Meta has launched a WhatsApp beta version on TestFlight that brings multi-account functionality. Here’s how it operates.
### For the time being, the beta accommodates only two synchronized accounts
As noted by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp’s latest version on TestFlight unveils multi-account functionality, following earlier findings of clues regarding the feature in the code:
> “It seems that WhatsApp is at last trialing this capability with the general public, as certain beta testers have mentioned that the feature to add and toggle between several accounts is now accessible within the settings menu of the app.”
At present, users have to rely on tricks and hacks to handle more than one WhatsApp account on the same device, including the use of the WhatsApp Business app. Now, the app is set to incorporate inherent support for multiple accounts, coinciding with its preparations to enable usernames instead of just phone numbers.
Here’s how the feature is presently showcased:
> “Participants in this rollout will observe a fresh section titled “Account List” accessible in the settings menu, or a specific button located beside the QR code icon. This section allows users to add a new account directly from the app without the need for a secondary device or WhatsApp Business.”
WABetaInfo highlights that the app currently supports up to two accounts, whether they are newly created or already active:
> “The added account can be entirely new, associated with a phone number that hasn’t been registered on WhatsApp before. Alternatively, users can incorporate an account that is already linked to WhatsApp, such as one previously utilized on WhatsApp Business or another device. Another possibility is to include a companion account that already exists on a separate phone, which can be connected by scanning a QR code. Once linked, the companion account will automatically synchronize messages and settings with the primary device. This adaptable arrangement ensures that WhatsApp can manage multiple numbers more effectively under a single interface.”
One crucial detail is that each account will have its own set of preferences, including chat history, backup settings, and notification sounds. This indicates that the configurations from one account won’t conflict with those of another. Lastly, when displaying a notification, WABetaInfo mentions that WhatsApp will also specify which of the two accounts the notification originated from, to prevent any misunderstanding.
At this moment, there is no official schedule for when the feature will be released, but the testing phase seems advanced enough to imply that it won’t be long now.
