| YouTube Videos |
| FILTERS: |
| ALL |
| Messaging IM SMS |
| AirDroid File Transfers | |
| GoogleVoice | |
| PushBullet File Transfers | |
| SMS on Tablet w/o SIM | |
| WhatsApp Companion | |
| WhatsApp on 2 Androids |
| Android |
| Android-x86 |
| Backup Cloning |
| Chromecast |
| Dual Boot MultiBoot |
| Linux |
| Misc. Soc Media |
| Music Jazz MPB |
| Remote Controls |
| Screen Recording |
| Smart-TV IPTV |
| USB Flash Drives |
| Windows |
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Krister's Blog krister at hallergard dot com | Last Updated: 2024-01-09 Prev version |
Using Same Account
At the end of 2023 WhatsApp upped their game. Before that only one mobile device per account was allowed, but now you can have another mobile device as a companion - just one. And for the PC you can have three devices cloned with Whatsapp App, which is an improvement over the previous Whatsapp for Web. You used to have to keep scanning the QR code to re-link the device, whereas now you only have to link once. I have been waiting for this for over 10 years!
Whatsapp App for Desktops
Whatsapp for Web became available about 10 years ago and is still available. It has the drawback that the primary Whatsapp mobile device has to be logged in to the same network as the Desktop. After being away and then returning, re-linking with a QR Code is required. With Whatsapp App linking only needs to be done once, and after that it still works regardless of if the primary device is on or not - though it has to be active at least once every 14 days.
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Whatsapp Companion for Mobile Devices
It was possible to get Whatsapp for Web to work by tweaking the mobile browser to use Desktop mode, but the constant need for re-linking became unbearable. The Whatsapp Companion installs with the normal Whatsapp apk from the Google Play Store. When first opening the app you get asked to "Agree and Continue". Then instead of entering your mobile phone number choose "More Options", then "Link to existing account". The QR code generated is to be scanned by your primary device to pair.  View Video 2 min
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 Install the Companion! Tap for short video! |
Most people install the primary Whatsapp on their mobile phone. Installing the Whatsapp Companion on a tablet adds similar experience as the Whatsapp App on a Desktop: easier typing of long messages, larger screen for pictures and videos and often easier file transfer.
Primary Whatsapp on Tablet
I have used Whatsapp on my tablet (w/o SIM - using my mobile phone number for registration) for 10 years, enjoying the easier typing of long messages and the larger screen for viewing pictures and videos. But away from home I have not been able to use my mobile phone for quick Whatsapp messages, calls or picture sharing. With the Whatsapp Companion on my mobile phone I can now do that, as long as it is connected to WiFi. The primary Whatsapp - the tablet - does not have to be connected - it can be left at home!