WHATSAPP is making a genius change that lets you use the app on multiple phones.
The chat app already works across laptops and desktops – but not for a secondary smartphone.
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It’s a major overhaul for the wildly popular Meta-owned chat app.
And it’s long-requested by users who might have a spare handset.
For a long time, it was only possible to use WhatsApp on a computer if your phone was online and linked.
But in November 2021, WhatsApp began offering users the ability to “link” devices.
This meant that you could use the desktop version of WhatsApp even if your phone wasn’t available.
This still doesn’t work for anyone using a second smartphone – you’re simply stuck.
Now it appears that WhatsApp is testing the ability to link a second smartphone too.
An image showing the change has appeared inside a test version of WhatsApp.
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The surprising feature was uncovered by the sleuths at WABetaInfo, who mine the WhatsApp beta trial app for upcoming changes.
The text reads: “Register device as companion to use WhatsApp on other device.
“Open WhatsApp on your phone. Tap Menu or Settings and select Linked Devices.
“Point your phone to this screen to scan the code.”
There are two catches, really.
The first is that it’s only useful if you’re lucky enough to own two phones.
And the second is that it’s not currently available: it’s under development for the beta version of WhatsApp.
So you’ll get access first if you’ve been accepted into the WhatsApp beta trial.
Otherwise you’ll have to wait until it rolls out to the general public.
That could take weeks, months or even years depending on how development goes.
But if it goes ahead, it would open up the app for millions of extra devices.
If you want to join the WhatsApp beta, follow our guide below.
How to join WhatsApp beta
To download WhatsApp beta for your smartphone you need to go to Google Play on your Android and search for WhatsApp.
Scroll down the page until you see “Become a Beta Tester”.
Tap the “I’m In” button and then click “Join” to confirm.
Now all you have to do is wait for the update to the beta version of the app.
Joining the WhatsApp beta on iPhone is more difficult, and has limited capacity.
Follow Apple’s guide here.
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
