devices, calls only ring on the main phone.
No chat assignment. Assigning chats to agents is part of WhatsApp's multi-agent feature, not the basic four-device setup.

Can you link more than four devices?

Yes, in one case. WhatsApp's multi-agent feature raises the device limit to 10 and adds chat assignment. The limit depends on your Meta Verified package, and WhatsApp says the feature may not be available to every account yet.

If you cancel or your package changes, only your four most recently active devices stay linked. For how multi-agent compares with the WhatsApp Business Platform for a team, read our guide to WhatsApp Business with multiple users.

When is one account on many devices not enough?

It stops being enough when several people need to share, assign and track the same chats. Linked devices give everyone the same inbox, but they give no routing, no notes and no automation.

That is the point to move to a shared inbox built for teams. SleekFlow connects your WhatsApp number to one inbox where your team can assign chats, send broadcasts and use Flow Builder for greetings and routing.

Book a demo and see your team on one shared inbox.

Connect to WhatsApp Business API now!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does WhatsApp multi-device work?

Multi-device lets you link other devices to your main WhatsApp account. Each linked device connects on its own, so your main phone doesn't need to stay online. You add one by scanning a QR code from your main phone. If the main phone goes 14 days without use, WhatsApp logs the linked devices out.

How many devices can I link to WhatsApp?

WhatsApp allows up to four linked devices alongside your main phone. With multi-agent, which depends on your Meta Verified package, the limit is 10. WhatsApp says multi-agent may not be available to every account yet, so check your own account under Linked devices to see what you can add.

How do I see which devices are linked to my WhatsApp?

Open WhatsApp on your main phone, go to Settings or More options, and tap Linked devices. WhatsApp lists the devices linked to your account. On the Business app you can name linked devices, so they are easy to tell apart. Check the list now and then, and remove any device you don't recognize.

Can I link a device without scanning a QR code?

Yes, on WhatsApp for Windows and WhatsApp Web. Choose to link with a phone number, enter your main account number and note the 8-character code. Then confirm on your main phone and enter that code. WhatsApp says this method is currently limited to those two, so other devices still need the QR code.

Why do my linked devices keep disconnecting?

The usual cause is an inactive main phone. WhatsApp logs out every linked device if you don't open the app on your main phone for 14 days. Open it at least weekly. A weak Wi-Fi or data connection on the linked device can also cause drops, so check that next.

Can I use WhatsApp Business on more than four devices?

Yes, with multi-agent, which raises the limit to 10 depending on your Meta Verified package. Beyond that, a team can move to the WhatsApp Business Platform through a provider such as SleekFlow, where people log in to a shared inbox instead of linking devices. The number of seats depends on your plan.

WhatsApp device limits, linking steps, the 14-day rule and multi-agent details are from WhatsApp's help pages and blog, read on 27 Oct 2026. The phone-number linking method was limited to WhatsApp for Windows and WhatsApp Web on that date.

This article is for general information and is not legal advice. WhatsApp's limits and features change, so check your own account before you decide.