WhatsApp Multi-Device Support: Use Without Your Phone

WhatsApp Enhances Multidevice Functionality

A significant improvement to a frequently requested feature is now being implemented by WhatsApp, the widely used instant messaging platform owned by Facebook.

Public Beta Testing Initiated

On Wednesday, WhatsApp announced the commencement of a limited public beta test for its refined multidevice capability.

This update allows WhatsApp users, for the very first time, to utilize the service on as many as four devices that are not smartphones, without requiring their primary phone to be powered on or connected to the internet. According to a WhatsApp representative who spoke with TechCrunch, this network of multiple devices cannot include another active phone.

Independent Device Connections

“Each connected device will operate with an independent link to your WhatsApp account,” the messaging application stated in a recent post.

Currently, WhatsApp, boasting a global user base exceeding 2 billion, already supports the use of multiple devices. Users can access the service simultaneously through a web browser or a desktop application on their computers. However, the existing multidevice support necessitates an active internet connection on the user’s phone.

Technical Details and Encryption

WhatsApp has published a whitepaper (PDF) detailing the functionality of this new feature, providing insight into the reasons for its extended development timeline.

The company reports the development of novel technologies that guarantee message synchronization across multiple devices while upholding end-to-end encryption, a capability that remains uncommon in the current market.

“To accomplish this, a fundamental rethinking of WhatsApp’s architecture was required, along with the design of new systems to facilitate a standalone multidevice experience, all while preserving user privacy and end-to-end encryption,” the company explained in its documentation.

“Each message is individually encrypted utilizing the established encryption session with each device. Once delivered, messages are not retained on the server.”

Cloud Backups Remain Unchanged

This feature does not alter WhatsApp’s existing procedures for cloud backups, a spokesperson confirmed.

“The method used to synchronize messages and other application data across a user’s devices is separate from our cloud backup system,” the spokesperson clarified, referencing the whitepaper for a more detailed explanation of the protocol.

Rollout Timeline

WhatsApp has not announced a specific date for the general release of this feature. Initially, it will be available to existing beta testers.

Over the coming months, the company intends to introduce it as an optional beta feature for a limited number of users on stable versions of the application.

Further Developments

This multidevice capability is just one of several features currently under development by WhatsApp.

The company is also working on a dedicated application for the iPad, and expanding upon last year’s disappearing mode feature.

Plans are in place to extend the disappearing mode, which currently allows users to set a seven-day expiration timer on messages, to include the ability to share photos and videos that can only be viewed once.