Prepare a second phone number that can receive its verification code and use only the official current WhatsApp app. Each account has separate chats, privacy, and notifications, and the feature may still be rolling out by platform or account.
2
Update WhatsApp
Install the current WhatsApp app, then open Settings and check whether Add account is available. Update WhatsApp and look for Add account in the account switcher; do not install cloned or modified WhatsApp builds.
3
Add the second account
Choose Add account and register the second phone number using its own SIM or eSIM. Register the second number using its own SIM or eSIM and complete verification without sharing the code.
4
Switch deliberately
Use the account switcher to move between accounts and review notifications for each one before relying on the setup. Switch between profiles deliberately, checking the visible account identity before sending and configuring privacy, backup, and notifications separately.
5
Verify the result
Send a test message from each account and verify replies, notification labels, and backups belong to the intended number. Confirm the second account remains available after restarting the app.
6
Troubleshoot two WhatsApp accounts
If Add account is missing, update and wait for the supported rollout; do not use an imitation app. If verification fails, check the second number's service and official recovery path. A 2026 Meta update confirms rollout to iOS as well as Android. Each WhatsApp account keeps separate privacy, notification, chat-backup, and media-download settings. Review those controls after switching, and confirm which account is active before sending a message or starting a backup so personal and work conversations are not mixed.
Video walkthrough
ⓘ Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: iPhone & iPad & Android.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.
