Can I run two WhatsApp accounts in a single app?

Yes. WhatsApp now officially supports a Multi-Account feature on both Android and iOS. By navigating to Settings and selecting the arrow next to your name, you can add a second account and switch between them instantly. To keep these accounts separate and professional, many users link their second profile to a dedicated UK virtual number from gosimless.

Do I need a second SIM card to have a second account?

No. While WhatsApp requires a unique phone number for every account, you do not need a physical SIM or a dual-SIM phone. You can use a virtual mobile number from gosimless to receive your verification code via SMS or voice call. This allows you to activate a second account on your existing device using only an internet connection.

Is WhatsApp Business required to run two accounts on an iPhone?

It is no longer the only way, but it remains a best practice. While the standard WhatsApp app now supports switching between two accounts, using WhatsApp Business for your second line (verified via a gosimless number) gives you access to professional tools like automated greetings and product catalogues that the standard app lacks.

Will running two accounts drain my battery or use more data?

The impact is minimal. Modern smartphones and the 2026 versions of WhatsApp are optimized to handle multiple background sessions efficiently. However, since you will receive notifications for both accounts simultaneously, you may see a slight increase in data usage if both accounts are highly active with media-heavy chats.

Can I use my personal mobile number for both accounts?

No. WhatsApp's security protocol requires one unique phone number per account. If you attempt to register a second account with your existing number, it will log you out of the first. Using a separate virtual number from gosimless is the most effective way to maintain two distinct identities on one handset.

How do I keep my personal and business contacts from mixing?

Each account maintains its own independent contact list, chat history, and privacy settings. By using a gosimless virtual number for your business profile, you ensure that clients only see your professional details, while your personal number remains hidden and reserved for friends and family.

What happens to my second account if I change my phone?

As long as you maintain your gosimless subscription, your virtual number remains yours. When you move to a new device, simply install WhatsApp, enter your gosimless number, and verify it as usual to restore your chats and continue your business communications without interruption.

How to Run Two WhatsApp Accounts on One Phone

Running two WhatsApp accounts on the same phone used to feel impossible, but for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and even busy professionals, it has become a real necessity. Whether you want to keep work chats separate from personal ones or manage multiple businesses without carrying two phones, the good news is that it's entirely possible.

In this guide, we'll explore different ways to run two WhatsApp accounts on one device, covering Android, iOS, and WhatsApp Web. We'll also answer common questions, troubleshoot errors, and show how a UK virtual mobile number from gosimless makes the whole process seamless.

Why would you need two WhatsApp accounts?

Before diving into the how-to, it helps to understand the why. Many users need a second WhatsApp account because:

Work vs. personal life: Keep business conversations separate from family and friends.
Multiple businesses or projects: Consultants, agencies, and e-commerce sellers often need more than one business identity.
Travellers and expats: Running a UK WhatsApp account alongside a local number abroad.
Privacy and security: Using a dedicated business number without exposing your personal mobile.

The solution? Running dual WhatsApp apps or verifying an additional account using a UK virtual mobile number.

Can you use two WhatsApp accounts on one phone?

Yes, but with some caveats. The official WhatsApp app only allows one account per number, but there are workarounds depending on your phone:

Android: Use the "Dual Apps" or "App Twin" feature, or install WhatsApp Business alongside the standard WhatsApp Messenger.
iOS (iPhone): Use WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business together, or use third-party workarounds with caution.
WhatsApp Web/Desktop: Pair one account on the app and log in to the second through a browser session.

Each method requires a separate phone number. This is where a UK virtual mobile number from gosimless is essential - you don't need a second SIM card, just a number that can receive SMS or voice verification codes.

Setting up two WhatsApp accounts on Android

Most modern Android phones (Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Huawei, OnePlus) have built-in features to clone apps.

Method 1: Dual Apps / App Twin / Parallel Apps

Open Settings on your Android phone.
Search for Dual Apps, App Twin, or Parallel Apps (the exact name depends on your phone).
Select WhatsApp from the list of supported apps.
A duplicate WhatsApp icon will appear on your home screen.
Open the new WhatsApp and register with your second number (this is where a gosimless UK virtual number comes in handy).

