For some time now, chat app WhatsApp has been testing a feature that allows users to link their accounts to other devices.
The feature, which we covered here, works on other devices, mainly computers (not other smartphones), where a user links their account up to four devices.
However, the feature only works if the primary device (smartphone) is online.
This is about to change because users can now receive messages without the main device being connected.
The feature is now live to all users, both for Android and iOS.
However, there are a few steps needed before the feature can be enabled.
- First, start by linking your WhatsApp to another device, say a web browser on your computer (the option is accessed by touching the three buttons on the top right side of your WhatsApp chats screen)
- Then choose the opt-in option named ‘Beta.’
- Once you have entered, your WhatsApp will be unliked from other linked devices. Then, you can re-link your chats.
However, once you have re-linked your WhatsApp to a secondary device, it will work in the same way, only that you will be able to chat on a secondary device whether your main phone/WhatsApp is connected or not.
Besides, messages and calls will still be end-to-end encrypted.
To note, the linked devices will be able to receive messages up to two weeks after the main device has been disconnected, or gone offline, or has been stolen or lost.
Now, you can see the benefit of this; you can leave your phone in the house, or it can get lost, but you will be able to access the chat app.
It is still far from what we have been enjoying on other apps such as Telegram, which are cloud-based and can be accessed from multiple devices at the same time.
Still, it is a step to the right direction, and we always welcome new WhatsApp features.
