We could be closer to getting multiple device support in WhatsApp

WhatsApp has delivered quite a few features over the years, ranging from Stories and dark mode to QR code support and Any.do integration. We still don’t have multiple device support after all this time though, but it looks like we might be a step closer to getting the feature.

Frequent WhatsApp tipster WABetaInfo has uncovered screenshots supposedly showing multiple device support within a pre-release build of the messaging app. The screenshots show an option called “linked devices” available from the main three-dot menu, replacing the WhatsApp Web shortcut.

Screenshots of the “linked devices” menu also note that you can send and receive messages from the browser, computer, and Facebook Portal devices. It’s unclear if this is therefore simply a new home for WhatsApp Web, WhatsApp Desktop, and Facebook Portal functionality. If this is indeed the case, then you’ll still need your phone to be connected to the internet in order to use the likes of desktop and web clients.

In any event, the menu also gives you the ability to view linked devices and log out of a specific device. The tipster adds that WhatsApp could require users to get verification codes sent to their phone in order to log into another phone.

This wouldn’t be the first time we heard murmurings of multiple device support though, as WABetaInfo uncovered references to multiple device support back in November 2019 and again in March 2020. So it looks like the WhatsApp team has been working on this feature for a while now.

:story: Android Authority