Meta’s renowned messaging platform, WhatsApp, is launching an upgrade that enables users to associate their account with WhatsApp Web using their phone number. This development was announced by WaBetaInfo, the widely respected platform that keeps track of app updates.
The upcoming update is being circulated via the Google Play Beta Program and is set to upgrade the version to 2.23.14.18. The novel feature, dubbed “link with phone number”, has already been made accessible to a limited group of beta testers, with plans to extend its availability in the following days. Certain users might also utilize this feature by installing specific previous app versions.
The transition from QR Code to Phone Number Linking
Previously, users were required to connect their account with the web variant through a QR code. The new update, however, allows for a more streamlined process where accounts can be linked directly via the user’s phone number.
A new option will appear when users attempt to link a new device. Users can link the device using their “primary account phone number” and a “one-time code generated by WhatsApp Web”.
To activate this feature, users must launch WhatsApp Web on the desktop device they wish to connect and then opt for the “link with phone number” alternative. After inputting their phone number and country, they will be given an 8-character code to enter into WhatsApp upon receiving a corresponding notification.
This feature presents a valuable solution for users who could not log in via a QR code due to camera malfunctions. However, it should be noted that this feature is only compatible with WhatsApp Web and does not support linking a WhatsApp account to a secondary mobile device via the phone number.
