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.
Users can switch between two WhatsApp accounts without having to log out
Photo Credit: Pexels/ Anton
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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