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Do you want to access one WhatsApp Business account from more than one phone? Meet WhatsApp Companion Mode. It’s now easier than ever to use WhatsApp Business across multiple devices. Users can sync their chat history on up to four linked devices while still enjoying WhatsApp’s high levels of privacy and security thanks to end-to-end message encryption.
Let’s take a closer look at WhatsApp Companion Mode. We’ll discuss the benefits that it brings to your company’s comms process and why you should consider using it. We’ll also walk you through the step-by-step process to set it up, and provide tips to help you make the most out of WhatsApp Companion Mode.
What is Companion Mode on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp Companion Mode is a feature that allows you to link multiple devices to a single WhatsApp account. This means you can access your WhatsApp Business account on up to four devices simultaneously, enabling seamless communication across different platforms.
Whether you’re using a smartphone, tablet or desktop computer, Companion Mode ensures that your messages, data and chat history are synced across all linked devices, making it easier to manage your business communications on the go. As a result, many brands find that they are able to work more efficiently and flexibly, reducing their response times and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Which devices are supported with Companion Mode on WhatsApp?
You can currently link any of the following devices using Companion Mode on WhatsApp: Windows devices, Mac devices, Web-supported devices, Apple smartphones, Android smartphones, Android tablets, WearOS, Ray-Ban Stories and Ray-Ban Meta and VR (Meta Quest).
Find out how to link these devices on WhatsApp’s FAQ page.
Why should I use WhatsApp Companion Mode?
Put simply, WhatsApp Companion Mode allows you to use WhatsApp Messenger or WhatsApp Business on more than one phone or tablet. Whether you just want to be able to message from both your phone and your tablet, or you want to be able to use more than one device for business purposes, WhatsApp Companion Mode is for you.
What are the benefits of WhatsApp Companion Mode for marketing communications?
WhatsApp Business Companion Mode can significantly enhance your marketing strategy by making it easier to provide direct, personalised interactions for your customers. Here are some key benefits:
WhatsApp Companion Mode improves customer engagement
With the ability to manage your WhatsApp Business account from multiple devices, you can respond to customer queries at a time that is convenient for you, regardless of your location. This on-the-go responsiveness can lead to increased customer satisfaction and stronger relationships.
WhatsApp Companion Mode streamlines communication processes
Having multiple devices linked to your account reduces the dependency on a single device, allowing different team members to manage conversations simultaneously. This ensures that no customer query is left unattended, improving your team’s overall efficiency and workflow.
WhatsApp Companion Mode can reduce response times
A quick response can make all the difference when it comes to sealing a deal or keeping a VIP customer happy. With Companion Mode, you can handle customer requests in real-time, whether you’re in the office or on the go, leading to quicker resolutions and more satisfied customers.
WhatsApp Companion Mode helps you provide efficient customer service
WhatsApp Companion Mode really shines when it comes to supporting your customer service team. With seamless syncing from any location, your customer service team can work even more effectively by accessing the same WhatsApp Business account on different devices. That means more eyes across customer queries, order tracking and bookings, and swift responses to complaints.
Is WhatsApp Companion Mode secure?
Security is a top priority for businesses, and it’s an issue that WhatsApp takes very seriously. Companion Mode maintains the same end-to-end encryption that WhatsApp is famous for, ensuring that your messages remain private and secure across all devices.
Each device linked via Companion Mode operates independently with secure encryption keys, meaning that even if one device is compromised, your overall account security remains intact. This strong security framework makes Companion Mode a reliable choice for businesses who are concerned about data privacy and protection.
How can I link a device using WhatsApp Companion Mode?
The steps for Android and iOS phones are slightly different, but essentially the same. Follow the steps below to link your devices to your primary phone.
How to link an Android device using WhatsApp Companion Mode
- Download the WhatsApp app on your Android companion phone. Open WhatsApp and tap “Agree and Continue”.
- Choose “More options”, then “Link to existing account”. A QR code will appear. This needs to be scanned in step 6 by your primary phone.
- Open the WhatsApp app on your primary phone.
- For Android primary phones, choose “More options”, then “Linked devices”, then “Link a device”. For iPhone primary phones, open WhatsApp Settings, then choose “Linked Devices”, then “Link a Device”
- Now unlock your primary phone, either using your biometric authentication or your PIN.
- Scan the Android companion phone QR code with your primary phone.
How to link an iPhone using WhatsApp Companion Mode
- Download the WhatsApp app on your iPhone companion phone. Open WhatsApp and tap “Agree and Continue”.
- Tap the three dots in the top right corner and choose “Link this device to an existing account”. A QR code will appear. This needs to be scanned in step 6 by your primary phone.
- Open the WhatsApp app on your primary phone.
- For Android primary phones, choose “More options”, then “Linked devices”, then “Link a device”. For iPhone primary phones, open WhatsApp Settings, then choose “Linked Devices”, then “Link a Device”
- Now unlock your primary phone, either using your biometric authentication or your PIN.
