Here’s a quick and easy guide to use the same WhatsApp account on two different devices while keeping the same mobile number.
More than ever, smartphones are getting, well… smarter. People rely on them for everything, so much so that often having one single cellphone or one SIM card is not enough anymore. Many people have sought out the dual-SIM smartphones, or at the very least run two separate devices for different jobs. One is used for personal affairs and one for business (or sometimes separate and very literal affairs!).
While the reasons you need two devices will vary, it begs the question: how can I use WhatsApp on two phones simultaneously? Do I need to make separate accounts for each phone number? This article is going to show you how to do it, and you do not need to be an expert to make it happen. With a few short steps, you can have the same WhatsApp account on two different phones.
This article will examine this technique in detail. While the procedure itself is simple and quick, some explanation rarely hurt anyone. This process works on all mobile platforms (i.e. Android, iOS, Windows, etc.).
Quick note: this “trick” works for both smartphones and tablets of any operating system or brand.
Run WhatsApp on two devices via WhatsApp Web: the guide
When you take the few moments to create an account for WhatsApp, you have to provide a number and wait for a text message with a corresponding code. This is the procedure that keeps you from being able to use multiple phones for the same WhatsApp account.
Specifically speaking, you cannot bypass this feature, but there is a trick that you can use. This trick is possible thanks to WhatsApp Web. Using this service, you can have the same WhatsApp account on multiple devices, provided that they both have access to the internet. One of these two devices must also have the physical WhatsApp application installed.
Let’s take a look at the step-by-step approach.
How to install WhatsApp accounts on two different phones
- First, make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed on a device.
- Open the browser on the other phone you intend to use, and proceed to web.whatsapp.com.
- In the browser settings, select “Desktop Site Mode
- If you have successfully activated the desktop mode, you will see a QR code appear.
- Using the first phone (with WhatsApp installed) got to Settings, WhatsApp Web, and you will have a QR Code Scanner appear.
- Scan the QR code on the screen of phone #2 with the camera of phone #1. This is as simple as snapping a picture.
- Once scanned, the account of phone #1 is activated for phone #2.
That is all that you need to do! If you followed these steps correctly, you will have the same WhatsApp account active on both of these devices. If you have trouble knowing how to request the desktop version of a site, you can refer to the video below for assistance in doing this on any of your devices.
Note: This can be used on a tablet instead of a second phone as well. This way, you can access this coveted account on your tablet and phone.
To log out, access WhatsApp Web using phone #2. Click on Settings (the three dots on top of the column of contacts) and then choose to log out. By doing this, you will return to having WhatsApp on one device again.
If you want to disconnect WhatsApp web on the second phone from the primary phone you use, open WhatsApp settings on phone #1, tap on “WhatsApp Web/Desktop” and then choose to log out from all computers.
This technique will only work with two phones that have WhatsApp installed. If you try to connect to a third mobile device, you will be forced to log out of one of the first two devices before you can proceed. Also note that if the devices are far enough away from one another, WhatsApp Web could automatically disconnect.
If you have any questions or concerns, drop a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Daniella says
26/04/2019 at 5:32 pmDo both phones receive notifications if using the same number
Frankie says
08/05/2019 at 3:48 pmHi Daniella, yes!
Waqas says
12/04/2019 at 12:25 pmIf i delete something from phone 1 can it delete from second one?
Frankie says
16/04/2019 at 8:16 amHi, Yes
ajay kumar says
27/03/2019 at 1:00 pmevery time we have to scan QR to connect each phone ?
can it possible that if 2nd phone internet deactivated and when activated its show the same whats app features
Frankie says
28/03/2019 at 11:53 amHi Ajay, absolutely not! You don’t need to scan the QR Code every time. Sorry, I don’t really understand the second question… can you explain it better?
Andy P. says
01/05/2019 at 8:14 pmI do not agree with this answer. Every time I try to use WhatsAppWeb via a browser, I *do* have to go through the tedious process of creating a QR code on one device and scanning that from the WhatsApp app on the other.
Frankie says
08/05/2019 at 3:55 pmIt’s really strange this… usually (I tested it also) you don’t need to scan QR code every time.
Liv Erica Matthews says
23/01/2018 at 6:06 amI can NOT get on the whats app desktop site from my mobile browser. How do i do that? Please help, much appreciated
Dania says
09/05/2019 at 10:49 amSomeone is using my account he has created it after getting verification code from me can I deactivate my account by using my phone???
Frankie says
13/05/2019 at 7:50 amHi Dania, You can do it using two-step verification. Two-step verification is an optional feature that adds more security to your account. To enable two-step verification, open WhatsApp > Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable.
Catherine Bates says
19/09/2017 at 8:11 amDoes this mean that on the second phone you have the app bit don’t actually use it – I.e. Go through the website only?
Noopur Singh says
27/05/2017 at 6:55 pmif i install using device 1 now in desktop.
later start using different device 2 keeping both d numbers same. will d desktop watspp stop?
Kuldip Singh says
15/05/2017 at 11:12 amI used this trick once. but If that person is far from you that this trick wont work. You should be in the coverage of whatsappweb
Haniya Chaudhry says
10/03/2017 at 6:57 pmIf i will remove the account from cell 1 will it automatically delete from cell 2?
