Meta has rolled out a WhatsApp beta build on TestFlight that introduces multi-account support. Here’s how it works.
For now, the beta supports only two synced accounts
As spotted by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp’s newest build on TestFlight introduces multi-account support, following a previous discovery of references to the feature in code:
“It appears that WhatsApp is finally testing this feature with the public, as some beta testers reported that the option to add and switch between multiple accounts is now available within the app’s settings menu.”
Currently, users must resort to tricks and workarounds to manage more than one WhatsApp account on the same device, including using the WhatsApp Business app.
Now, the app will get native support for multiple accounts, which comes as the app is also gearing up to support usernames, rather than just phone numbers.
Here’s how the feature is currently presented:
“Those who are part of this rollout will notice a new section called “Account List” available in the settings menu, or a dedicated button placed next to the QR code icon. This section gives users the ability to add a new account directly from the app without needing a secondary device or WhatsApp Business.”
WABetaInfo notes that the app currently supports up to two accounts, whether they’re newly created or already in use:
“The added account can be completely new, linked to a phone number that has never been registered on WhatsApp before. Alternatively, users can add an account already associated with WhatsApp, such as one previously used on WhatsApp Business or another device. Another option is to add a companion account, which already exists on another phone and can be linked by scanning a QR code. Once connected, the companion account will automatically sync messages and settings with the primary device. This flexible setup ensures that WhatsApp can manage multiple numbers more efficiently under a single interface.”
One important note is that each account will be able to have its own set of preferences, including “chat history, backup configuration, and notification tones”. This means that settings from one account won’t interfere with those of another. Finally, when displaying a notification, WABetaInfo says that WhatsApp will also indicate which of the two accounts that notification came from, to avoid any confusion.
Currently, there’s no official timeline for when the feature will launch, but the testing process appears far enough along to suggest it won’t be long now.
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