How To Article

WhatsApp Business Multiple Users: A How-To Guide [March 2024]

Serene Tan
April 18, 2023
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Want to know how to use WhatsApp business with multiple users? Or can WhatsApp business be used on multiple devices or phones? This first-hand how-to guide answers all your questions about using WhatsApp Business with multiple users. It includes how to set up WhatsApp Business multiple users and use it for sales, support and marketing.

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WhatsApp Business Multiple Users for Different Business Sizes

You can use WhatsApp Business with multiple users in two different ways. Through the WhatsApp Business App, Meta Business Suite or WhatsApp Business API, also known as WhatsApp Business Platform.

Each platform has its capabilities and restrictions therefore making it suitable for different business sizes.

WhatsApp Business App

The WhatsApp Business App features and capabilities are designed with small businesses in mind. The setup process is straightforward and businesses can use the app for free. Plus, it includes business tools like greeting and away messages, WhatsApp Catalog, WhatsApp Pay and quick replies.

Most importantly, WhatsApp Business App allows you to use WhatsApp Business for multiple users on up to five devices, including four linked devices and one phone at a time for each number. This allows more agents to respond to lead and customer messages from anywhere.

WhatsApp Business multiple devices: Micro-small businesses

In 2022, WhatsApp released a paid plan, WhatsApp Business Premium, which enables you to connect up to 10 devices and assign chats to specific agents. However, this plan is only available for Android users and in certain countries.

If your team size stays the same, having 5 to 10 devices connected to one WhatsApp number is sufficient. As your business grows, you’ll need a more sophisticated platform to handle more agents, contacts, and messages. This is where WhatsApp API comes in.

WhatsApp API

For larger businesses with teams of agents, it’s important to handle high volumes of messages fast. They’ll also need to reply to all contacts promptly with tools like AI and advanced automation and track their team workload and organization performance.

This is an image that shows how to use WhatsApp API for SMEs and large businesses. To use WhatsApp Business multiple users on more than 5 devices, you’ll need a WhatsApp API account connected to a customer conversation management software like respond.io.
WhatsApp Business multi device: SMEs & large businesses

However, these additional features are only available to WhatsApp API accounts when connected to a customer conversation management software like respond.io.

Multiple Users WhatsApp Business: WhatsApp Business App or WhatsApp API?

So, which WhatsApp product is for you? The flow chart below will help you determine the most suitable WhatsApp Business product for either micro-small businesses and SMEs and large businesses planning to use WhatsApp with multiple users.

This is a flow chart that helps you decide which WhatsApp product is right for you. It explains which WhatsApp product is suitable for micro-small businesses and SMEs and large businesses
How to use WhatsApp Business with multiple users: WhatsApp Business App or WhatsApp API?

Next, we'll examine each product's features and the associated pros and cons in detail.

WhatsApp Business Multiple Users for Micro-Small Businesses: WhatsApp Business App

If you're a micro-small business owner considering WhatsApp Business App, read on to find out how to use WhatsApp Business with multiple agents on the app.

How to Use WhatsApp Business with Multiple Users via the App

Any business can use the WhatsApp Business App with multiple devices or users. To link a device, follow the steps below.

  1. Go to your WhatsApp Business App.
  2. Tap the More Options icon with three vertical dots.
  3. Click Linked Devices.
  4. Click LINK A DEVICE.
  5. Scan the QR code.
Whatsapp Business login: This is an image that shows how a micro-small business owner considering WhatsApp Business App can use WhatsApp Business Multiple Users same number. Any WhatsApp business users can use the WhatsApp Business App with up to 5 multiple devices or users. To link a device, Go to your WhatsApp Business App. Tap the More Options icon with 3 vertical dots. Tap Linked Devices. Point your phone at the screen of the device you want to link and scan the QR code.
WhatsApp for business on multiple devices: Set up WhatsApp Business multiple users for free

You can get the QR code on WhatsApp Business Web or WhatsApp Business Desktop App on your companion devices. Simply go to https://web.whatsapp.com/ or open the desktop app, and a QR code will be displayed on your screen for you.

