WhatsApp is by far the most popular messenger worldwide. More than 100 billion messages are sent via WhatsApp every day. Due to the advancing digitalisation, the desire of users to be able to use the messenger app on several devices at the same time is growing. But is that even possible? Is it possible to control the private account via several devices? How can WhatsApp Business be used with several smartphones?
Can you use WhatsApp on multiple devices?
Yes, WhatsApp can be used on multiple devices. For several years now, users have been able to operate the messenger via a web version. Since recently, private individuals can also use several devices at the same time via the multi-device function. Via the multi-device function, WhatsApp business accounts can also be used on up to four different devices.
Use private WhatsApp on 2 devices or more
With the multi-device function, WhatsApp can be used on up to four other devices in addition to the user's own smartphone. The function is currently still in the test phase. To be able to use the feature, users must install the latest version of WhatsApp Messenger.
This is how you use the multi-device function of WhatsApp:
- Open WhatsApp
- Call up settings
- "Select "Linked devices
- "Activate "Multi-Device-Beta
In this area you can also exit the beta version of the function again. If the smartphone is not used for more than 14 days, the connection to the linked devices is automatically disconnected.
It should be noted that not all WhatsApp functions are supported in multi-device mode. For example, creating or viewing broadcast lists is not possible on companion devices. Live locations can also not be viewed from the additional devices. If the main device is an iPhone, chats cannot be deleted or emptied on the additional devices.
Apart from the multi-device function, WhatsApp can be used via the conventional web version. However, the smartphone must have a constant internet connection.
Use WhatsApp Business on multiple devices
At first glance, the new multi-device function seems advantageous for companies that use WhatsApp with several employees. After all, it also allows WhatsApp Business to be used on multiple devices. However, it should be noted that the use of WhatsApp Business on multiple devices is not GDPR-compliant.
Messages sent via the WhatsApp multi-device are still encrypted end-to-end. However, WhatsApp uses metadata and the address book as before. Thus, the use does not comply with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation.
Use WhatsApp Business with multiple devices and in a GDPR-compliant manner
The only way to use WhatsApp GDPR-compliant and with multiple devices at the same time for customer communication is the WhatsApp API. Through Superchat's messaging platform, you use WhatsApp on as many devices as you like. In addition, all messages are collected in a universal inbox.
The WhatsApp Business API does not access metadata or the address book of your smartphone. After concluding an order processing contract (AV contract), the WhatsApp Business API can be used for communication with customers in a data protection-compliant manner.
Do you want to use Superchat? Do you have questions about using the WhatsApp Business API? Contact us easily and without obligation via WhatsApp, or write us an email at hello@superchat.de.