If you've ever grabbed your second phone only to realize your WhatsApp messages were stuck on the first, you're not alone. This is a daily hiccup for people who rely on multiple devices, especially those who balance personal and work phones.
WhatsApp rolled out a solution not too long ago: Companion Mode. With it, one account can now run on two phones—no browser workarounds, no sketchy third-party apps. If switching between devices is part of your routine, this update removes a pain point you didn’t know could be fixed.
This guide breaks down what the feature does and walks you through how to use WhatsApp on two phones.
Launched in April 2023, Companion Mode lets you add up to four other phones to your existing WhatsApp account. Once linked, these devices all receive messages and calls—regardless of whether your main phone is connected to the internet.
If you've ever wondered how to link WhatsApp to another phone, this feature makes the process simple and secure. Before this, WhatsApp’s multi-device setup was limited to web and desktop. Now, with phones included, it’s easier to stay connected across different devices, whether you’re on iOS or Android.
Each phone you connect works on its own, and your conversations stay encrypted from end to end, just like always.
Having WhatsApp on more than one phone changes how you communicate when you're moving between devices. Learning how to use WhatsApp on two phones with the same number can simplify daily workflows. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about removing roadblocks.
Here’s what people tend to appreciate most:
For folks who work on the go or split time between phones, it simplifies the entire experience.
Even with multiple phones connected, WhatsApp doesn’t compromise privacy. Every message remains locked behind end-to-end encryption, and each device sets up its own secure connection.
So while the feature adds flexibility, it doesn’t compromise on what’s protected.
With Companion Mode, linking another phone to your existing WhatsApp account is surprisingly straightforward. You won’t need your SIM card in both phones, and there’s no complicated syncing involved.
While some users search for how to use WhatsApp on two phones without QR code, the current method still requires a quick scan during setup—but after that, both phones function independently.
Once the phones are linked, everything—your messages, media, calls—gets mirrored. Both phones stay in sync, and you can send or receive chats from either one at any time.
This is especially handy for people who switch between a personal and work phone, travel often, or just like having a backup device for communication.
Using WhatsApp on a linked Android Companion phone
If your second phone is an Android, linking it takes just a couple of minutes. Once you’ve set it up, the app works just like it does on your main device.
Some features won’t carry over to your second device. You won’t be able to share your live location, update your status, or manage broadcast lists from the companion phone. For everything else, though, it’s business as usual.
The iPhone version works similarly to Android, though you’ll need to tweak a few settings to keep things running smoothly.
You’ll notice the same limits as Android here. Live location, broadcast tools, and some account settings remain locked on the companion phone.
Companion Mode works the same way on Android and iPhone, though the screens look a little different. If you’ve been wondering how to use WhatsApp on two mobiles, here’s a simple walk-through for both platforms to help you link your second phone without any guesswork.
Step 1: Install WhatsApp on your second Android phone from the Google Play Store.
Step 2: Open the app and tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
Step 3: Choose “Link to existing account.”
Step 4: Open WhatsApp on your main phone and go to Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device.
Step 5: Use your fingerprint, PIN, or face unlock to verify it’s you.
Step 6: Scan the QR code on the new phone using your primary device.
Step 7: Let it sync—this usually takes a few seconds.
Step 8: Once synced, the second device will show your latest chats and messages. From there, you can jump in and start replying right away.
Step 1: Open the App Store on your secondary iPhone and install WhatsApp.
Step 2: Launch the app and tap “Link to existing account.”
Step 3: On your primary phone, go to Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device.
Step 4: Authenticate with your Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.
Step 5: Point your main phone at the QR code on the iPhone screen.
Step 6: Wait for everything to sync—this only takes a moment.
And just like that, your chats will be available on both devices.
As helpful as Companion Mode is, it does come with a few boundaries. Knowing what you can and can’t do will save you some surprises down the road.
Having the same WhatsApp on two phones is useful. But when your inbox starts to fill up with customer queries, support messages, and lead follow-ups, extra devices aren’t enough on their own.
That’s where Gallabox comes in. It helps teams respond faster, organize conversations better, and automate the kind of replies no one should be typing out manually anymore.
Here’s how Gallabox helps:
Gallabox gives you more than a multi-device setup. It’s the difference between juggling messages and actually managing them.
Gallabox's WhatsApp automation platform has empowered various businesses across industries to enhance customer engagement, streamline operations, and drive growth. Here are some notable success stories:
Sattvic Stores, an online brand known for its organic health products, had a problem. Too many orders were being returned, and a lot of team hours were going into answering the same customer questions over and over.
After switching to Gallabox’s WhatsApp chatbot tool and WhatApp broadcast tools, they started seeing results fast.
They welcomed more than 2,000 new customers in the same period without needing to grow the team.
Footprint Real Estate needed a more reliable way to handle the steady stream of leads coming in through WhatsApp. The manual back-and-forth just wasn’t cutting it anymore.
With Gallabox’s WhatsApp Business API in place, their sales process changed for the better.
By automating outreach and managing chats in one shared inbox, their team kept up with more leads without losing the personal touch.
Learning how to use WhatsApp on two phones is undeniably helpful. But once your message volume starts to grow—whether it’s from customers, teammates, or both—switching devices becomes the least of your concerns.
That’s where tools like Gallabox make a real impact. They don’t just extend access. They help you build a system. One where replies go out faster, leads don’t fall through the cracks, and your team can stay organized without burning out.
Whether you're handling a handful of conversations or hundreds, scaling WhatsApp starts with the right foundation.
It’s time to do WhatsApp better.
Sign up for a free trial today to discover how you can scale smarter, respond faster, and turn every WhatsApp chat into an opportunity to grow.
No, once linked, each device operates independently. Your primary phone doesn't need to stay connected to the internet for the linked devices to function. However, if your primary device remains inactive for over 14 days, all linked devices will be logged out automatically.
Yes, WhatsApp's Companion Mode is available on both Android and iOS devices. This feature allows users to link up to four other devices, including smartphones, to a single WhatsApp account.
Yes, all personal messages, media, and calls remain end-to-end encrypted across all linked devices. Each device connects to WhatsApp independently, ensuring that your communications are secure.
Absolutely. Once devices are linked using Companion Mode, messages, calls, and media are synchronized across all devices. You can send and receive messages from any linked device.
Yes, you can link up to four devices to your WhatsApp account in addition to your primary phone. This includes smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Yes, WhatsApp Business supports Companion Mode, enabling multiple team members to manage customer interactions simultaneously.
Yes, using WhatsApp on multiple devices is secure. Each linked device maintains end-to-end encryption, ensuring that your messages and calls are private and protected. WhatsApp employs security measures to prevent unauthorized access to your account.
Take Gallabox for a 7-day ride