The steps above work on Android devices. For iPhone users, go to WhatsApp Settings in Step 2 and follow the rest of the instructions above. Upon linking, your team can access WhatsApp Business on your additional devices without the need to keep your phone connected.

Multi Agent Whatsapp: Limitations of Whatsapp Business App as a Multi-User Solution

Using WhatsApp Business App with multiple devices is convenient for small businesses, but this is only a temporary solution or feasible when your business is starting. As your business expands, you’ll soon encounter problems with using linked devices, such as:

  • Not knowing who sent or replied to a message
  • Multiple agents may work with the same customer from different devices, creating confusion for your customers
  • Inability to assign chats to agents
  • Can’t ensure all customers have been answered
  • No way to organize chats, such as marking a chat as resolved
  • Can’t track agent workload or performance
  • Can’t connect to a CRM, as WhatsApp Business app doesn’t support any CRM integration
  • No user access controls, and all the data can be accessed by every agent
  • Not able to implement advanced automation
This is an image that illustrates why WhatsApp Business App is only a temporary solution for businesses looking to use WhatsApp Business with multiple users. Wondering if can i use WhatsApp Business on 2 phones with the same number using the app? Yes, but as your business expands, you’ll soon encounter problems tracking assignees, tracking agent performance or ensuring all inquiries have been answered.
WhatsApp multiple agent: Why WhatsApp Business App is only a temporary solution

Because of these reasons, using the app is only something you should do as a temporary solution before moving to WhatsApp API.

WhatsApp Business Multiple Users for SMEs & Large Businesses: WhatsApp API

Larger businesses with more sophisticated needs require a platform with more advanced features to solve the WhatsApp Business multiple users problem. For that, we need to use WhatsApp API connected to a messaging software.

To start, we'll explain what WhatsApp API is, how to get started with an official WhatsApp partner and why it's better to use WhatsApp Business on multiple devices with respond.io.

WhatsApp Business on Multiple Devices: WhatsApp API Overview

WhatsApp API is designed for SMEs and large businesses that want to scale and manage their teams, messages and customers more effectively.

As WhatsApp API simply transmits information to and from WhatsApp's network, it doesn’t have an app or front-end interface. You'll need to connect the API to a customer conversation management software like respond.io to send and receive messages.

Here are some basic things you need to know about WhatsApp API. It has a 24-hour messaging window, it's not free and you can use whatsapp business multiple phone numbers. However, to get access to the API, you need to apply for an account and undergo an approval process.
WhatsApp Business multiple users: The basics of WhatsApp API

Before we move on, here are some basic things you need to know about WhatsApp API.

We'll explain each point in detail in the following sections.

WhatsApp Business on Multiple Devices: WhatsApp API Messaging Window

WhatsApp API has a 24-hour customer service window. Whenever a contact sends an inbound message, a 24-hour timer starts or restarts. Within the messaging window, businesses can reply to customers freely.

WhatsApp API has a messaging window. Every time a Contact sends an inbound message, a 24-hour timer starts or restarts. Within the Messaging Window businesses can reply freely.  After 24 hours only Message Templates  can be used to reopen the messaging window.
Why you need WhatsApp message templates

After 24 hours, only message templates can be used to reopen the messaging window. These templates come with customizable placeholders and headers and can be added with Call To Action or Quick Reply buttons. You can use these templates for marketing, utility and authentication conversations.

WhatsApp Business on Multiple Devices: WhatsApp API Pricing

WhatsApp API Pricing varies depending on the WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP) you choose. They typically add a markup fee to WhatsApp conversation charges and charge a monthly WhatsApp API access fee on top of what WhatsApp charges them.

Thankfully, this is not the case if you get WhatsApp Business API from respond.io. Unlike other BSPs, respond.io provides free WhatsApp API access and does not impose any markup fees, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.