Frankie says
22/03/2017 at 5:52 pmyes it will
Frankie says
08/03/2017 at 1:46 pmHello Mayra, unfortunately you can’t use the app on both
Shi Mu says
01/03/2017 at 2:01 amI left my phone in another country with a family member. How can I use whatsapp on my new phone if I dont have that phone on me to SCAN the QR code (Remember: I want my account to stay active on the other phone, but also be able to use it on my new device as well)? Thanks…
Frankie says
08/03/2017 at 1:39 pmHello Shi,
Unfortunately the other phone must be with you
Neel Arnold says
10/02/2017 at 11:09 amJust use Telegram or iMessage. Leave Whatsapp
QU4TTR0 says
19/06/2017 at 2:44 pmNot everyone are using telegram or iMessage. In some country, whatsapp is their main messaging app.
Yuvraj Sood says
08/01/2017 at 10:05 amHi nick
i m using my whatsapp on first phone on parallel space and in my laptop i have downloaded bluestacks and i wanted to use whatsapp on laptop also. I have scanned the qr code but what do now ???????
Nick says
03/01/2017 at 8:51 amHello Farzin,
yeh that’s because of the last update. I’m working on that. Hope to give you a solution soon 😉
Nick says
03/01/2017 at 8:46 amYeh unfortunately there are problems with calls in some devices
Nick says
03/01/2017 at 8:45 amJust use Telegram or iMessage 😉
Nick says
03/01/2017 at 8:44 amYes it still working. Try again
Nick says
03/01/2017 at 8:44 amTry to do it again. Sometimes. There may be some errors
Nick says
03/01/2017 at 8:40 amNo it won’t be active on the other phone
David Khalil says
05/12/2016 at 7:51 pmI have whtsapp on my andriod device. I just got a second wrok phone (Iphone) and would like to add my whatsapp account to this second phone while keeping it on the first phone as well. I tried to follow the steps above but when I go to web.whatsapp.com on my Iphone, it just goes to the mobile version. There is No QR code. I even downloaded Chrome and tried with that n the Iphone and same thing. How can I see the QR code on my phone and is that what I need to do or am I understanding the steps wrong?
Nick says
03/01/2017 at 8:37 amHello David,
you have to request desktop version of the site web.whatsapp.com
Nick says
02/12/2016 at 9:17 amUnfortunately there is no solution. You need the camera
Astaris says
17/11/2016 at 7:22 amIt only works once
Nick says
08/11/2016 at 4:36 pmhello Lia,
on the first phone, open WhatsApp, go to “Settings” and tap on “WhatsApp web.” At this point, you will see on the screen the QR code scanner. Now, scan the QR code that appears on the screen of the second phone
Nick says
08/11/2016 at 4:28 pmGreat Wichal 😉
Nick says
24/10/2016 at 8:38 amHi Wichal,
I think you have a iOS old version. Try to have a look here Ios9news.net/safari-request-desktop-site/
Lars Devald says
12/10/2016 at 1:57 pmWhen doing this will it the allow me to see the text messages (SMS) from one phone on the other phones WhatsApp ? I have a WP and would really like to forward my text to my Andriod. Or at least have them both places in an app.
Nick says
24/10/2016 at 8:30 amHi Lars,
no you cannot see SMS messages. Only the messages on WhatsApp
Nick says
31/08/2016 at 9:45 amIt’s on the left side. Try to refresh the page
Dylan says
27/07/2016 at 2:33 amI’m having the same problem that someone else mentioned below. It all went fine, but now when I go to web.whatsapp.com it reroutes me to just whatsapp.com. If I click the “whatsapp web” button it reloads the site. It seems like its blocking my phone from using the web platform. It all worked at first though.
Rosita Chan Shuk Man says
25/07/2016 at 2:33 amI try to go to web.whatsapp.com, but my browser automatically direct to http://www.whatsapp.com ask request me to download whatsapp app (even I have downloaded it already). What can I do? Thanks
Nick says
28/07/2016 at 9:02 pmHello Rosita,
You should request “Desktop Site” mode.
On iOs (Safari), go to web.whatsapp.com, and tap on the share button (the arrow). You will see two menus with different options. Swipe the lower menu to its right and tap on “Request Desktop Site.”
On Android (Chrome), go to web.whatsapp.com, tap on the settings menu in the upper right corner and then select “Request desktop site.”
On Windows, open Internet Explorer > More > Settings > Website preference.
Z X GUO says
02/08/2016 at 6:36 pmHi Nick
I can’t find the share button on the web.whatsapp.com site on Safari. Can you please post a pic showing where it is located. I am using iPad Air with the latest iOS update. Thanks.
Nick says
31/08/2016 at 9:38 amIt’s this one http://www.igeeksblog.com/wp-content/uploads/Tap-on-Share-Sheet-in-iOS-9-Safari.jpg
aisha sukaina says
21/07/2016 at 10:06 ami want to know if i can read messages sent and received by 1st device (phone)on d other 2nd device(laptop).
to have a check on someone.
