It is finally possible to link two telephone numbers to the standard WhatsApp app on your iPhone. This feature has been available for Android users for a while, but is now slowly rolling out for iOS as well. This allows you to easily switch between two WhatsApp accounts on one device, which is ideal for keeping your private and business lives separate.
Previously, you could only solve this on an iPhone by installing the WhatsApp Business version in addition to the regular application. However, this had disadvantages, as the app is specifically aimed at the business market. Fortunately, that detour is no longer necessary and you can now manage everything directly and effortlessly from the standard WhatsApp application.
Two WhatsApp accounts on one iPhone
In one previous blog post WhatsApp already reported that Android users could link multiple accounts to the application. Meta often adds new features first to Android and later makes the switch to the iPhone. That expectation has now become reality, because the iOS version of the app now officially supports adding a second account.
Dual SIM required
You can add an extra phone number to your account via WhatsApp settings. Please note, this is only possible if you use dual SIM on your device. This means that you have to link an extra number to your iPhone via eSIM. As soon as you use dual SIM, WhatsApp will suggest that you link the extra number to the app and you can add an extra account via the WhatsApp settings.
You control the privacy and notification settings for each account. The list of calls is combined for both numbers and when starting a new call you can determine from which number it should be started.
Link a second number to your WhatsApp
- Update WhatsApp to the latest version
- Open WhatsApp
- Navigate to the ‘You’ tab
- Tap the plus button next to your name
- Choose Add WhatsApp account
Follow the steps on the screen to link the phone number to your WhatsApp. Were you already using WhatsApp Business for your second number? Meta will then recognize this and suggest you switch immediately.
Switch between accounts
Once you have added the additional phone number, you will be notified of new messages using notifications. If you tap a notification, you will automatically switch.
In addition, there are three easy ways to switch between your two WhatsApp accounts on an iPhone. WhatsApp has deliberately made this very smooth, so that you do not have to log in again and again.
The fastest way is to simply double-tap the settings icon at the bottom right of your screen, which will take you straight to your other profile. Alternatively, you can press and hold this same icon to open a quick menu and select the desired account. Finally, you can also open the full settings menu and tap the arrow next to your profile photo to switch profiles.
Once you switch, the app will immediately load your other chats without delay. With new notifications, WhatsApp also clearly shows which of the two numbers a message has been sent to, so that you can keep private and work well separated.