WhatsApp’s Multi-Device Feature: WhatsApp’s multi-device feature has become an essential tool for millions of users, allowing one account to run on a primary phone and several additional devices at the same time. This setup keeps chats, media, and data synced across phones, laptops, and tablets—without needing the main phone to stay online. For many users and businesses, this flexibility has made communication faster and more reliable across platforms.
However, new regulations introduced by India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) could significantly affect how this feature works—not just for WhatsApp, but for other messaging platforms too, including Signal, Telegram, Snapchat, Arattai, ShareChat, and JioChat.
What the New Law Requires
The DoT’s updated security framework categorizes certain messaging apps as Telecommunication Identifier User Entities (TIUEs). This new classification brings additional restrictions, mainly focused on SIM verification and session management.
1. Mandatory SIM Binding
One of the major new rules is continuous SIM validation, to be enforced within 90 days.
Under this requirement:
- The SIM used to register a messaging account must remain active at all times.
- If the number becomes inactive or the SIM is removed, the linked account may stop working.
- Users who frequently switch numbers or rely mainly on Wi-Fi could face disruptions.
- Travelers using a secondary phone without the primary SIM may also run into problems.
The government argues that SIM binding will help reduce fraud linked to recycled or inactive mobile numbers. But this move also creates several grey areas involving dual-SIM users, number portability, and people who use messaging apps mainly on secondary devices.
2. Strict Limits on Web and Desktop Sessions
A second major change is the time limit placed on web-based sessions.
As reported by India Today, the new directive states:
- WhatsApp Web or similar browser-based sessions must automatically log out every six hours.
- Users will need to rescan the QR code to continue using the service.
This rule is designed to reduce the risk of unauthorized access on shared or public computers. But it also disrupts the workflow for:
- Professionals who keep WhatsApp Web open throughout the day
- Customer support teams
- Businesses using Meta Verified, where multiple agents work through linked desktop devices
Companies will now need to factor in periodic logouts and reauthentication—something that may slow down customer response times and day-to-day operations.
Impact on Businesses Using Meta Verified
Meta Verified currently allows organizations to link more than four devices, with higher tiers supporting even larger setups. Under the new rules:
- All those connected devices must reauthenticate every six hours.
- Agents may lose access mid-shift if they forget to renew sessions.
- Teams will need to adapt their schedules to avoid downtime during peak hours.
This could be particularly challenging for small businesses that depend heavily on WhatsApp Desktop for managing orders, inquiries, and customer support.
Unclear Areas and What We Don’t Know Yet
Some parts of the regulation remain unclear, including:
- Whether the six-hour logout rule applies only to web sessions or extends to linked phones and tablets
- Whether SIM binding will restrict the number of devices an account can link
- How platforms will technically verify SIM activity without disrupting users
Over the next few weeks, companies are expected to release more details as they work toward compliance within the 90-day deadline.
It’s also important to note that these rules apply only in India. Users in other countries will continue using WhatsApp’s multi-device setup as usual.
What Happens Next?
These regulations aim to enhance digital safety and improve traceability, but they will likely reshape how millions of Indians use messaging apps. For WhatsApp, complying with the new law will require:
- Updating its authentication flows
- Adjusting device-linking rules
- Providing clear instructions to users and businesses
- Redesigning session handling for web and desktop apps
WhatsApp has not yet issued an official statement about how it plans to implement these changes. Until then, users should be prepared for some adjustments—especially those who depend heavily on multi-device support.
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