WhatsApp wants to allow multiple accounts on iPhone

Users of WhatsApp who own more than one account for the Meta messenger are currently out of luck: Ultimately, only the business version WhatsApp Business officially allows multiple accesses. If you want to implement this otherwise, you have to work with complex workarounds such as a second device and web access to WhatsApp, which is often blocked on mobile devices – or you switch back and forth annoyingly. However, WhatsApp has now recognized that users also want this feature as private customers. As the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS shows, it will now be implemented in one of the upcoming versions, should the provider not change its mind again.

The freedom of multiple accounts – as long as there are only two

As the beta info website WABetaInfo reports, selected TestFlight beta testers can try out the function as part of WhatsApp for iOS 25.34.10.72. It always supports only two accounts, which can be existing WhatsApp accesses, those for WhatsApp Business, and even newly created numbers – so it should be possible for the first time to use, for example, the number of a second SIM card or eSIM.

Accounts are registered by scanning the QR code, as is already known from switching to a Mac or another device. Each account has its own chat history as well as notification and privacy settings plus backup configuration. Very practical: According to WABetaInfo, you can switch quickly between both accounts. Apparently, it is also possible to remain logged into both accesses, because WhatsApp will then show the sender's name and which account they are addressing in its notifications in the future.

App lock available, useful also in a professional context

Beta testers continue to report that the app lock functionality, with which you can protect WhatsApp biometrically (via Face ID or Touch ID), is also compatible with the two accounts. This way, you can also prevent account switching and specifically protect an account. To date, it is still unclear when WhatsApp will make the feature accessible to all users. Beta tests can take months. Furthermore, access to the betas is limited to a relatively small circle.

Added accounts can, of course, also be deleted again, "The ability to add multiple accounts within WhatsApp represents a significant improvement in communication flexibility for users," comments WABetaInfo. Many users have so far used WhatsApp Business to manage a second number, especially for professional communication.

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