Last updated
October 6, 2026
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How to link WhatsApp to another phone? Without switching accounts

Julie Abecassis
Customer success manager

Discover folk - the CRM for people-powered businesses

If you've ever wished you could use WhatsApp on more than one phone, the good news is: now you can. WhatsApp lets you connect up to four additional phones to the same account, making it easier to stay in touch across multiple devices. Without constantly switching logins.

Whether you're working across a personal and business phone or simply want to keep conversations accessible wherever you are, here's how to link WhatsApp to another phone in a few quick steps.

👉🏼 Try folk now to organize WhatsApp chats across multiple phones and avoid switching accounts.

Main points
  • 📱 Link up to 4 devices; primary not required online but must be used every 14 days. Companion phones lack live location.
  • 🤖 On Android: install WhatsApp, tap Link as companion device, then on main phone use Linked devices to scan the QR.
  • 🍎 On iPhone: install WhatsApp, tap Agree & continue, choose Link as companion, then scan the QR from the main phone.
  • 🖥️ For Web/Desktop: open WhatsApp Web/app to show QR; on phone go to Linked devices > Link a device and scan to sync.
  • 🤝 Teams: consider folk CRM to centralize WhatsApp chats across linked phones and desktop.

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How to Link WhatsApp to Another Phone Without Switching Accounts?

Important to know:

✔️ You can link up to four devices to your WhatsApp account.

✔️ You don't need to keep your primary phone online, but it must be used at least once every 14 days to keep linked devices active.

✔️ Companion phones don't support live location.

✔️ Once linked, the companion device will display: "This is a linked device." You can manage this in your WhatsApp Settings.

1. How to link your WhatsApp to a second Android phone

  1. On the Android phone you want to link, download WhatsApp from the Play Store.
  2. Open the app and tap Agree and continue.
  3. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and choose Link as companion device.
  4. A QR code will appear. Leave it on the screen.
  5. On your primary phone:
    • Open WhatsApp and tap the three-dot menu.
    • Go to Linked devices > Link a device.
  6. Unlock your phone when prompted (via biometric ID or PIN).
  7. Use your primary phone to scan the QR code on the second phone.

2. How to link your WhatsApp to a second iPhone

  1. Download WhatsApp on your second iPhone and open it.
  2. Tap Agree & continue. If prompted, choose Use a different number.
  3. Tap the three-dot menu and select Link as companion device.
  4. A QR code will appear.
  5. On your primary phone:
    • Android: Open WhatsApp > Linked devices > Link a device.
    • iPhone: Open WhatsApp > Settings > Linked devices > Link device.
  6. Verify your identity by unlocking your phone.
  7. Scan the QR code on the second iPhone using your main phone.

3. How to link a device to WhatsApp Web

WhatsApp Web lets you access your existing account from a computer browser. Linking it keeps your account active on your phone, so you can use both devices without switching accounts.

  1. Open web.whatsapp.com in your computer’s browser. A QR code will appear.
  2. Open WhatsApp on your main phone.
  3. On Android, tap the three-dot menu and select Linked devices. On iPhone, open Settings > Linked Devices.
  4. Tap Link a device and unlock your phone if prompted.
  5. Scan the QR code displayed on your computer using the scanner inside WhatsApp.
  6. Allow your chats to load before you start messaging.

If you prefer not to scan a QR code, select Link with phone number on WhatsApp Web and enter your WhatsApp number. Follow the prompts on your main phone to enter the code displayed in your browser.

Your main phone does not need to stay continuously online after linking. Each device needs its own internet connection to send and receive messages.

Can You Link WhatsApp to Another Phone Without a QR Code?

The phone-number linking method documented by WhatsApp applies to WhatsApp Web and Windows. It does not confirm a QR-free setup for a second phone. To link another phone, follow the QR-code instructions above.

WhatsApp Device Linking Problems and Fixes

If WhatsApp will not link your second phone or browser, check the issue below before starting the setup again.

Problem What to check or try
The QR code has expired Refresh WhatsApp Web or reopen the linking screen on your second phone to display a new code. Scan it while that screen remains open.
Your phone cannot scan the QR code Use Linked devices > Link a device inside WhatsApp, rather than your phone’s regular camera app. Keep the entire code visible and check that WhatsApp has camera access.
The companion-device option is missing Update the official WhatsApp app. Check that you are following the instructions for the second phone’s operating system, rather than the main phone’s.
WhatsApp says you have reached the device limit Open Linked devices on your main phone and log out of a device you no longer use. WhatsApp supports up to four linked devices alongside your primary phone.
Linking fails or chats are slow to load Check the internet connection on both devices. Keep the linked app or browser open while chats load. If the issue continues, restart the app and try again.
A previously linked device has logged out Check whether your main phone has been unused for more than 14 days. Open WhatsApp on the main phone, then link the disconnected device again.

👉 Avoid uninstalling WhatsApp or clearing app data as your first troubleshooting step. Start with the connection, app version, QR code, and linked-device list.

How to Unlink a Device from WhatsApp

You can disconnect a linked phone, browser, or desktop session from your main phone. This is useful when you stop using a device or notice a session you do not recognize.

  1. Open WhatsApp on your main phone.
  2. On Android, tap the three-dot menu and select Linked devices. On iPhone, go to Settings > Linked Devices.
  3. Select the device or browser session you want to disconnect.
  4. Tap Log out and confirm if prompted.

Repeat these steps for any other sessions you want to remove. Unlinking a device does not delete your WhatsApp account or log you out of your main phone. To use that device again, you will need to link it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I link my WhatsApp to another phone?

Yes. Use Linked devices to add up to four companion phones to the same account. The main phone does not need to stay online, but it must be used at least once every 14 days to keep links active.

How do I link WhatsApp to a second phone?

Install WhatsApp on the second phone and choose 'Link as companion device'. On the main phone, open Linked devices > Link a device and scan the QR on the second phone.

Will I lose my chats when I link another device?

No. Messages and media sync across linked devices. Some features differ on companion phones, such as live location not being supported.

How can teams manage WhatsApp conversations across devices?

Use a CRM to centralize contacts, assign owners, and keep context across channels. Use folk to manage WhatsApp discussions across linked phones and desktop.

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