WhatsApp rolls out multi-account testing on iOS: Here’s everything that’s changing

WhatsApp recently started testing native multi-account support for iPhone users. A new option to add up to two WhatsApp accounts on a single iPhone device is rolling out for iOS beta testers (build 25.34.10.72).

The Changes in the Beta Version

WhatsApp adds a new “Account List” section to Settings, which can be used to add:

• A new phone number
• An existing WhatsApp account
• A “companion” account using QR-code

Each account is separate – including their own chat history, backup, privacy settings, notifications, etc.

Notifications from an invisible account will still be delivered but are marked to indicate the number they are associated with. Switching between accounts takes no more than a second: users can access the Account List, press and hold the Settings tab, or simply double-tap on it. A small pop-up appears to confirm the action.

Security measures are in place as well: if one of the accounts has App Lock (Face ID/Touch ID/passcode) enabled, users will have to authenticate before switching to the other account.

Users can delete any of their accounts via Settings, and the app also has a history of previously used phone numbers to make re-adding accounts easier.

WhatsApp has not shared plans to change how companion accounts function – so they will still share phone hardware but are separate. With this new update, it will become much more convenient for people using multiple numbers for personal and work-related communication to keep them separate.

This feature was introduced for Android back in 2023, and now iOS is catching up. It will allow people to more seamlessly use more than one WhatsApp identity.

What comes next?

Current development stage: A very small group of beta testers has gained access to the new feature.

Availability: Should roll out for all users in a future update but WhatsApp hasn’t shared any specific launch timeline yet.

Effect on the user: This means you won’t need extra WhatsApp Business apps or complicated tricks to use multiple phone numbers on one phone.