Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, announced today, on Thursday, October 19th, that WhatsApp is introducing a seamless way to switch between accounts on Android. This innovative feature eliminates the need to carry an extra device or endure constant logouts to manage multiple WhatsApp accounts. Soon, those who use two different WhatsApp accounts will be able to access both from a single device.
Similar to the ease of managing multiple accounts on Facebook and Instagram, this development is set to make it more convenient for users to navigate their conversations across different WhatsApp accounts. For instance, if you have one WhatsApp account dedicated to business and another for personal messaging with friends and family, this feature will simplify your experience. The rollout is expected in the coming weeks.
However, unlike the flexibility offered by Facebook and Instagram, Meta has noted that users will still require a distinct phone number and SIM card (or a phone compatible with multi-SIM or eSIM) to set up a second WhatsApp account. Additionally, a second phone or SIM card will be necessary to receive the one-time passcode sent via SMS, which grants access to the second account on an alternate device. After this initial verification, the app will continue to function seamlessly for both accounts without requiring a second device or SIM, as explained by WhatsApp spokesperson, Ellie Heatrick.
In his announcement on his Facebook wall, Mark Zuckerberg also unveiled an upcoming feature for Facebook and Messenger. He revealed, “Broadcast Channels are coming to Facebook and Messenger in the coming weeks. Pages will be able to share voice notes, text, photos/videos, and GIFs with anyone who joins their channels.” This new feature promises an enhanced and interactive way for Pages to engage with their audience, offering various multimedia options for communication.
