How long does a WhatsApp linked device stay logged in? 14 days and 30 days
Linked devices stay connected while the phone is off, but log out if the main phone goes unused for 14 days, or the device itself is idle for 30 days.
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- By WavesFlo team
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A linked device stays connected as long as the main phone opens WhatsApp at least every 14 days and the device itself is used at least once every 30 days. If WhatsApp on the main phone goes unused for more than 14 days, every linked device is logged out at once. A single linked device idle for 30 days is disconnected, however often the phone is used.
| Clock | What starts it | What happens at the limit |
|---|---|---|
| 14 days | WhatsApp on the main phone goes unused | Every linked device is logged out at once |
| 30 days | A linked device is not used | That device is disconnected and needs linking again |
| 14 days | You remove the account from its main phone | Its companion devices are logged out 14 days later |
Opening WhatsApp on the phone resets the first clock, so a phone kept in a drawer to run a shared computer needs someone to open WhatsApp on it at least once a fortnight.
How many devices can you link?
Up to four linked devices alongside the main phone, and each browser counts as one. On the WhatsApp Business app, paid multi-agent raises the limit to up to 10 devices depending on the plan.
What does not work on a linked device?
- Live location cannot be viewed.
- Broadcast lists cannot be created or viewed.
- WhatsApp Flows, the in-chat forms some businesses send, do not work.
- Chats with Restricted chat turned on open only on the phone.
- History is partial: the full history stays on the phone.
If sessions end sooner than this explains, why WhatsApp Web keeps logging out goes through the other causes.
For a team running many numbers, a phone left unopened for 14 days is the usual reason a linked number drops, and WavesFlo sends an alert when one disconnects. Every number that stays linked keeps feeding the team's shared inbox, where each chat has an owner.
Questions
How long does a linked device last on WhatsApp?
As long as the main phone is used at least every 14 days and the device is used at least every 30 days.
What happens if my phone is off?
Linked devices keep working while the phone is off, until the 14-day limit.
How many linked devices can I have?
Up to four alongside the main phone; more only with paid multi-agent on the Business app.