Multiple WhatsApp accounts on one device - how it works

There is great news for WhatsApp users, especially those who use WhatsApp not only privately but also for business. For years, users were bound by the"one account per device" rule when it came to using WhatsApp. Those days are now over! WhatsApp recently introduced a new feature that makes it possible to use two accounts on the same smartphone. In this article, we will show you how to set it up and what advantages the new feature brings.

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WhatsApp announcement: Two WhatsApp accounts can now be used on the same smartphone

It's news that will delight a large number of WhatsApp users! In the official blog, the messaging giant has introduced a function that allows two accounts - each with their own phone numbers - to be operated simultaneously on a single device. For the time being, this function is available for a maximum of two accounts, and switching between these accounts should be seamless. Finally, users no longer have to jump back and forth between logging in and logging out or even carry around two separate smartphones for private and business calls.

Two WhatsApp accounts on one device — WhatsApp owner Meta has announced that WhatsApp users can now use two accounts on one device (Source: WhatsApp)

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The announcement is a blessing for all those who previously had to make do with workarounds and half solutions. According to Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, the function will be available to everyone "soon". While iOS users can already enjoy it, Android users will have to wait a little longer. The implementation for the Android community is expected "in the coming weeks and months".

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However, there are some requirements for using this function. You need a second phone number and a smartphone that supports multi-SIM or eSIM. In the WhatsApp settings, you can then select the "Add account" option using the arrow next to the user name.

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Instructions: Add a second WhatsApp account

Perhaps you are one of the many people who have been eagerly awaiting this new feature. But how exactly do you add a second WhatsApp account? You can get there in just a few simple steps:
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Prerequisites

‍Beforeyou start, you should make sure that your smartphone supports multi-SIM or eSIM. You will also need an additional, active phone number that is not yet linked to a WhatsApp account.
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Step 1: Open settings

‍OpenWhatsApp and tap on the three vertical dots at the top right to access the menu. Select "Settings" here.
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Step 2: Navigate to the user profile

‍Inthe settings you will find your profile picture and your name. You should see a small arrow right next to it. Tap on it.
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Step 3: Add account

‍Aftertapping on the arrow, the "Add account" option appears. Select this.
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Step 4: Verification

‍Youwill be asked to enter the new phone number. After entering it, you will receive a verification code by text message. Enter this into the app to complete the process.
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Step 5: Personalization

‍Youcan now make individual settings for the new account. This applies to both privacy and notification options. Customize these to your liking.
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Done!

‍Voilà, you have successfully set up a second WhatsApp account on your smartphone! Now you can seamlessly switch between both accounts without having to log in and out each time.

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Advantages of two WhatsApp accounts on one device

The ability to use two WhatsApp accounts on a single device has a number of advantages. In this section, we explain why this function is not just a technical gimmick, but a real benefit for users.

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Order and structure
One of the main advantages is the clear separation between work and private life. Instead of a single message list that mixes work chats with private conversations, or instead of two smartphones with one WhatsApp account each, you now have two separate WhatsApp accounts on one device. This makes it much easier to keep an overview.

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Save time
Who hasn't experienced this? Constantly switching back and forth between different accounts costs time and nerves. The new function eliminates the need to log in and out again and again or even use multiple devices.

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Flexibility and mobility
Another plus point is the increased flexibility. You can now conduct both business and private chats on the move without having to carry two smartphones with you. This makes you more mobile and flexible in everyday life.

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Individual settings
Each of the two accounts can be customized individually. From the profile information to the privacy settings, you can set everything to your liking. This way, your business profile remains strictly professional, while you can be more relaxed in your private account.

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Important note: Even with these new features, the use of WhatsApp Business is not GDPR-compliant in the vast majority of cases. If you want to avoid the frequent warnings, severe penalties and expensive legal costs associated with non-compliance with the GDPR (= use of the standard WhatsApp Business app), you should use the data protection-compliant WhatsApp API interface. You can read all about the GDPR when using WhatsApp in our article"WhatsApp Business and GDPR".

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It gets even better: Unlimited numbers, devices and users with the WhatsApp Business API

Although this innovation is already a significant improvement, the functions of WhatsApp Business for business purposes are still very limited. The WhatsApp API transforms WhatsApp into a highly professional messaging channel for companies.

With this so-called application programming interface (API), companies can not only receive and reply to unlimited WhatsApp messages from their customers, but also add any number of phone numbers and devices to their WhatsApp Business account. What's more, the WhatsApp API is the only way for companies to use WhatsApp in a 100% GDPR-compliant manner. Furthermore, the API can be used to send fully automated WhatsApp newsletters to customers and to use message templates and chatbots for highly efficient processing of customer inquiries. It is even possible to integrate WhatsApp into thousands of other software applications! You can find a useful overview of this in the following table.
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Table with differences between WhatsApp, WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp API — The differences between WhatsApp Messenger, WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp API at a glance

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What are the advantages of the WhatsApp Business API in conjunction with Mateo?

Mateo's WhatsApp API interface offers many other benefits and improves your customer communication in dozens of aspects. Our customers particularly appreciate the following advantages:

‍Centralizeduser interface: Mateo combines WhatsApp Business API, email, Instagram, SMS and Facebook Messenger in one central inbox. The intuitive user interface includes various tools for efficient customer communication and saves you valuable working time.
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Integrations: With Mateo you can integrate WhatsApp with over 6,000 software programs and send fully automated messages such as invitations, order confirmations, shipping information, invoices or reminders.
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Newsletter marketing: Send GDPR-compliant newsletters via WhatsApp or SMS and benefit from open rates of over 95%.

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Review management: Mateo can automatically request online reviews from your customers, boosting your Google ranking and trust in your business.
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‍Data protection: Mateo complies with all German and European data protection requirements and offers end-to-end encryption for secure customer communication.
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Scalability: Our software is suitable for companies of any size and can be expanded indefinitely depending on the package.‍
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Cost-effective provider: With an entry-level price of just 79 euros per month, Mateo offers excellent value for money.
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Arrange a free and non-binding consultation and we will show you how MATEO can meet your communication needs! Simply book an appointment here or write to us via our web widget.

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Use multiple WhatsApp accounts on one device at the same time [November 2023]