WhatsApp’s Companion Mode is reportedly rolling out to all Android beta testers

WhatsApp’s Companion Mode feature is reportedly available to all Android beta testers. The functionality, which allows users to link an existing WhatsApp account to an additional mobile phone, has been in development for some time. The Companion Mode functionality is an extension of multi-device support and is said to be rolled out with WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.23.8.2. However, the Meta-owned instant messaging platform has not officially announced when it plans to make Companion Mode live for all users.

According to a report by WhatsApp feature tracker WABetainfo, WhatsApp has released the Companion Mode feature for all Android beta testers. It is said to be available to all Android beta testers with WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.23.8.2 and newer. This reportedly allows users to access their chat accounts on more than one smartphone.

It is being told that to connect WhatsApp to the secondary device, users will have to follow these steps.

1. Download the new beta version of WhatsApp Messenger or WhatsApp Business on the secondary device.
2. choose link a device from overflow menu
3. Open WhatsApp on the primary device, and go to settings , connected devices,
4. Point this device towards the secondary mobile phone to scan the QR code.

A linked secondary Android smartphone or tablet device does not provide full functionality like the primary device. Still, users will have access to chats and chat archives. The ability to manage broadcast lists and post status updates may be limited to the primary device.

According to the report, WhatsApp is not working on the same feature on WhatsApp beta for iOS at this time.

In March last year, WhatsApp introduced multi-device support that lets users access their accounts on multiple devices simultaneously. WhatsApp has also enabled end-to-end encryption on chats. Paired devices will disconnect if the phone is idle for more than two weeks. However, this feature supports PCs as secondary devices and is not convenient for people with additional mobile phones and tablets. This may soon change with the release of this new Companion Mode update.