What is a linked device?
A linked device is a computer, browser or service connected to your WhatsApp account from your phone, which can read and send messages from your number.
In plain words
WhatsApp lets one account run on several devices at once. The phone is the main one, and the others are linked devices, such as WhatsApp on a laptop or a service you connected by QR code. Each one shows up in a list in WhatsApp's settings, with when it was last active.
Linked devices keep working while the phone is off for short periods. If the phone stays offline for a long time, if WhatsApp is reinstalled, or if someone removes a device from the list, that device is signed out and has to be linked again.
The list is also a useful safety check. If you see a device you do not recognise, remove it. If you remove a tool you still use, it simply stops until you link it again.
The list is also a useful safety check. If you see a device you do not recognise, remove it. If you remove a tool you still use, it simply stops until you link it again. When several people in a team look after one number, agree who is allowed to remove devices, so a tidy-up does not quietly switch off the tool that answers your customers.
How it works in Spaces
When you connect WhatsApp to Spaces by QR code, the connection appears among your linked devices. If it is removed or signed out, Spaces pauses sending on that number straight away, your agent is told the account needs reconnecting, and the account shows as needing attention in your dashboard.
To fix it, scan the QR code again from your dashboard, then wait up to 24 hours before starting new chats. Replies can carry on. Nothing is lost in the meantime, because your conversations stay on WhatsApp.
Related terms
- QR code linking: QR code linking is connecting a WhatsApp account to another device or service by scanning a code on screen with the phone that holds the number.
- Checkpoint: A checkpoint is a security check a platform asks for before it lets an account carry on, such as a code sent by text or email, or a fresh sign-in.
- Connected account: A connected account is one of your own messaging accounts, such as your WhatsApp number or Instagram profile, that you have linked to a service so an AI agent can read and reply to its conversations.
- WhatsApp Business app: The WhatsApp Business app is the free WhatsApp app for small businesses, which works like normal WhatsApp on your phone with extras such as a business profile, quick replies and away messages.
FAQ
Where do I see my linked devices?
In WhatsApp on your phone, under linked devices.
Why did my linked device sign out?
Often because the phone was offline for a long time, WhatsApp was reinstalled, or someone removed the device from the list.
Is a sign-out a ban?
Usually not. It is a routine sign-out. A ban or restriction comes with a message from WhatsApp saying so.
What does Spaces do when the device is removed?
It pauses sending on that number and shows the account as needing attention until you scan again.
Do I lose messages while it is signed out?
No. Messages still arrive on WhatsApp, and your agent can answer them once you reconnect.
Useful next: WhatsApp limits, Account safety, WhatsApp API. Every term: the glossary.