No doubt, WhatsApp is one of the most globally popular messaging platforms, catering to both personal and business communication needs. Its continuous evolution since its 2010 debut on Android devices has solidified this reputation. Nonetheless, it has lacked a significant feature: the ability to manage multiple accounts concurrently. A step towards rectifying this was noted in June when WhatsApp Business beta initiated work on an account-switching feature. Now, within the WhatsApp beta version 2.23.17.8 available on the Google Play Store, this feature has been introduced to a subset of testers.
As first identified by WABetaInfo, similar to the Business beta, this update has come to light. Testers can ascertain if they possess access to the account-switching feature by tapping the arrow adjacent to the QR code on the upper-right corner of WhatsApp’s settings screen. This prompts a card to appear at the bottom, listing the presently logged-in accounts and presenting the option to include another account.
Although some beta users might have encountered this feature in the previous version (2.23.17.7), it has predominantly manifested in version 2.23.17.8. Unfortunately, those not enrolled as beta testers for WhatsApp on Android are currently unable to benefit from this feature, unless they resort to sideloading the new beta from APKMirror. It’s noteworthy that the Google Play Beta Program for WhatsApp is presently at full capacity and cannot accommodate new participants.
Recent times have witnessed WhatsApp introducing various novel features to its beta testers. Alongside multi-account support, these testers can now transmit animated avatars and receive heightened alerts concerning potential security risks.
Post-Meta’s acquisition of WhatsApp in 2014 for a reported $19 billion, it’s heartening to observe the company’s sustained commitment to enriching this globally acclaimed app on a weekly basis, almost a decade later. Upon its public release, this feature is poised to significantly enhance user experience. However, in the interim, several alternative methods still exist for concurrently utilizing two WhatsApp numbers on a single device.
