WhatsApp will now let users log into two accounts simultaneously

WhatsApp announced today that it is rolling out the ability for users to use two accounts simultaneously. That means you can switch between two accounts in the same WhatsApp instance.

Mark Zuckerberg announced the feature on his Facebook page and said the feature is coming soon to users on Android.

Historically, people had to carry two phones to use two WhatsApp accounts. Now, the company is making it possible to use just one phone for two accounts. Phone manufacturers such as Xiaomi and Oppo have also had features like app cloning to let people take advantage of multiple WhatsApp instances.

Users can go to Settings > Add Account to add a second account. While setting up, you will need your second phone with SIM or a phone with physical or eSIM facility for multi-SIM. The company said that you will be able to manage separate notifications and privacy settings for each account.

Creating a second account

To create a second account, follow these steps:

1. Tap 
   
    > Settings > Account > Add Account.
2. Read the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, then tap Agree and Continue to accept the terms.
3. Select your country from the drop-down list to add your country code. Enter your phone number in international phone number format. Tap Done or Next, then tap Ok to receive your 6-digit registration code through SMS or phone call.
4. To complete registration, enter your 6-digit code. Learn more on how to register your phone number on Android.
5. In your new profile, enter your name, and then tap Next. You can also add a profile photo and fill in the about field.

To switch between accounts:

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Tap 
   
    > Switch accounts.

Note:

• This feature currently supports a maximum of two accounts.
• Users can see activity on idle accounts. You will need to switch accounts in order to see the content.

Respond to notifications on idle accounts

The idle account will receive notifications for new messages and calls. You must switch accounts to access the content.

To answer calls on your idle account, you must switch accounts. To switch accounts, follow these steps:

1. When someone calls your idle account, you will get a push notification. You can respond to the notification by selecting Ignore or Switch Accounts.
• If you wish to ignore the call, tap Ignore.
• If you want to switch to your second WhatsApp account, tap Switch Accounts. This will take you directly to the switch accounts loading screen.
2. From here, you can choose to Answer, Reply, or Decline the call.

How to remove an account

You can remove an account from your device at any time. Removing an account does not delete the account.

To remove an account:

1. Tap 
   
    > Settings > Account > Remove account.
2. Tap Confirm to confirm you want to remove this account from this device.

Note:

• If you remove an account, it will only be removed from the device you're currently using.
• If you have linked devices, the account will be removed in 14 days.
• Your WhatsApp groups and channels will remain unaffected.
• You'll lose any messages or data not backed up. Learn more about backing up your data.

To delete an account:

1. Tap 
   
    > Settings > Account > Delete account.
2. Enter your country code and phone number, then tap Delete account to confirm.

Note:

• If you delete an account the account will be deleted from WhatsApp and all your devices.
• Your message history will be erased.
• You will be removed from all your WhatsApp groups.
• Your Google Drive backup will be deleted.
• Any channels you created will be deleted.