WhatsApp API Pricing varies depending on the WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP) you choose. They typically add a markup fee to WhatsApp conversation charges and charge a monthly WhatsApp API access fee on top of what WhatsApp charges them.
How does WhatsApp pricing work?

Because respond.io is a WhatsApp BSP that offers an AI-powered customer conversation management software, businesses can connect WhatsApp to an omnichannel inbox, use WhatsApp with teams of users and fully manage their WhatsApp Business Accounts.

It supports all of WhatsApp’s unique features, like broadcasts and interactive messages, while offering AI tools and advanced automation to manage conversations and streamline business processes. We’ll explore more of its capabilities later.

Respond.io serves as both a WhatsApp BSP and a customer conversation management software. It offers free WhatsApp API access, does not charge a markup for messages or conversations. Plus, respond.io offers can get faster WhatsApp API updates compared to other WhatsApp Partners.
Respond.io: The cheapest and most updated WhatsApp API account

Additionally, as respond.io is using WhatsApp Cloud API, businesses can get faster WhatsApp API updates compared to other WhatsApp Partners. Next, we’ll show you how easy it is to get WhatsApp API access with respond.io.

How to Get a WhatsApp API Account

Signing up for WhatsApp API with respond.io is quick and easy. The entire process takes only a few minutes – from linking your Facebook Business Account to adding a phone number.

Signing up for WhatsApp API with respond.io is quick and easy. Once you click on this link, you’ll go through a seamless WhatsApp API sign-up process, from linking your Facebook Business Account to adding a phone number.
What you need to get a WhatsApp API account

Because respond.io is also a customer conversation management software, you can start messaging customers right after creating your WhatsApp API account. Next, let’s discuss setting up WhatsApp API with multiple users on respond.io.

How to Use WhatsApp Business API with Multiple Users: Adding Users to Respond.io

Setting up WhatsApp Business with multiple users on respond.io is easy and fast. To add users to respond.io, follow these three simple steps.

1. Navigate to Settings > Workspace Settings > Users.

This is an image that how to use WhatsApp Business API with multiple users via respond.io. To add Users to respond.io, navigate to Settings >Workspace Settings >Users.
Users module on respond.io

2. Click Add User to invite agents to the Workspace using their email address.

This is an image that how to use WhatsApp Business API with multiple users via respond.io. Click
Invite an agent to respond.io

When adding Users, you can give them an appropriate Access Level. You can choose between three Access Levels:

  • Owner: Owners have access to all modules, and they can manage the settings of the Workspace.
  • Manager: Like Owners, Managers have access to all modules. However, they have restricted access to Workspace Settings.
  • Agent: Agents only have access to the Messages module.

3. Create Teams to group your agents for better visibility after they accept your invitation.

For detailed guidance on how to add and edit team members' profiles, invite new users, view team members and their roles, create new teams and manage them effectively, explore our comprehensive help center article. Next, let’s explore how to use respond.io to message customers on WhatsApp.

WhatsApp Business Multiple Users: Supported Use Cases on Respond.io

Next, we'll show how you can use WhatsApp Business with multiple users on respond.io for different use cases, including sales, customer service, marketing with WhatsApp click-to-chat ads, re-marketing with WhatsApp Broadcast.

WhatsApp Multiple Device: AI-Powered Sales and Customer Support

With respond.io’s Workflows automation builder, you can use WhatsApp API for sales and support with multiple agents. You can easily set up WhatsApp auto replies, including greeting message to make a strong first impression on new customers or send an away message when your team can’t respond to inquiries immediately.

For a more advanced alternative, anytime there’s an inbound message, you can use AI Agent, an AI-powered chatbot, to serve as the initial responder to handle routine inquiries or route customers to the right team based on the customers’ profile, conversation purpose and customer life cycle.

