WhatsApp For iPhone May Soon Allow Same Account To Run On Multiple Devices

WhatsApp is currently testing out new features, including allowing the same account to run on multiple devices.

WABetaInfo, a blog dedicated to unveiling new features as well as those that are being tested, revealed that WhatsApp is testing the possibility of using the same account on four different devices. The new feature will be called “Linked Devices,” under which users will be able to add devices and manage the devices where their accounts can be used.

This feature, once released, could very well be a gamechanger for WhatsApp. Previously, users were only able to use their number on one smartphone (whether iOS, Android or KaiOS) and a desktop or web version of the app. The number cannot be used on another smartphone.

The new feature will allow users to link their number or account with up to four devices, including iPhones, Android smartphones, Macs and PCs. The company might let users link their number to these devices using verification codes, but the exact process as to how this will be done remains to be seen.

Other features

WhatsApp is also testing other features that users will be interested in.

The first is called “Advanced Search” mode, which allows users to look for any type of media shared via the platform. The search mode will give users various filters to help them find what they are looking for. A screenshot taken by WABetaInfo shows that these filters include “Photos,” “Videos,” “Links,” “GIFs,” “Audio” and “Documents.”

Second, there's the ability to mute notifications. This feature lets users choose “Always” when selecting an amount of time they do not want to receive notifications from certain people or groups. This feature, WABetainfo says, will be helpful for those who got added to a group but cannot leave it. Setting mute to “Always” will be the next best thing.

Third, there's the more interesting Expiring messages feature. It's like Facebook or Snapchat Stories but in message form. These messages will expire and will be erased from both sides of the conversation after a set period of time.