You can now add two WhatsApp accounts on one device; here’s how

WhatsApp has rolled out the ability to have two different accounts on a single device.

The Meta-owned platform announced the multiple account feature in October last year for Android users to rid users of the need to have multiple devices for their different accounts.

To register a second account on WhatsApp, a user needs to have a separate phone number or a device that supports multiple SIM cards.

Your active account will be the one you are currently logged into, while your idle account is the one you are not currently using.

WhatsApp says that idle accounts will still get alerts about messages and phone calls. To see the content, one just needs to switch to the account.

Like the traditional way of customizing profiles, users who have two accounts logged onto a device will have the ability to customize each profile by setting a picture and about text, notification settings, and privacy settings.

At present, the feature is only available for Android users and supports two accounts.

CREATING ACCOUNT

To create a second account, go to Settings, then Account and tap Add Account.

Confirm that you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, then select your country from the drop-down list.

Enter your phone number in international phone number format and tap Done or Next, then tap OK to receive your 6-digit registration code through SMS or phone call.

Enter the registration code to complete the registration.

Set up your new profile, enter your name, and then tap Next. You can also add a profile photo and fill in the About field.

To switch between accounts, go to more options at the top-right of the home screen, then tap Switch accounts.

REMOVING ACCOUNT

To remove an account from your device, go to Settings, then Account and tap Remove account.

Tap Confirm to confirm you want to remove this account from this device.

Removing an account only takes it off the device one is currently using and the account’s groups and channels remain unaffected.

However, one loses any messages or data not backed up.

WhatsApp says if a user has linked devices, the account will be removed in 14 days.

To delete an account completely, go to Settings, then Account and select Delete account.