WhatsApp linked devices explained
WhatsApp linked devices let you use one account on your phone plus up to four other devices, such as WhatsApp Web, Desktop, a tablet or a second phone. Each one connects on its own and keeps working when the phone is offline, but WhatsApp logs linked devices out if the phone goes unused for more than 14 days.
By Mousa Alhelo, founder, E-SAFQA · Updated · 7 min read · How we write and test these guides
What are WhatsApp linked devices?
A linked device is a device that uses your WhatsApp account while your phone stays the account's primary device. WhatsApp lists Windows, Mac, Web, Android tablets, iPad, Wear OS, companion phones, Meta AI glasses and VR as supported linked devices. Each one connects to WhatsApp independently, and personal messages, media and calls stay end-to-end encrypted. You still need the primary phone to register the account and to link new devices.
- Your computer keeps working on WhatsApp even when your phone is switched off.
- A bigger screen and a full keyboard make typing and sharing media and files faster.
- The WhatsApp app for Mac or Windows supports voice and video calls with up to 32 people.
How many devices can I link, and what are the limits?
If several people answer customers, link their computers or tablets instead of passing one phone around. With multi-agent, which comes with Meta Verified or Meta One plans where they are offered, you can also name each device, assign chats to agents and see which device sent a message. Customers cannot see which agent replied.
| Rule | What WhatsApp says (as of October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Number of devices | Up to four linked devices and one phone at a time in the WhatsApp Business app. |
| Phone offline | Linked devices work without your phone being online. |
| Phone unused | Linked devices log out if the phone is unused for over 14 days. |
| Device inactive | WhatsApp automatically disconnects linked devices after 30 days of inactivity. |
| More than four | Meta Verified or Meta One plans for the Business app raise the limit; Meta lists 4, 6, 8 or 10 devices depending on the plan. |
| Not available on linked devices | Sharing live location, creating and viewing broadcast lists, and adding or deleting status in the Business app. |
How do I link a device to WhatsApp?
WhatsApp also lets you link some devices with your phone number and a one-time code instead of a QR code. Scan QR codes only on official WhatsApp clients.
- On the device you want to link, open WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business (or WhatsApp Web) until a QR code appears.
- Android primary phone: tap the three dots, then Linked devices, then Link a device. iPhone primary phone: tap Settings or your profile picture, then Linked devices, then Link device.
- Unlock with your fingerprint, face or phone PIN when asked.
- Point the primary phone at the QR code and scan it. The device appears in the Linked devices list.
What happens when the phone is offline or unused?
An offline phone does not stop linked devices: they keep sending and receiving. The 14-day rule is different. If you do not use WhatsApp on the primary phone for more than 14 days, WhatsApp logs the linked devices out, and you have to open WhatsApp on the phone and link them again.
In practice, keep the store's phone charged, connected and opened at least every couple of weeks. A phone left in a drawer is the most common reason a linked device disappears.
How do I check or remove linked devices?
WhatsApp's Help Center also advises scanning a WhatsApp QR code only on WhatsApp Web, Desktop, tablets, companion phones or supported devices, and checking the list regularly.
- Android: tap the three dots, then Linked devices. iPhone: tap Settings or your profile picture, then Linked devices.
- Tap a device to see it, then tap Log out to remove it.
- Turn on push notifications on the phone so WhatsApp can alert you when a new device is linked, and remove any device you do not recognise.
What does a linked device mean for apps that connect to your number?
Some apps connect to your number the same way WhatsApp Web does. WhatsApp Pilot, a Shopify app by E-SAFQA, works like this: you scan a QR code once with the store's phone, and the app sends your order messages from that number. There is no WhatsApp Business API and no Meta per-message fee; Pro costs USD 15 every 30 days. The trade-offs are that delivered and read receipts are not available with a linked device, and that the app is subject to the connection rules above.
Be clear about the risk too. WhatsApp's Help Center warns that linking through unofficial apps or websites may put an account at risk, including a temporary or permanent ban. WhatsApp Pilot is an independent app, not affiliated with WhatsApp or Meta, and no tool can promise that a number will never be restricted. Sending only messages customers expect, such as order messages and consent-based reminders, lowers the risk but does not remove it. For high volume or full compliance guarantees, the Cloud API at /blog/whatsapp-cloud-api-explained is the route Meta supports.
- Keep using WhatsApp on the phone at least every 14 days, so the connection is not logged out.
- Turning on Meta Business Agent disconnects existing linked devices; you would need to reconnect any app linked this way.
- Onboarding a number to the Cloud API through coexistence also unlinks companion devices, which can be linked again afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
How many devices can I link to WhatsApp?
Up to four linked devices plus your primary phone. Business app subscribers on Meta Verified or Meta One plans can link more, up to 10 depending on the plan.
Do WhatsApp linked devices work when my phone is off?
Yes. They work without your phone being online, but they are logged out if the phone is unused for more than 14 days.
Why was my linked device logged out?
Usually because the primary phone was not used for over 14 days, or the linked device itself was inactive for 30 days. Open WhatsApp on the phone and link the device again.
Can I link a second phone to my WhatsApp number?
Yes. WhatsApp supports companion phones: on the second phone choose the option to link to an existing account, then scan the QR code with your primary phone from the Linked devices screen.
Is it safe to link a third-party app to WhatsApp?
WhatsApp warns that linking through unofficial apps or websites may put your account at risk, including bans. Link only apps you trust and send only messages customers expect.
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