WhatsApp continues to evolve to meet the demands of its millions of users around the world. Among the most anticipated and useful new features is the multi-account feature on iPhone (iOS), an option that has already revolutionized the Android user experience and is now beginning to be implemented on Apple devices.
This functionality responds to a current reality in which more and more people manage more than one phone number, both to separate personal and professional lives and to make the most of dual SIM or eSIM phones. Until recently, those who needed two WhatsApp accounts on a single iPhone had to resort to inconvenient solutions, such as using WhatsApp Business for the additional line or switch between multiple devices. Now, the option multi-account native promises a much smoother, safer and simpler experience.
WhatsApp Multi-Account on iPhone: What It Is and Why It's So Important
WhatsApp multi-account on iOS This means you can add and manage different accounts—each associated with a different phone number—directly from the official WhatsApp app installed on your iPhone. This eliminates the need to log out or install additional apps to switch between profiles. Users will be able to receive messages, maintain conversations, and manage settings completely separately for each account, preserving their privacy and organization.
This feature has been previously tested on Android and WhatsApp Business, and its arrival on iOS was one of the most frequently requested. Thanks to the integration of this option, iPhone users will be able to switch accounts with a single tap, maintaining complete independence of chats, backups, statuses, and notifications. Meta, owner of WhatsApp, thus strengthens its position against competitors and responds to the global trend of digitalization and flexible working.
How to enable multi-account functionality in WhatsApp for iOS
Activating the multi-account feature on iPhone is done from the setup menu WhatsApp. Once the feature is available, the steps to add a second account are intuitive and designed for any user:
- Access the settings within the WhatsApp application on your iPhone.
- Look for the option "Add Account" or the arrow next to your username to manage profiles.
- You can choose between two main methods:
- Create a new account: Follow the classic WhatsApp registration process, associating a different number than usual.
- Link an existing account using a QR code: A quick option where you simply scan the code provided by WhatsApp to add the additional account.
Once set up, each account maintains its own unique environment: chats, notifications, and even backups remain independent. You can switch between accounts without having to log out or restart the app. This is especially useful for those who need speed and efficiency, such as professionals who need to respond to messages from different lines in a matter of seconds.
Key benefits and recommended uses of WhatsApp multi-account on iOS
- Complete separation between personal and professional accountsEach account can have its own privacy settings, profile picture, statuses, and notifications. This allows for a clear distinction between work and personal life.
- Efficient management of multiple businesses or lines: It makes it easier for entrepreneurs and businesses to manage different numbers without confusion, improves customer service, and prevents errors such as responding from the wrong profile.
- Advanced privacy and personalized control: The user decides what information appears in each account and maintains full control over their contacts and data in each one.
- Goodbye to extra devices or parallel apps: You no longer need to carry a second phone or install WhatsApp Business to separate numbers, which significantly simplifies your digital life.
- Setting up separate backups and notifications: This way, you can decide where and how chats are saved for each account, or what notifications you want to receive based on the active line.
- Making the most of your iPhone with dual SIM or eSIMIf your iPhone supports dual SIM/eSIM, you can manage both numbers in the same main WhatsApp app without any complications.
The multi-account feature is especially recommended for the following cases:
- Users who share the same iPhone for work and personal purposes.
- Entrepreneurs, self-employed workers, or freelance professionals with multiple lines of work.
- Users who travel and use a national and an international number.
- People who want to keep groups, contacts and settings well-organized and without the risk of mixing them up.
Alternatives and options prior to the official multi-account function
Before the arrival of the native function, the most widespread alternative was to install WhatsApp Business along with the main app, each for a different number. While it was a valid solution, it was less convenient (you had to switch between separate apps, interfaces, and notifications). There were also third-party apps like WhatsApp++ or WhatsApp Watusi, but its use is not recommended For security, privacy, and compliance reasons, WhatsApp uses unofficial apps that may result in your account being suspended.
The recommended approach has always been to opt for official applicationsIf you don't yet have the multi-account feature available on WhatsApp for iPhone, you can continue using WhatsApp Business to manage a second account as a temporary measure.
Requirements and considerations for using multiple WhatsApp accounts on iPhone
To enjoy the multi-account option, your iPhone must be updated to the latest version of WhatsApp and the feature must be available in your region or within the beta channel if it hasn't yet been released globally. It's recommended:
- Have two active and functional phone numbers (they can belong to a physical SIM, eSIM or both).
- Do not use unofficial applications nor alternative methods that could put your privacy or the integrity of your accounts at risk.
- Correctly configure backups in each account to prevent loss of information.
- Check if the beta phase is available in the App Store or wait for the general rollout to all users, which usually occurs after a short testing period.
- Keep data separate to avoid errors when sending messages from the wrong account.
If your iPhone doesn't support dual SIM or eSIM, you can manage two numbers using a combination of traditional WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business, although this option will be deprecated once multi-account support is implemented on your device.
Recent innovations in WhatsApp: AI, avatars, and more
Meta has not only focused on the multi-account function, but has also renewed WhatsApp by incorporating Artificial Intelligence and other cutting-edge features:
- AI-generated avatars, allowing you to customize profiles and statuses in an advanced and realistic way. Learn more about avatars on WhatsApp..
- Automatic transcription of voice messages, facilitating accessibility and quick consultation of information.
- Organization of events and meetings through groups and communities using the 'Events' feature.
- Integrated collaborative and business management tools, which compete directly with applications such as Zoom, Slack or Google Calendar.
- Meta AI Assistant to answer questions, generate images, and offer real-time information by managing your schedule directly from WhatsApp.
These new features consolidate WhatsApp as much more than a messaging app: is a complete suite for managing personal and professional communication from your mobile phone.
As the multi-account feature rolls out to iOS users, WhatsApp is positioning itself as a benchmark for efficiency, privacy, and versatility, allowing millions of people to separate their personal, professional, and project lives—all from the same app, seamlessly and with a meticulous user experience.