There was a time when WhatsApp web interface worked only if your phone was connected to the internet, but with multi-device support, you can now get your computer to communicate with WhatsApp servers and work as a linked device even if your primary phone is offline. The WhatsApp Companion mode beta feature for Android tablets will expand the multi-device support capability to other devices.
The beta feature of multi-device support allows you to link the WhatsApp account on a phone with up to four desktop computers. However, the feature isn’t officially supported for use of the account on another smartphone or tablet. The plans for developing multi-device support were announced by WhatsApp last year, with the early signs of the new Companion mode surfacing in May. The messaging service has released a half-baked device linking screen with the instruction for using the features, but the feature didn’t work.
What is WhatsApp Companion Mode?
It was reported that WhatsApp Companion mode for tablets will be introduced in the latest WhatsApp Beta builds on the Play Store for selected beta testers. This links WhatsApp accounts from an Android phone or iPhone to an Android tablet by testers. Similar to using multi-device on WhatsApp Desktop or Web, you can set up Companion mode by just tapping the three-dot menu on the app, and selecting Linked devices. Point your phone’s camera at the QR code displayed on the WhatsApp instance running on your Android tablet.
On setting up the companion mode, even without having an active internet connection on your phone, your chats can be synced with your Android tablet. The WhatsApp beta version will ask you to add a phone number to get started, and the QR code interface will show up only after restarting the app by swiping away from the Recent app overview.
The WhatsApp interface that you are familiar with on your phone will be seen stretched out wide on your tablet once your WhatsApp account is connected. What more is to be expected?
According to the reports, one of the four companion devices for your WhatsApp account can be a tablet if you like. There can be a few features such as Communities and Live Locations missing in the new beta version, but the support for these features could be rolled out by the messaging service in the due course.
The functionality and appearance of the companion mode may change during the beta testing phase, but we can expect the smartphones to be implemented with a similar Companion mode that allows them to work as linked devices. This will avoid the need to depend on inadequate or hefty patch-ups to use one account on multiple gadgets like computers, tablets or smartphones.
WhatsApp’s beta program is full right now, so you cannot enroll in it. However, as this phase comes to an end, we can expect a smoother WhatsApp Companion mode, with much fewer bugs than at present.
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