Nick says
28/07/2016 at 8:59 pmYeh although it’s not legal you can do it https://messagingapplab.com/news/how-to-spy-on-whatsapp-messages-from-pc-or-mobile-android-and-iphone/125/
Nick says
08/07/2016 at 6:14 pmWhat kind of phone do you have?
Adnan Sheriff says
09/07/2016 at 2:57 amiPhone
Elizabeth Erazo says
26/09/2016 at 9:43 pmI have the same issue, on an Android phone
Ahmad says
06/06/2016 at 12:05 pmHey… I cannot see qr code on whatsapp web .. How i can fix it plz guide me
Nick says
15/06/2016 at 8:03 amHello Ahmad, go to web.whatsapp.com and you’ll see it at the top left corner
Safwaan Khan says
13/05/2016 at 7:56 pmHello.
I have an issue with my whats app account on Web.whatsapp.com
I have connected my whats app account on Phone 2 and it’s work fine ( after scanning code) but after sometime (10-15 mints) it gets disconnected and goes back to home-page although i was connected to same WiFi and signals were full, after that when i open web.whatsapp.com there is no CODE to be scan, showing whatsapp download. Also i am not able to be signed in as i have marked KEEP ME LOGGED IN.
In Phone 2 i have whatsapp with a different number and also been Rooted.
Plz let me know, how can i use whatsapp account of Phone 1 in phone 2 on google chrome (any browser that can solve my problem) by scanning the code only once and then using it on whatsapp web.
Thanks.
Safwaan Khan says
13/05/2016 at 7:19 pmHello.
I have an issue with my whats app account on Web.whatsapp.com
I have connected my whats app account on Phone 2 and it’s work fine ( after scanning code) but after sometime (10-15 mints) it gets disconnected and goes back to home-page although i was connected to same WiFi and signals were full, after that when i open web.whatsapp.com there is no CODE to be scan, showing whatsapp download. Also i am not able to be signed in as i have marked KEEP ME LOGGED IN.
In Phone 2 i have whatsapp with a different number and also been Rooted.
Plz let me know, how can i use whatsapp account of Phone 1 in phone 2 on google chrome (any browser that can solve my problem) by scanning the code only once and then using it on whatsapp web.
Thanks.
Nick says
03/05/2016 at 4:52 pmHello Sloan,
On iOs (Safari), go to web.whatsapp.com, and tap on the share button (the arrow). You will see two menus with different options. Swipe the lower menu to its right and tap on “Request Desktop Site.”
On Android (Chrome), go to web.whatsapp.com, tap on the settings menu in the upper right corner and then select “Request desktop site.”
On Windows, open Internet Explorer > More > Settings > Website preference.
Phoebe says
24/04/2016 at 4:10 pmHi i have different set of phone contacts on both phones. Since im using 1 number on both phones im wondering if my contacts from other phone will see me online if my 2nd phone is online and the other phone is not?
Nick says
03/05/2016 at 4:30 pmHi Phoebe,
yes they will see you online in this case
Phoebe says
06/05/2016 at 11:11 amTy for the reply 🙂
Lindsey Snell says
24/04/2016 at 12:01 pmIs there a way to tell if your whatsapp is logged into two accounts?
Nick says
03/05/2016 at 4:28 pmHello Lindsey,
From your phone, if you go to Settings > WhatsApp Web you will see if your WhatsApp is logged into another account
sunny verma says
19/04/2016 at 10:33 amwhat will happen if new version is available for whatsapp and i update the same in first phone but keep old version in second phone .can i still run whatsapp on both of the phones or i will have to do the same process again
Nick says
22/04/2016 at 10:51 amHello Sunny,
you will update WhatsApp only in one of the two phones as the other will use WhatsApp web. Therefore, in case of update you can still run WhatsApp on both of the phones without doing the same process again.
sunny verma says
19/04/2016 at 10:28 amif i have different contact numbers in phones than can i receive the massage on whatsapp in second phone
Nick says
22/04/2016 at 10:52 amyes you can receive the message on the second phone
Nick says
18/04/2016 at 4:07 pmHello Alfonso,
just go to web.whatsapp.com/ and you will see the QR code
Nick says
18/04/2016 at 4:00 pmHello there,
unfortunately the only way to use WhatsApp on to devices is only through WhatsApp web. We hope it will be possible directly through the app soon
Nick says
18/04/2016 at 3:42 pmHello BB,
sometimes some error might occur on WhatsApp web platform. Try again after sometime
Nick says
18/04/2016 at 3:30 pmHello Marc, yes it’s possible. The only requirement is that both of the devices must have an Internet connection available.
Menol says
03/02/2016 at 11:57 amHello Geoff,
Could you tell me what kind of devices you’re using? Anyway, from Phone 2 open https://web.whatsapp.com/ in “desktop site” mode. Once you’ve successfully activated the desktop site mode, a QR code will appear on the web page. With the Phone 1, go to Settings > WhatsApp Web and scan the QR Code on the screen of Phone 2. Then, you should be able to use WhatsApp on the two devices at the same time.