WhatsApp’s Companion Mode lets you link your primary phone’s account to up to 4 additional devices, like a secondary phone, so you can access chats, calls, and media across them without switching accounts. This works on both Android and iOS, with end-to-end encryption preserved. Key notes:
• Your primary phone must stay connected every 14 days, or linked devices will log out.
• Only recent chat history syncs to the secondary phone (up to about a year; older messages stay on the primary).
• Limitations: No live location sharing, status updates, or broadcast lists on secondary devices. Notifications and battery settings need manual tweaks per device.
• Ensure WhatsApp is updated on all devices.
Steps for Android (Primary or Secondary Phone)
On the Secondary Android Phone:
1. Open the Google Play Store and install WhatsApp (if not already installed).
2. Launch WhatsApp.
3. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.
4. Select Link to existing account. This will display a QR code on the screen.
On the Primary Android Phone:
1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) > Linked devices > Link a device.
3. If prompted, verify your identity (fingerprint, PIN, or pattern).
4. Point your primary phone’s camera at the QR code on the secondary phone’s screen and scan it.
5. Wait a few seconds for the sync to complete—the secondary phone will show your chats.
After Linking (On Secondary Phone):
• Go to your phone’s Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Enable notifications.
• Disable battery optimization for WhatsApp (under Battery > App optimization) to avoid delays.
• Grant permissions for photos, media, and files if asked.
Steps for iOS (Primary or Secondary iPhone)
On the Secondary iPhone:
1. Open the App Store and install WhatsApp.
2. Launch WhatsApp.
3. Tap Link to existing account (it may appear on the welcome screen). A QR code will show.
On the Primary iPhone (or Android):
1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Go to Settings (bottom-right tab) > Linked Devices > Link a Device.
3. Verify your identity (Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode).
4. Scan the QR code on the secondary iPhone’s screen using your primary phone’s camera.
5. Sync will happen automatically (usually in moments).
After Linking (On Secondary iPhone):
• Go to iPhone Settings > Notifications > WhatsApp > Allow all types (banners, sounds, badges).
• Enable Background App Refresh for WhatsApp in iPhone Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
• Note: Chat backups on secondary iPhones aren’t automatic—switch it to primary if needed later.
If the QR scan fails, try “Link with phone number instead” in Linked Devices (enter the secondary phone’s number and verify via SMS). For issues, check WhatsApp’s in-app help or update the app. This setup keeps your account secure without needing the primary phone online constantly after linking.