Last updated
April 20, 2026
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How to link WhatsApp to another phone?

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.

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

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.

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.

How to Link WhatsApp to Another Phone?

  1. Open WhatsApp on your primary phone: Ensure your account is active and connected.
  2. Access Linked Devices
    • iPhone: Settings → Linked Devices
    • Android: Menu (3 dots) → Linked Devices
  3. Tap “Link a Device”: This opens the QR scanner on your main phone.
  4. Prepare the second phone
    • Install and open WhatsApp
    • On the welcome screen, do NOT enter a phone number
  5. Open the linking option on the second phone
    • Tap the menu (top right)
    • Select “Link a device” / “Link to existing account”
  6. Display the QR code: The second phone now shows a QR code.
  7. Scan the QR code with your primary phone: Use the main phone to scan it.
  8. Wait for sync: Conversations and data sync automatically.

💡 Pro tip: Your primary phone doesn’t need to stay connected after linking, but both devices must have occasional internet access to stay synced.

How to Link WhatsApp to Another Phone Without QR Code

  1. Open WhatsApp on the second phone: Install and launch WhatsApp on the device you want to link.
  2. Select “Link to existing account”: On the welcome screen, tap the menu (top right) and choose “Link a device” or “Link to existing account.”
  3. Choose “Link with phone number instead”: Instead of showing a QR code, tap “Link with phone number” (this option appears on newer versions of WhatsApp).
  4. Get the one-time code. A numeric code will be displayed on the second phone.
  5. Open Linked Devices on your primary phone
    On your main device:
    • Go to Settings (iPhone) or menu (Android)
    • Tap “Linked Devices”“Link a device”
  6. Enter the code manually: Instead of scanning a QR code, select “Link with phone number” on your primary phone and enter the code shown on the second phone.
  7. Wait for synchronization: Your chats and data will sync securely across both devices.

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 your WhatsApp Web or Desktop to your phone

If you're also looking to access WhatsApp on your laptop or browser, this setup is particularly valuable for medium-sized sales teams who need to manage customer conversations across multiple touchpoints:

  1. On your computer, open WhatsApp Web or download the desktop app.
  2. A QR code will appear.
  3. On your phone:
    • Android: Tap the three-dot menu > Linked devices > Link a device.
    • iPhone: Go to Settings > Linked devices > Link device.
  4. Unlock your phone and scan the QR code shown on your computer.

Your messages will sync instantly, and you can use WhatsApp without your phone needing to stay online. For sales teams of 20-50 people managing multiple customer relationships, folk CRM integrates perfectly with WhatsApp across all your linked devices, ensuring no lead or customer message gets lost in the shuffle.

👉🏼 Try folk now to manage team inboxes across linked phones and never miss a follow-up.

FAQ

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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