WhatsApp is slowly blurring the lines between Android phones and iPhones. The Meta-owned messaging app has released two new features that not only bring multi-account support to iOS but also make cross-platform chat transfers easier. The company has started rolling out these features globally, and you should be able to explore them soon.
iPhone adds support for multiple accounts
WhatsApp today announced multi-account support for iPhone. This means that users can now manage and use two independent WhatsApp accounts simultaneously on their iPhone. This feature was launched on Android phones as early as October 2023. Now, almost three years later, WhatsApp is finally bringing the same functionality to iPhone.
Until now, iPhone users had to carry two separate phones to use two separate WhatsApp accounts. But this update changes that. Users will be able to switch between the two accounts by clicking on their profile picture. For reference, this is the same way users switch between multiple profiles on Instagram. Users can use these accounts to separate different conversations. For example, they can keep work and personal accounts separate.
How to create a second account in WhatsApp on iPhone
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a second account and switching between accounts in WhatsApp on iPhone:
Step 1: Click on the Settings option.
Step 2: Click on the plus icon next to your name and then click on the “Add Account” option.
Step 3: Now click on the “Agree and Continue” option to agree to the company’s policies.
Step 4: Select your country name and enter your phone number.
Step 5: Click Continue to get the verification code, then enter the 6-digit number.
Step 6: Enter a name for the second profile and click Next.
Step 7: Add a new profile photo and fill in other details to complete your profile.
To switch between profiles, click on the Settings option and then click on Other Accounts next to your profile.
Cross-platform chat transfer made easy
Another useful feature of WhatsApp makes it easier to transfer chats from iPhone to Android phone. For reference, WhatsApp launched a feature back in June 2022 that enabled users to transfer chat history from Android phones to iPhone. However, cross-transfer of chat history, i.e. from iPhone to Android devices, has not been possible until now. But with the latest update of WhatsApp, things have changed.
How to transfer chat history from iPhone to Android phone
Here is the step-by-step guide to transfer chat history from iOS to Android:
Step 1: Open WhatsApp and go to Chats on your iPhone.
Step 2: Go to Transfer Chat History and tap Transfer to Android.
Step 3: When you’re ready to chat, click Continue.
Step 4: If prompted, click Allow to enable access to the camera.
Step 5: Open WhatsApp on your Android phone and verify your account using the same number you use on your iPhone
Step 6: Click “Allow” to allow your device to connect when prompted. Display the QR code.
Step 7: Use your iPhone’s camera to scan the QR code.
Step 8: Click “Join” to connect to the Wi-Fi network and start transferring when prompted.
Step 9: Once the transfer is completed, tap “Next” on your Android device to view the chat history and start using WhatsApp.
