Multi-Account Feature Coming to WhatsApp for iPhone
WhatsApp is on the verge of introducing a game-changing feature for iPhone users: native multi-account support. This new option will allow users to manage both personal and work conversations effortlessly on the same device. Currently, WhatsApp is testing this feature through its latest TestFlight beta for iOS, giving a select group of users a sneak peek at how it works.
According to reports from WABetaInfo, beta testers have begun to notice an "Account List" within WhatsApp’s settings. Depending on the rollout, this option may appear next to the QR code icon, enabling quicker access. The new feature allows users to add a second account directly inside the app, eliminating the need for solutions like WhatsApp Business or using a separate device to manage multiple identities.
Testers can currently add up to two accounts, with an onboarding process that supports several entry points. Users have the option to register a new number, link an existing WhatsApp account from another phone, or scan a QR code to add a companion account. Once set up, the new account syncs chat history and settings with the primary device, simplifying the user experience.
Each profile will maintain its own preferences, including chat backups, notification settings, and privacy controls. This ensures that actions on one account don’t interfere with the other, allowing for a smooth transition between profiles. Incoming alerts will also be tagged with the relevant account name to prevent confusion while switching.
While this feature is still in public beta, WhatsApp has not disclosed a specific timeline for a wider rollout. Early indications suggest that the capability could reach all iPhone users soon, depending on the feedback from testers and final adjustments. Currently, only TestFlight users can access this feature, but its presence in real-world testing hints at an imminent launch.
This update comes alongside WhatsApp’s plans to introduce usernames, indicating a potential shift in how users will identify themselves on the platform. The addition of multi-account support aligns with this direction, providing users with greater flexibility in managing various identities within the app.