Many people have multiple phone numbers, mostly for work purposes. And while years ago, we were juggling with several phones in order to make this possible, Dual SIM and eSIM brought salvation. Yet while this facilitated many aspects of having multiple phone numbers, Apple users still had to find a solution when using WhatsApp as the iOS application didn’t allow for more than one number to be added to the same app. They had to make use of WhatsApp businesses or purchase a second phone in order to keep their work and personal life separated.
However, according to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp has been testing a feature to add and manage multiple accounts within the app for iOS users. This would allow those using Apple devices to simply switch between accounts within WhatsApp, much like it is possible for the other META-owned social media platforms – Instagram and Facebook.
While the function was only available in the 25.2.10.70 beta version to certain testers via the Test Flight programme, the update is expected to become available to all in the (near) future. Still according to WABetaInfo, notifications, chats, backups and settings would be kept separate for each account.
“Today, we’re introducing the ability to have two WhatsApp accounts on Android logged in at the same time. Helpful for switching between accounts – such as your work and personal – now you no longer need to log out each time, carry two phones or worry about messaging from the wrong place. To set up a second account, you will need a second phone number and SIM card, or a phone that accepts multi-SIM or eSIM. Simply open your WhatsApp settings, click on the arrow next to your name, and click ‘Add account’. You can control your privacy and notification settings on each account”, WhatsApp said about the update when it launched for Android users in 2023.
On 21 January, Meta already announced some updates to WhatsApp. They added the ability to add WhatsApp to the Accounts Center, making it easier to cross-post WhatsApp Statuses and to log in to multiple apps with the same account.
“Over time we’ll keep adding more features that work across our apps for people who want them, like the ability to manage your avatars, Meta AI stickers and your Imagine Me creations all in one place. When we make these updates, we’ll explain them clearly in our apps so people can make the choice that’s best for them”, Meta added in the press release.