With our customizable workflows, you can use WhatsApp API or WhatsApp business account multiple users for Sales and Support. Anytime an inbound message is received, it’ll route your customers to the right team based on the customers’ profile, the purpose of their conversation & customer life cycle.
WhatsApp for multiple business users: WhatsApp API for sales and support

Once the Workflows for inbound messages are set up, you can prioritize important customers first and ensure no customers are left unattended by assigning them to the most relevant or available agent on your team.

Generate Leads and Boost Sales with WhatsApp Click to Chat Ads

Do you run WhatsApp click-to-chat ads and struggle with qualifying leads and handling a large volume of inbound messages? With respond.io, you can collect lead information, qualify them faster and increase lead conversion by replying to them promptly with Respond AI Agent.

Do you run WhatsApp Click to Chat Ads and struggle with qualifying leads and handling a large volume of inbound messages? With respond.io, you can qualify leads faster through automated surveys and increase your chance of converting them into sales by replying to them promptly with our dedicated multi-user response platform.
WhatsApp marketing with WhatsApp click-to-chat ads

While you get a 72-hour messaging window instead of a 24-hour messaging window when leads message you from WhatsApp ads, it's still essential to have a plan for restarting conversations after the window has closed.

One way to reconnect with leads en masse is to use message templates for WhatsApp bulk messages. This enables you to send pre-approved messages to your leads even after the 72-hour window has elapsed.

Broadcast Special Offers and Promotions on WhatsApp Instantly or Schedule Them In Advance

Broadcasting is as simple as selecting the contacts who have opted in to hear from you, creating message content with media attachments and adding a Call-to-Action or Quick Reply Button. Once you're done, simply send or schedule a broadcast in advance.

Broadcasting is as simple as selecting the Contacts who have opted-in to hear from you, creating your message's content with media and adding a Call-to-Action or Quick Reply Button. Once you're done, simply send or schedule a broadcast in advance.
WhatsApp Business on multiple devices: WhatsApp broadcast with respond.io

Once the leads start replying, you'll receive a high volume of messages. But remember, you can now manage your messages more effectively and have teams of agents replying to them at the same time on different devices.

WhatsApp Business Multiple Users: Respond Smart and Fast with Respond AI

Thanks to Respond AI Prompts, you can effortlessly translate your messages into over 90 languages, ensuring effective communication across borders. With just one click, it makes your communication more precise by adjusting the tone of your messages and correcting spelling and grammar mistakes.

You can also use AI Assist to generate responses to your incoming customer messages automatically. The AI crafts replies based on the knowledge sources you provide, ensuring each response is relevant and contextually appropriate.

Boost Your Team's Productivity and Collaboration With a Shared WhatsApp Inbox

While we have solved the WhatsApp Business multiple users problem, businesses still need to understand their customers better and ensure everyone in their team is performing.

Respond.io’s Reports Module enables real-time monitoring of your agents' performance and workload. You'll know exactly how many conversations an agent is currently handling and if they're efficient at closing conversations based on their resolution time. You can even see how agents are performing relative to each other.

If you want to use WhatsApp for business multiple users or WhatsApp multiple agents, tracking team performance is important. With respond.io’s Reports, you’ll have access to valuable performance data. Plus, respond.io has specially designed tools to facilitate collaboration among Agents.
WhatsApp Business multiple agents: Track team performance and collaborate with team members

Plus, respond.io has specially designed tools to facilitate collaboration among agents. Handy features like adding Comments and tagging another colleague in a conversation allow agents to collaborate, respond and resolve Conversations faster.

Contact Merge feature on respond.io allows you to have a 360-degree view of your customers with our omnichannel inbox.
WhatsApp Multiple users: Merge your contacts with respond.io’s omnichannel inbox

Also, our Contact Merge feature allows you to have a 360-degree view of your customers with our omnichannel inbox. This helps your Agents reply to customers more efficiently when all the Contact information is readily available from one centralized dashboard.