Method 2: WhatsApp + WhatsApp Business

If your phone doesn't support app cloning, install WhatsApp Messenger (personal use) and WhatsApp Business (work use). Both apps can run side by side.

Download WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business from the Google Play Store.
Register your personal number on one app and your UK virtual number on the other.
Customise WhatsApp Business with your business name, profile, and catalog.

Android Troubleshooting

Verification SMS not arriving? Choose the "Call me" option to get the OTP via voice.
Storage issues? Use cloud backups to avoid duplicate media filling your phone.
Notifications clashing? Rename the cloned app (many Android systems let you customise icons/names).

Setting up two WhatsApp accounts on iPhone (iOS)

Unlike Android, iOS doesn't natively support app cloning, but you can still use two accounts.

Method 1: WhatsApp + WhatsApp Business

Install WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business from the App Store.
Open each app and register with a different number.
Use your personal SIM number for one and a gosimless UK virtual mobile number for the other.

Method 2: Workaround Apps (Limited)

Some unofficial third-party apps claim to allow multiple WhatsApp accounts (e.g., Dual Space or Parallel App). However, they are less secure and not recommended for business use.

iOS Troubleshooting

Verification SMS not received? Check if your virtual number supports voice OTP and retry.
App crash after iOS update? Stick with official WhatsApp/WhatsApp Business combo for stability.
Push notifications overlap? Adjust notification settings separately in iOS.

Running two WhatsApp accounts with WhatsApp Web

If you don't want to install extra apps, WhatsApp Web offers a workaround.

Open WhatsApp Web on your desktop or a secondary browser (e.g., Chrome for account 1, Firefox for account 2).
Pair your first account with one browser and your second account with another.
Alternatively, open one account in the desktop app and another in your browser.

This method is particularly useful for business owners who spend time on laptops and want to keep personal WhatsApp separate from work.

Do you need two SIM cards for two WhatsApp accounts?

No - you just need two phone numbers, not two SIM cards.

One number can be your existing mobile SIM.
The second can be a UK virtual mobile number from gosimless, which works perfectly for WhatsApp Business verification.

This setup saves you from carrying a dual-SIM phone or juggling multiple physical SIM cards.

Step-by-step: Verifying WhatsApp with a gosimless UK virtual number

Sign up for a gosimless UK virtual mobile number.
Open WhatsApp (Messenger or Business).
Enter the virtual number during setup.
Choose SMS verification or "Call me" if SMS doesn't arrive.
Enter the code and complete the setup.

You now have two verified WhatsApp accounts - one personal, one professional - running on the same phone.

Common problems and solutions

What if WhatsApp says "This number is not valid"?

Ensure you've entered the full UK country code (+44) before the number.

What if I don't receive the verification SMS?

Check that your gosimless number has SMS enabled.
Wait a few minutes before requesting again.
Use the "Call me" option for voice OTP.

Will my chats sync between accounts?

No - each account is independent. You can back up chats to Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iOS) separately.

Can I transfer WhatsApp data between accounts?

No, accounts are linked to numbers. But you can export chats if you need records.

Is it safe to use two WhatsApp accounts?

Yes, provided you use official apps (WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business) or your phone's built-in dual app feature. Avoid unofficial APKs or modified apps, as these may compromise security and get your number banned.

With gosimless numbers, you retain full control of your virtual line, and it works seamlessly with WhatsApp's official verification process.

Why gosimless is the easiest way to set up two WhatsApp accounts

With gosimless, you don't need a second SIM card or phone. You simply:

Get a UK virtual mobile number instantly.
Verify WhatsApp Business without hassle.
Keep your personal number private.
Manage work and personal accounts separately, all on one device.

It's quick, secure, and perfect for UK professionals and businesses scaling up their communication.

Two WhatsApps, one phone, zero stress

Running two WhatsApp accounts on one phone is no longer a tech hack - it's a smart way to separate personal life from business.

Android users can use Dual Apps or WhatsApp Business.
iPhone users can pair WhatsApp Messenger with WhatsApp Business.
WhatsApp Web gives a desktop workaround.
A gosimless UK virtual mobile number ensures you never need a second SIM.

👉 Start with gosimless today and get your UK virtual number in minutes - perfect for verifying WhatsApp Business.