Home
How to
How to Features
How to Create and Remove Multiple Accounts on WhatsApp for iPhone: A Step by Step Guide

How to Create and Remove Multiple Accounts on WhatsApp for iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you use separate work and personal numbers, here's everything you need to know about setting up a second WhatsApp account on your iPhone.

Written by Shaurya Tomer, Edited by David Delima | Updated: 15 June 2026 17:41 IST

How to Create and Remove Multiple Accounts on WhatsApp for iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Photo Credit: Pexels/ Anton

Users can switch between two WhatsApp accounts without having to log out

Click Here to Add Gadgets360 As A Trusted Source

Highlights

Each account requires a unique phone number for setup
Privacy settings are independent for each dual account
You can remove secondary accounts without deleting them

Many of us juggle more than one phone number. One is usually reserved for work, while another is for personal use, keeping both aspects of our lives separate. Managing multiple numbers has been easy for years thanks to features like dual-SIM and eSIM support. However, running two separate WhatsApp accounts on a single iPhone has always been an absolute headache. Thankfully, that's finally changing. WhatsApp now officially supports dual accounts on one iPhone, which means you can stop carrying around a second phone just for WhatsApp, or try any sketchy third-party apps that promise to fulfil such needs but cause more harm than good.

So, if you use separate numbers for work and personal communication, here's everything you need to know about setting up a second WhatsApp account on your iPhone.

Whatsapp Discussion

Explore More...

How iPhone WhatsApp Dual Accounts Work

WhatsApp for iOS now has a multi-account feature, which, as the name suggests, allows users to add and manage two separate accounts on a single iPhone. However, each account should be linked to a different phone number since both accounts function independently within the messaging app.

Hide Your Number on WhatsApp: How to Set a Username for Better Privacy

Meta says once two accounts are registered, users can switch between them without having to log out. The account currently being used is considered the active account, while the other remains idle in the background. On the personalisation front, each account can have its own profile picture, About section, notification preferences, and privacy settings. Per WhatsApp, notifications for incoming messages and calls will continue to arrive even when an account is idle.

The multi-account feature requires a second phone number, which can be linked through a physical SIM card, eSIM, or another supported mobile number. WhatsApp notes that secondary accounts can only be created on a user's primary smartphone. The company also advises against frequently moving accounts between devices, as repeated verification attempts may trigger security restrictions.

How to Create a Second WhatsApp Account on iPhone

Open WhatsApp on your iPhone and tap Settings from the bottom navigation bar.
Tap the plus (+) icon located next to your profile name and select Add Account.
Tap Agree and Continue to accept WhatsApp's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Now, select your country and enter the phone number you want to use for the second account. Tap Continue and verify the account using the six-digit code received via SMS or phone call.
Enter your name and tap Next.
Add a profile picture and About information if desired. You can also skip this step and complete it later.
Finish the setup process and wait for WhatsApp to register the account.

Upon completion of the verification process, the second WhatsApp account will be added to the iPhone, and you can switch between them from the Settings menu when required. WhatsApp says that if the Add Account option is not visible, then users must ensure that they are running the latest version of WhatsApp for iOS.

Instagram Instants Explained: What It Is, How It Works, Features and More

If you no longer want to use a secondary account on a specific device, you can remove it without permanently deleting the WhatsApp account itself.

How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Instagram Using Various Methods

How to Remove a WhatsApp Account From iPhone

Open WhatsApp and navigate to Settings > Account
Tap Remove Account
Select Go to Chat Backup if you want to back up your conversations before removing your account.
Confirm the phone number and tap Remove

Users should note that removing an account only disconnects it from the current device. This means your WhatsApp account, groups, and channels will remain active.

Comments

Get your daily dose of tech news, reviews, and insights, in under 80 characters on Gadgets 360 Turbo. Connect with fellow tech lovers on our Forum. Follow us on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News for instant updates. Catch all the action on our YouTube channel.

Further reading: WhatsApp, WhatsApp for iOS, WhatsApp for iPhone

Shaurya Tomer

Email Shaurya Tomer

Shaurya Tomer is a Sub Editor at Gadgets 360 with 2 years of experience across a diverse spectrum of topics. With a particular focus on smartphones, gadgets and the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), he often likes to explore the industry's intricacies and innovations – whether dissecting the latest smartphone release or exploring the ethical implications of AI advancements. In his free time, he often embarks on impromptu road trips to unwind, recharge, and ...More