Can WhatsApp business be used on multiple phones? Yes! You can use WhatsApp business 2 phones or WhatsApp business multiple phones with respond.io mobile app. The app allows you to stay connected to your customers even when you're on the go. No more missing a Conversation and get notified each time you receive a new message or whenever someone assigns you a new Contact. This solves the WhatsApp Business Multiple Users problem and multi agent WhatsApp problem for your employees.
Answer messages anywhere with Respond.io’s mobile app

Last but not least, stay connected to your customers even when you're on the go with the respond.io mobile app. No more missing a conversation. Instead, get notified each time you receive a new message or whenever someone assigns you a new Contact.

Now that you know what respond.io has to offer, let’s go through some real-world examples of how businesses use WhatsApp business on multiple devices with respond.io.

WhatsApp Business Multiple Users Inspiration: A First-hand Look at How Respond.io Users Take Their Businesses to the Next Level

Respond.io has empowered businesses to handle high volumes of conversations effectively by expanding WhatsApp multiuser access. Due to its experience in helping businesses worldwide grow, Meta has vetted the company for its expertise and recognized it as badged Meta Business Partner.

We have interviewed some respond.io customers to learn how they take their businesses to the next level with WhatsApp's multi-user functionality. Below, we’ve compiled a few success stories that will inspire you to kickstart your WhatsApp multiple users journey.

First-hand Report: How Lamarsa Coffee Improves Response Time

Lamarsa Coffee, a Malaysia-based coffee equipment retailer, was handling customer communication over WhatsApp Business App. However, the WhatsApp Business App is limited to one phone and four other devices, which means only a few agents can answer conversations at one time.

As its business expanded, Lamarsa Coffee found it challenging to handle the high volume of conversations over WhatsApp. To solve the WhatsApp Business multiple users problem, Lamarse Coffee migrated to WhatsApp API and connected it to respond.io for greater multiuser access.

Through enhanced WhatsApp multi-user functionality and respond.io’s advanced Workflows, Lamarsa Coffee has successfully improved first response times by a whopping 38%!

How 800 Storage Handles a High Volume of Conversations

Dubai-based self-storage company, 800 Storage, had limited multiuser access to WhatsApp Business App. This results in slow response time, which in turn affects business growth. By upgrading to WhatsApp API and integrating it with respond.io, 800 Storage is now ready to handle a high volume of conversations through WhatsApp multi-team access.

Thanks to multiuser access for WhatsApp, agent performance has significantly improved across the board, with first response times reduced by 30% to 1 minute and 56 seconds!

You’ve made it to the end! Are you ready to use WhatsApp business with multiple users? Try respond.io and its WhatsApp Business API for free!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is WhatsApp Business multiple users free?

The WhatsApp Business App allows free use on up to five devices. If you wish to use WhatsApp on up to 10 devices, you can opt for a WhatsApp Premium subscription.

For businesses requiring more than ten users, WhatsApp API is the solution. This, however, involves WhatsApp’s conversation-based pricing and the use of a messaging software, which incurs additional costs.

Can I use WhatsApp Business on two phones?

The WhatsApp Business App supports up to five devices, including four linked devices and one phone per account, but not on two phones simultaneously.

How to use WhatsApp Business on multiple devices?

  1. Open your WhatsApp Business App on your primary phone.
  2. Tap the More Options menu (three vertical dots) in the top-right corner.
  3. Select Linked Devices.
  4. Choose Link a Device.
  5. Scan the QR code displayed on the screen of the device you want to link

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Further Reading

If you enjoyed this hands-on guide to WhatsApp Business Multiple Users and you'd like to learn more about WhatsApp Business, please check out our articles on:

Serene Tan
Head of Content
Serene Tan, the Head of Content at respond.io, is an MBA graduate from the University of Wales Trinity St David. With her profound understanding of the business messaging landscape, she educates companies on accelerating growth and driving results via customer conversations.
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