WhatsApp linked devices let you use one WhatsApp account on up to four extra devices, such as a computer, tablet or smartwatch, as well as your phone. Find them in WhatsApp's menu under Linked devices. They work even when your phone is offline, but they log out if your phone goes unused for more than 14 days.
Linked devices are how you get WhatsApp on your laptop, your tablet or your watch without logging out of your phone. Each one connects to WhatsApp by itself, so you can type on a full-size keyboard while your phone charges in another room. A few rules decide when they stay connected, and those rules explain most 'WhatsApp Web keeps logging out' problems.
What you can link
| Device type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Computers | WhatsApp for Windows, WhatsApp for Mac, WhatsApp Web in a browser |
| Tablets | Android tablets and iPad |
| Wearables | Wear OS watches |
| Other | Companion phones, Meta AI glasses and VR |
You can link up to four devices at a time. Your main phone isn't one of the four. It stays the primary device, and you need it to register your account and to link anything new.
How to see and manage your linked devices
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- Open the menu (More options on Android, Settings on iPhone) and tap Linked devices.
- You'll see every device linked to your account.
- To remove one, tap it, then tap Log out.
To link a new one, choose Link a device on the same screen and scan the QR code on your computer, or link with your phone number instead.
The rules that log you out
| Rule | What happens |
|---|---|
| Your phone is unused for more than 14 days | Linked devices log out |
| A linked device is inactive for 30 days | WhatsApp disconnects it automatically |
| You log out from your phone | That device is unlinked straight away |
The 14-day rule is the one that catches people. If you leave your phone in a drawer and only use WhatsApp on your laptop, the laptop will be logged out once the phone has been unused for over two weeks. Open WhatsApp on your phone now and then to keep everything connected.
What works on linked devices, and what doesn't
- Works: messages, media and calls. On the Windows and Mac apps you can make voice and video calls with up to 32 people.
- Works without your phone: linked devices don't need your phone to be on or online.
- Doesn't work: viewing someone's live location, creating or viewing broadcast lists, and using WhatsApp Flows with businesses.
- Can't be primary: a linked computer, iPad or watch can't become your main WhatsApp device. An Android tablet can, but only if you register your account on the tablet itself.
WhatsApp also says there's a known issue where some linked devices don't show up to a year of chat history. Your full history is still on your phone, and keeping WhatsApp updated on the linked device should help.
Which linked device should you use?
| If you want to | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Reply to messages at your desk | WhatsApp for Windows or Mac |
| Use WhatsApp on a shared or work computer for a short time | WhatsApp Web, then log out when you're done |
| Video call on a bigger screen | The Windows or Mac app |
| Read messages on the sofa | An iPad or Android tablet |
| See messages on your wrist | A Wear OS watch |
On a shared computer, always log out from the Linked devices screen on your phone when you've finished, rather than just closing the browser tab. That way nobody who uses the computer after you can open your chats.
Is it safe?
Yes, when you use official apps. WhatsApp says your personal messages, media and calls are end-to-end encrypted on linked devices, and each device connects independently with the same protection. The danger is unofficial apps and websites. WhatsApp warns that linking your account to one, now or in the past, may get you temporarily or permanently banned, and those apps can be used to send spam and scams from your account. My guide to whether WhatsApp Plus is safe explains why.
Spot a device you don't recognise
- Open Linked devices and look down the list.
- Tap anything you don't recognise and tap Log out.
- Turn on push notifications for WhatsApp, so you're alerted when a new device links.
- If someone else had your phone, consider turning on two-step verification as well.
WhatsApp recommends checking your linked devices regularly. Thirty seconds once a month is enough, and it's the quickest way to spot an old work computer or a borrowed laptop that's still logged in to your chats.
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Quick fixes when a linked device misbehaves
- Logged out unexpectedly? Check you've used your phone in the last 14 days, then link again.
- Messages missing? Check your phone, where your full history lives.
- Can't link a new device? You may already have four linked. Log one out first.
- Want group calls on a computer? WhatsApp says the Windows and Mac apps handle voice and video calls with up to 32 people.
If WhatsApp itself won't connect, see whether WhatsApp needs Wi-Fi.
My verdict
Linked devices make WhatsApp far more usable on a computer or tablet, and they're safe with official apps. Keep to four, log out anything you don't recognise, and open WhatsApp on your phone at least every couple of weeks so your other devices stay connected.
Frequently asked questions
How many devices can be linked to WhatsApp?
Up to four at a time, as well as your primary phone.
Do WhatsApp linked devices work if my phone is off?
Yes. But they log out if your phone is unused for more than 14 days.
Why did WhatsApp Web log me out?
Linked devices are disconnected after 30 days of inactivity, or if your phone hasn't been used for over 14 days.
Can a linked device be my main WhatsApp device?
Not a computer, iPad or watch. An Android tablet can, if you register your account on it.
