Dual SIM mobiles are more than common since this option it has been installed by default in all price ranges and manufacturer catalogs. In fact, surely your mobile has space to insert two SIM cards with their respective two telephone numbers, a function that allows you to separate your personal life from your work life, for example. However: How to open a WhatsApp for each of those numbers?
Make a duplicate of WhatsApp
The famous messaging application has several limitations: in addition to the fact that it can only be used on a mobile device(in the future this will change), WhatsApp does not allow you to use two phone numbers at the same time. This limits the possibilities of a dual SIM mobile since one of the numbers has to be chosen. Or not, because it is always possible to make a duplicate of WhatsApp.
With a duplicate of applications the system considers each of the twins as independent allowing them to log in separately. Or what is the same: you will have two WhatsApp applications in which you can register the two numbers of your dual SIM mobile. The notifications will reach you both, yes, with the possible mess that this can cause (especially if you have many groups).
There are several ways to duplicate applications: with the dual apps that integrate most manufacturers and with applications that you can install separately. The first way is the most recommended since not only do you avoid installing anything, you will also have your WhatsApp up to date (the system is in charge of updating both applications, the official WhatsApp and the duplicate).
As usual in Android, each manufacturer gives the app mirroring function a name. For example, Samsung calls it ‘Dual Messaging’, Xiaomi calls it ‘Dual Apps’, OPPO and Realme call it ‘App Cloner’, OnePlus calls it ‘Parallel Apps’ and Huawei/Honor calls it ‘Twin Apps’. The function is similar in all brands and is configured in the same way:
- Open your mobile settings and look for the duplicate apps menu.
- Enter the options and select WhatsApp.
- The system will create a duplicate of the application. The process can be immediate (just select WhatsApp) or you may have to do additional steps (select if you want to choose a different contact list, for example, as Samsung does).
- Once you have your WhatsApp duplicated, you will see that two similar apps appear. The duplicate will have a different icon.
- Log in to the new WhatsApp with the second number of your dual SIM and you will have it working.
Your dual SIM mobile will receive notifications from both WhatsApp and you will have all the conversations and states at your disposal: the two apps will work independently. And you will have to manually select which WhatsApp to open before creating a new conversation. Until you get used to it, it will be a bit confusing.
Use WhatsApp Business
There are many apps in the Google Play Store that allow app mirroring, but they often include advertising and since WhatsApp integrates a lot of private data, using a duplicator carries some privacy risk. Therefore, it is best to use a second application that is also official: WhatsApp Business.
WhatsApp Business
Even if you are not a business, you can use the Business version: its use is identical and you will not have to pay anything for it. All you have to do is download WhatsApp Business from Google Play, register it with the second number of your dual SIM mobile and choose ‘Not a business’ from the business category. WhatsApp will not block your number or prevent you from using the Business version in a personal capacity, but contacts will see your number as ‘business’. It is not something that affects your chats.