- Scan the iPhone companion phone QR code with your primary phone.
Your secondary device is now linked, and you can start using WhatsApp Business on it immediately. To connect other devices that are currently supported by Companion Mode, visit WhatsApp’s FAQ page.
How to use WhatsApp on multiple devices without losing data or chat history
One of the key advantages of Companion Mode is that it syncs your data across all linked devices. When you link a new device, WhatsApp Business automatically syncs all your recent conversations, including messages, media, and files. This means you can pick up a conversation on your desktop that you started on your phone, without any loss of context or data.
Plus, since Companion Mode operates independently, if your primary device loses internet connectivity, you can continue to use WhatsApp on the linked devices without any interruptions.
When would WhatsApp Companion Mode be beneficial for my company?
Here are some practical scenarios where using WhatsApp Business on multiple devices can be a game-changer:
Customer support
If you have a team dedicated to customer service, each member can use their own device to access the company’s WhatsApp Business account. This ensures that all customer queries are addressed promptly, reducing wait times and improving service quality.
Team collaboration
When multiple team members need access to the same conversations, such as during a busy marketing campaign or while handling large volumes of customer enquiries around sales or seasonal events, Companion Mode allows for smooth collaboration without the need to share a single device.
How WhatsApp Companion Mode helps businesses to provide fast, efficient customer service
Companion Mode is a powerful tool for enhancing customer service efficiency. By allowing multiple devices to access the same account, businesses can ensure that customer queries are answered faster and more accurately.
Whether it’s a sales query or a support issue, the ability to respond quickly and consistently can significantly improve customer satisfaction. With multiple devices in play, businesses can also handle higher volumes of enquiries, reducing the risk of backlogs or overwhelm.
Best practices for using WhatsApp Business Companion Mode effectively
To make the most of Companion Mode, consider the following tips:
Assign roles to your team
Clearly define who in your team is responsible for different types of enquiries. This prevents confusion and ensures that customers receive accurate and consistent information.
Monitor conversations for quality control
Regularly review the interactions taking place across all devices to ensure that they meet your business’s quality standards. This can help identify any areas where training or improvements are needed.
Use Quick Replies to save time and effort
WhatsApp Business allows you to create quick replies for frequently asked questions. Make sure all linked devices have access to these pre-written, brand-approved responses to maintain consistency.
Keep your messaging consistent
Ensure that all team members are aware of your brand’s tone and messaging style to provide a unified customer experience across all devices, no matter who is physically typing out each message.
Regularly train and update your team
Conduct regular training sessions for your team on how to use WhatsApp Business and Companion Mode effectively, including any new features or updates.
What can Companion Mode do (and what can’t it do)?
While Companion Mode is a powerful feature of WhatsApp Business, it does have some limitations:
Companion Mode can: Sync messages across devices, maintain secure encryption, allow multiple users to access the same account and provide a seamless experience across different platforms.
Companion Mode can’t: Add new contacts, initiate broadcast lists, create or delete groups, access archived chats, view live location or interact with businesses using WhatsApp Flows from linked devices. These actions still need to be performed from the primary device.
Is there anything I should be aware of when using WhatsApp Companion Mode?
There are a few things to bear in mind when using the WhatsApp Companion Mode functionality to link devices together:
- You can link a mix of Android and iPhone devices using WhatsApp Companion Mode.
- To ensure security, WhatsApp has advised that users will be logged out of all companion devices if the primary device is inactive for a long period of time. In order to prevent this, you should connect your primary phone every 14 days.
- Linked devices (such as computers, iPads or wearables) can’t be used as your primary device. If you want to use an Android tablet as your primary device, you must set up your WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business account from that device.
- Once you’ve linked a companion phone, it will display “This is a linked device. Learn more” in Settings. This allows you to see which phone is your primary device, and which ones are linked via Companion Mode.
- As mentioned previously, not all features are supported on linked devices. You’ll need to use your primary device to do the following: add new contacts, create or delete groups, initiate broadcast lists, view archived chats, view live location or interact with businesses using WhatsApp Flows.
What are the benefits of WhatsApp Companion Mode for small businesses?
Small teams of up to five people can now all use the same WhatsApp Business account on different devices. For customer service teams, this means more eyes keeping track of incoming queries, while sales teams can follow all their customers through the funnel and offer their expertise when required.
How can I get started with WhatsApp Business?
Don’t miss out on all that WhatsApp Business has to offer – get started today. The app is quick and easy to set up, and you can even use your existing mobile device for both WhatsApp Messenger and the WhatsApp Business app. All you need is a second virtual phone number to have both apps on the same phone.
That’s where YourBusinessNumber comes in. We’ll send you your brand new virtual phone number in minutes, so you can get going with WhatsApp Business in no time. We offer a flexible, affordable, and stress-free solution for those looking to set up WhatsApp Business. Ready to get started? Generate your new number today.
Author:
George Lineker
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