How to set up, things to know and more

Meta has recently updated WhatsApp with Linked Devices feature that allows users to link up to four devices with the same WhatsApp account. Also, these four devices will continue to receive messages, calls, even without the primary device.

Now, setting up multiple WhatsApp accounts on Android smartphones is a simple process. Most brands offer features like Dual apps, Clone apps, to replicate two different versions of the same app and use them with different accounts. iPhone users too have the option to download WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp app separately and run two different WhatsApp accounts.

However, things aren’t as simple for desktops. There are no multiple versions and nor does Windows come with any Clone app-like feature built-in.

So, the question here is how to run multiple WhatsApp accounts on a desktop. The process is simple, but there’s a lot to know and understand about it.

Running multiple WhatsApp accounts on desktop
First and foremost, Windows or macOS do not have native Dual apps or Clone app-like feature. Sure there are third-party options available, but we are talking about first-party solutions only in order to not compromise on privacy and security.

Now, there are multiple ways to run multiple WhatsApp accounts on desktop, here are some versions that you can try.

Here is how they work

WhatsApp native app + WhatsApp Web
For this, all you need to do is first download WhatsApp app from Microsoft Store or Apple App Store or WhatsApp’s official website and set it up properly.
Then, open any web browser and head to “web.whatsapp.com” and set it up via the linked devices feature.

That’s it. You now have access to two different WhatsApp accounts on your desktop.

WhatsApp native app + WhatsApp Web (multiple via browser profiles)
The first part here remains the same, however, for the second part, you can start with accessing WhatsApp Web from one profile and then create a new browser profile by clicking on the profile icon and creating a new profile. Then you’ll be able to set up another instance of WhatsApp Web.

You can use this for as many accounts as you want. However, creating multiple profiles just to use multiple WhatsApp Web can create confusion and mess within the browser. This method is best suited for two or three relevant browser profiles and not more than that.

WhatsApp native app + WhatsApp Web + WhatsApp in side panel

This is the third method and this allows you to use multiple WhatsApp accounts without multiple profiles. So, you will need either a couple of browsers where you can use at least one WhatsApp Web on each. Or, there are some browsers like Edge and Opera that have a dedicated side panel with WhatsApp support. You can use that to link two WhatsApp accounts — one as a regular WhatsApp Web and another as WhatsApp on side panel.

Things you need to know about using these methods
First thing that you should know is that WhatsApp Web does not support calls. So, you won’t be able to take or make calls using the WhatsApp web version.
Second, the native app offers better and more advanced features over WhatsApp Web. So, there can be several features that won’t be available on web.
Also, all the WhatsApp chats are end-to-end encrypted irrespective of the method you are using.

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