WhatsApp without mobile phone: Multi-device support is now live

WhatsApp said it is rolling out a limited public beta test for its improved multi-device capability.

The Messaging app Head in multiple Tweets announced the beta update: 

Very excited to be launching a beta of our new multi-device capability for @WhatsApp. Now you can use our desktop or web experiences even when your phone isn't active and connected to the internet. All secured with end-to-end encryption.

Learn more: https://t.co/AnFu4Qh6Hd

— Will Cathcart (@wcathcart) July 14, 2021

After the new update, WhatsApp users for the first time can use the service on up to four non-phone devices without having the registered phone switched on or otherwise connected to the internet.

“Each companion device will connect to your WhatsApp independently,” said the messaging app in a post.

All done with the security you expect from @WhatsApp. We developed new technologies that maintain end-to-end encryption while keeping your data in sync — message history, contact names, starred messages, and more — seamlessly across devices. More here: https://t.co/AnFu4Qh6Hd

— Will Cathcart (@wcathcart) July 14, 2021

The new beta update would be limited to only some markets, but the company hasn't mentioned exactly which.

There are a bunch of things that aren't going to be working yet, here's the list:

• Viewing live location on companion devices.

• Pinning chats on WhatsApp Web or Desktop.

• Joining, viewing and resetting group invites from WhatsApp Web and Desktop. You’ll need to use your phone instead.

• Messaging or calling someone who is using a very old version of WhatsApp on their phone won't work from your linked device.

• Calling from Portal or WhatsApp Desktop to linked devices that aren’t enrolled in the multi-device beta.

• Other WhatsApp accounts on your Portal won't work unless those accounts have joined the multi-device beta.

• WhatsApp Business users can’t edit their business name or labels from WhatsApp Web or Desktop.

Now:

After Update: