Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, has announced a new feature for WhatsApp that will allow users to switch between two accounts on the same phone. This feature will be available for Android users in the coming weeks and months, and will make it easier for users to manage their personal and professional conversations on WhatsApp.
What is the new feature and why is it useful?
The new feature, shared by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a Facebook post, will let users have two WhatsApp accounts on one phone within the app. This means that users will not have to log out of one account to access another, or carry two phones to use different WhatsApp numbers.
This feature will be useful for many users who use WhatsApp for both personal and work purposes, and want to keep them separate. For example, users who have a business account on WhatsApp can use this feature to switch between their business and personal accounts easily. Users who have family or friends in different countries can also use this feature to communicate with them using different WhatsApp numbers.
How to set up and use the new feature?
To set up a second account on WhatsApp, users will need a second phone number and SIM card, or a phone that supports multi-SIM or eSIM technology. Users can then open their WhatsApp settings, tap on the arrow next to their name, and select “Add account”. This will allow them to create and verify a second WhatsApp account within the app.
Users can then switch between their accounts by tapping on the arrow next to their name again, and choosing the account they want to use. Users can also customize their privacy and notification settings for each account independently, according to their preferences.
What are the benefits and risks of using the new feature?
The benefits of using the new feature are:
- Users can easily switch between their personal and professional conversations on WhatsApp, without having to log out or carry two phones.
- Users can maintain separate profiles, contacts, chats, media, and backups for each account, and keep them organized.
- Users can enjoy all the features and functionalities of WhatsApp on both accounts, such as voice and video calls, group chats, stickers, status updates, payments, etc.
The risks of using the new feature are:
- Users may accidentally send messages or make calls from the wrong account, if they are not careful about switching between them.
- Users may face some issues with syncing or restoring their chats and media across different accounts or devices.
- Users may compromise their security and privacy if they use unofficial or fake versions of WhatsApp to access multiple accounts on one phone.
What are the alternatives to using the new feature?
If users do not want to use the new feature, or if they have more than two WhatsApp accounts that they want to use on one phone, they can try some alternatives such as:
- Using third-party apps or software that allow users to clone or run multiple instances of WhatsApp on one phone. However, these apps may not be safe or reliable, and may violate WhatsApp’s terms of service.
- Using web browsers or desktop clients that allow users to access WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop from different devices or tabs. However, these methods may not offer all the features or convenience of using WhatsApp on a phone.
- Using other messaging apps or platforms that support multiple accounts or numbers on one phone. However, these apps may not be compatible or popular with all users or contacts.
