How to link WhatsApp to another phone
- Install WhatsApp on the second phone and open it. Do not register your number on it: that would move the account and log out the first phone.
- On the screen that asks for your phone number, look for the option to link to an existing account. On Android it is in the menu behind the three dots; the exact wording differs between versions. The second phone now shows a QR code.
- On your main phone open WhatsApp. On Android tap the three dots, then Linked devices. On iPhone go to Settings, then Linked devices.
- Tap Link a device, unlock your phone if asked, and scan the QR code on the second phone.
- Wait until the chats have loaded. The second phone now appears under Linked devices and works with the same number.
How to link a device: WhatsApp Web or the desktop app
- On the computer open web.whatsapp.com in a browser, or the WhatsApp desktop app. It shows a QR code.
- On your main phone go to Linked devices and tap Link a device.
- Scan the code. Instead of a QR code, some screens offer to link with a phone number: you then type an 8-character code on your phone.
Your main phone does not need to stay online for a linked device to work, but if you do not use WhatsApp on the main phone for about 14 days, linked devices are logged out. To remove one, open Linked devices, tap the device and choose Log out.
How to see linked devices on WhatsApp
- Open WhatsApp on your main phone.
- On Android tap the three dots at the top right, then Linked devices. On iPhone tap Settings, then Linked devices.
- The list shows every linked device with its browser or device type and when it was last active. A device that is open right now shows as active.
- Tap a device you do not recognise and choose Log out. It is disconnected straight away.
There is no full history of linked devices: WhatsApp only shows the devices that are linked now, with their last activity. A device you logged out disappears from the list. If you see one you do not know, log it out and turn on two-step verification under Settings, Account. A tablet, such as an Android tablet or an iPad, is linked the same way as a second phone and counts as one of the 4 devices.
WhatsApp link device not working? QR code scanner problems
- No separate scanner app needed. The QR scanner is inside WhatsApp, under Linked devices, Link a device. A normal camera or scanner app cannot link a device.
- Code does not scan. Turn up the screen brightness, zoom in the browser, clean the camera lens, and keep the phone steady. The code refreshes after a short time; reload the page if it has expired.
- Link a device is missing or greyed out. Update WhatsApp on both devices and check that the main phone has internet.
- Limit reached. You can have at most 4 linked devices. Log out one you no longer use.
What a coworker sees with WhatsApp Web or a linked device
Linked devices let you use your WhatsApp account on up to 4 extra devices next to your phone: WhatsApp Web in a browser, the desktop app or a second phone. It is free and takes a minute. But a linked device is a full copy of your account. There is no setting to hide part of it.
Why this is a privacy question
A business number holds more than customer questions: conversations with your accountant and suppliers, family who have that number anyway, and the phone numbers of every customer. A coworker with a linked device can read, forward and screenshot all of it. When they leave, you have to remember to unlink the device.
When a linked device is fine
For a small office where everyone may see everything, linked devices are free and simple. Use InBetween when the person answering should only see the customer questions meant for them.
Forward customer messages automatically. Replies go back from your number.
Try free for 30 days| What the coworker gets | Linked device / WhatsApp Web | Forwarding with InBetween |
|---|---|---|
| Chat list | All chats, business and private | No chat list, only forwarded customer messages |
| Old conversations | Recent history is synced | No history |
| Customer phone numbers | Visible | Hidden by default (Customer 1, Customer 2) |
| Groups, status, contacts | Visible | Not visible |
| Replying on behalf of the business | Anywhere, including chats not meant for them | Only to the forwarded message, from the business number |
| Where they work | A browser or device with your account | Their own WhatsApp |
| Removing access | Unlink the device on your phone | Change coworker or Pause in the dashboard |
| Cost | Free | 30 days Pro+ free, then free Basic or €87 / €142 per month |
Frequently asked questions
Can I set WhatsApp Web so a coworker only sees some chats?
No. A linked device shows the whole account. There is no per-chat permission.
Will my coworker see my old conversations with InBetween?
No. Only new customer messages that arrive after you connect are forwarded.
How do I check which devices are connected to my WhatsApp?
Open Linked devices on your main phone (three dots on Android, Settings on iPhone). Every connected device is listed with when it was last active. Tap one and choose Log out to remove it.
Can I link my WhatsApp to another phone without losing chats on the first?
Yes, if you link it under Linked devices instead of registering the number again. Both phones then show the same chats.
Does it work with WhatsApp Business?
Yes. It works with both the regular WhatsApp app and the WhatsApp Business app.