Yes, you can use WhatsApp on an Android tablet in two ways: link it to the WhatsApp account on your phone by scanning a QR code, or register a separate account on the tablet with its own phone number. A linked tablet syncs up to two years of your most recent chat history, but it's a companion device, so it'll log out if your phone isn't used for over 14 days.
WhatsApp lists the Android tablet as a supported linked device alongside the iPad, Windows, Mac, web and WearOS. Here's how to set it up, which option suits you and what doesn't work on a tablet. If you're on an iPad, my iPad guide covers that app.
Option 1: link your tablet to your phone
Linking keeps one WhatsApp account, so you see the same chats on both screens.
- Install and open WhatsApp on your Android tablet. It shows a QR code.
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- On an Android phone, tap the menu, then Linked devices. On an iPhone, tap Settings or your profile picture, then Linked Devices.
- Tap Link a device and verify it's you with your fingerprint, face or phone PIN if asked.
- Point your phone at the tablet screen and scan the QR code.
Can't see a QR code on the tablet? Tap the menu, then Link a device, and follow the steps on screen. If WhatsApp detects a device it doesn't recognise, it asks you to confirm before linking, so tap Don't link if it isn't yours.
Option 2: register the tablet as its own account
- Open WhatsApp on your Android tablet.
- Tap the menu, then Register new account.
- Select your country and enter the phone number for this account.
- Tap Next and finish verification.
WhatsApp says that to use an Android tablet as a primary device, you must register the account from that tablet. Use this if the tablet is the main device for that number, for example a shared family tablet or a business tablet on a counter.
Linked tablet vs primary tablet
| Linked to your phone | Registered on the tablet | |
|---|---|---|
| Account | Same account as your phone | Its own account and number |
| Chat history | Up to two years of recent history synced from your phone | Only chats on that account |
| Needs your phone | Yes. Log in on your phone every 14 days to stay linked | No |
| Works with phone off | Yes | Yes |
| How many | One of up to four linked devices | Its own primary device |
What syncs and what doesn't
Right after you link, your phone sends an end-to-end encrypted copy of your recent message history to the tablet, where it's stored locally. It can take a few minutes to appear. Not every message syncs, so to search your full history, check your phone. Deleting a message for yourself or for everyone syncs across every online device you're logged into.
These features aren't currently supported on linked devices:
- Viewing a live location.
- Creating and viewing broadcast lists.
- Interacting with businesses through WhatsApp Flows.
WhatsApp also says linked devices might not have every feature of WhatsApp on your phone.
Why a tablet is worth linking
WhatsApp's own list of benefits for linked devices applies neatly to a tablet: you can multitask, type faster on a larger keyboard and view and share your photos, videos and files on a bigger screen. Each linked device connects to WhatsApp independently, and your personal messages, media and calls stay end-to-end encrypted.
Message info works on the tablet too. Tap and hold a message you've sent, or tap the information icon, to see when it was delivered, seen, read or played.
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Keep your account safe on a tablet
- Turn on push notifications on your phone so you're alerted when a new device links and can remove one you don't recognise.
- Check Linked devices on your phone regularly and log out of any device you don't use.
- Only link through WhatsApp's own apps and site. Unofficial apps put your account at risk.
- WhatsApp automatically disconnects linked devices after 30 days of inactivity.
For the full picture of every device you can link, see WhatsApp linked devices, and add two-step verification while you're in settings.
My verdict
For most people, linking the tablet to your phone is the right choice: same chats, bigger screen and nothing new to manage. Register the tablet as its own account only if it's the main device for a separate number. Either way, open WhatsApp on your phone at least every couple of weeks, because a linked tablet quietly logs out once your phone's been unused for over 14 days.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use WhatsApp on a tablet?
Yes. WhatsApp supports Android tablets as linked devices, and you can also register an account directly on an Android tablet to use it as your primary device.
How do I link WhatsApp on my tablet to my phone?
Open WhatsApp on the tablet, then on your phone go to Linked devices, tap Link a device and scan the QR code on the tablet screen.
How much chat history shows on a linked Android tablet?
WhatsApp says you can sync up to two years of your most recent chat history, and everything stays available on your phone.
Does WhatsApp on a tablet work without my phone?
Yes, linked devices work without your phone online, but they'll log out if your phone is unused for over 14 days.
What doesn't work on WhatsApp for tablets?
Linked devices don't currently support viewing a live location, creating and viewing broadcast lists, or interacting with businesses through WhatsApp Flows.
