WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is testing a new feature called “companion mode” for Android. Companion mode, currently available to some beta testers, allows users to join existing accounts on secondary Android mobile devices. WhatsApp now allows existing accounts to be linked to up to four devices. It allows users to use WhatsApp services on the linked device even if the primary registered device is out of network range or has no internet access.
However, companion mode is currently limited to a web client and PC application. Tablet and smartphone support has been a long time coming, and Android’s companion mode is a step in the right direction. So what’s new about Android’s companion mode and how does it work? Here’s what you need to know:
A little background person
According to website WABetaInfo, which follows WhatsApp’s planned features, buddy mode has been given to some beta testers. WhatsApp is exploring companion mode for mobile phones by enabling the feature for some beta testers, the company says. WhatsApp offers consumers the option to link a second smartphone using the Link Device option. The connection is made via the standard QR code.
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According to the report, as soon as you connect another smartphone, your call history will also sync with this new device, allowing you to view and reply to messages and calls at the same time. This means that beta testers can now connect up to four devices – two smartphones, a tablet and a desktop computer.
Here are the steps to enable companion mode on Android:
Step 1 Download and install WhatsApp desktop software on your PC or mobile device.
Step 2: Tap on “Link device” to get the QR code required for account linking if it is not already displayed.
Step 3: Now open WhatsApp on your primary registered phone.
Step 4: Go to Settings and tap on “Linked Devices”.
Step 3: In Linked Devices, tap Link a Device.
Step 4: Point the phone camera to scan the QR code visible on the secondary mobile or desktop screen.
Step 5: Once connected, companion mode will be activated on the secondary mobile phone or PC.
When you attach a WhatsApp account to a new phone, the primary device’s chat history is synced across all linked devices. As said, when you use WhatsApp from a linked mobile phone, all personal messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted. When someone sends you a message, it’s also distributed to all connected devices, ensuring encryption is always preserved.
Also read: How to use the same WhatsApp on two or more smartphones?
But beware, some features may not be available while testing this new update. For example, viewing live locations and managing broadcast listings and stickers may not be available.
Another new feature
In addition, WhatsApp recently increased the number of group participants to 1,024 and rolled out the WhatsApp communities feature worldwide. Users can form a group of existing groups using the community feature. A community can contain up to 12 groups.
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