WhatsApp Multi-Device Support Extended to Non-Beta Testers: Report

WhatsApp is reportedly receiving an update that will further expand its multi-device capabilities. According to WABetaInfo, the update now allows non-beta users to join the multi-device beta program for future updates. The multi-device feature allows users to connect up to four devices in addition to the main device. With the new feature, users will be able to use their WhatsApp account on different devices. However, users can only add non-phone devices to this feature.

WhatsApp’s 2.21.19.9 update (spotted by WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo) now offers users of the stable version of the messaging app on Android and iOS the possibility to add multi-device functionality. WABetaInfo noted that the Facebook-owned chat app will now “force users to update to the multi-device version for future updates.”

WhatsApp’s multi-device support was first announced in July. The new feature helps provide users with a standalone multi-device experience, without users even needing to connect their primary smartphone to the internet. Additionally, the smartphone can be turned off and users can still use WhatsApp from their linked non-phone devices. This may also be beneficial if the user has an unstable Internet connection on their primary smartphone, but a good Internet connection on their non-phone device (such as a laptop, desktop, or Wi-Fi-only tablet).

How to enable multi-device support for WhatsApp

Users participating in the WhatsApp beta program can join or exit the multi-device beta test by following the steps below:

Join/Exit Android Multi-Device Beta Test

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Click on the three-dot menu icon.
3. Go to link device.
4. Click Multi-device beta.
5. Click Join the beta or Leave beta.

Join/Exit iOS Multi-Device Beta Test

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Go to set up.
3. Click link device.
4. Click Multi-device beta.
5. Click Join the beta or Leave beta.

Does WhatsApp’s new privacy policy mean the end of your privacy? We discussed this on Orbital, the technology shout podcast. Orbital is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.