WhatsApp just rolled out a real upgrade for iPad users. You can now set up your iPad as your main WhatsApp device. It no longer has to be just a linked companion. Because of this, your iPad can run WhatsApp on its own. It no longer needs your phone nearby all the time.
For years, iPad users only had one option. They had to open WhatsApp on their phone, go to linked devices, and scan a QR code. This linked the iPad as a companion device. It worked fine for simple chats, but it always felt like a smaller version of the real app.
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What Companion Mode Could Not Do
Companion mode came with a few annoying limits. So, many iPad users never got the full WhatsApp experience. Here is what was missing:
- No live location sharing
- No creating or viewing broadcast lists
- No way to chat with businesses through Flows
- Automatic logout after 14 days if the phone stayed inactive
That last point caused the most trouble. Say your phone sat unused for two weeks. Maybe it was lost, broken, or just left at home. Either way, your iPad also got logged out. As a result, many people felt like their iPad was never fully theirs.
What’s Different Now
WhatsApp has changed the setup process for some users. Instead of forcing everyone into companion mode, the app now gives you a choice right from the start.
This change showed up in WhatsApp Messenger for iOS version 26.25.74 on the App Store. It’s also part of the latest TestFlight build, so testers already have early access too.
How to Set Up iPad as Your Main Device
Setting up the iPad this way looks a lot like setting up a brand new phone. Here’s how it works:
- Open WhatsApp on your iPad
- Choose to register as a primary device
- Enter your country code and phone number
- Wait for the 6-digit verification code
- Enter the code to finish setup
Once that’s done, your iPad works just like a phone would. It no longer depends on another device to stay logged in. Meanwhile, all your basic settings and chat features stay the same, so nothing feels unfamiliar.
Passkeys Make Setup Even Easier
If you already set up a passkey for your WhatsApp account, you can skip the verification code entirely. Instead, your iPad uses the passkey through your password manager to confirm it’s really you. This method is faster, and it also adds an extra layer of security. Therefore, if you already use passkeys elsewhere, this is the quickest way to get started. WhatsApp is also testing passkey device linking for Android, so this login method may soon feel familiar across even more devices.
Why This Change Actually Matters
This update solves a problem that many iPad-first users have dealt with for a long time. For example, imagine you send your phone in for repairs. That repair could take a few days, or it could take a month. Under the old system, your iPad would log out anyway. This happened even if you never touched your phone on purpose.
With the new setup, that worry disappears completely. Your iPad stays active on its own, no matter what happens to your phone. On top of that, this update also helps people who simply prefer a tablet over a phone. Not everyone treats their phone as their main screen anymore. So, this change fits how many people actually live and work today.
Who Should Consider Switching
Not everyone needs to switch right away. Still, this update fits certain people better than others. You might want to try it if:
- You use your iPad more than your phone during the day
- You travel often and don’t always carry your phone with you
- You’ve had issues with the 14-day logout in the past
- You want live location or broadcast lists on your tablet
On the other hand, maybe you’re happy keeping your phone as the main hub. If so, there’s no real need to change anything. Both setups keep working fine. So, it really comes down to how you personally use your devices.
Companion Mode Isn’t Going Away
If you like things the way they are, don’t worry. WhatsApp isn’t removing companion mode. You can still link your iPad to your phone the same way as before. During setup, you’ll simply get a choice between the two options, so nothing is forced on you.
Also, if your iPad is already linked as a companion device, nothing changes on its own. You won’t be pushed to switch. That choice stays fully up to you.
When Will You Get This Feature?
WhatsApp is rolling this out slowly, not all at once. So, some users already see the option, while others might not yet. If you update the app and don’t see the choice right away, that’s normal. It should arrive with a future update, so a little patience should do the trick. While you wait, it might be worth taking a moment to reserve your username on WhatsApp too.
Quick Questions About This Update
Does this replace companion mode?
No. Companion mode still works the same way it always has. This new option simply adds a second way to set up WhatsApp on iPad.
Will my current linked iPad log out on its own?
No. If your iPad is already linked as a companion device, nothing changes. That stays true unless you set it up again as a primary device.
Is this feature available for everyone right now?
Not yet. WhatsApp is rolling it out in stages, so not every user will see it right away. However, it should reach more people soon.
Do I need a passkey to use this feature?
No. A passkey is optional. You can still register with the standard 6-digit code if you don’t have one set up.
The Bottom Line
WhatsApp finally treats the iPad as a real device, not just a backup screen for your phone. You can now choose between two setups. Primary mode gives you full features and no need for your phone nearby. Companion mode still works exactly like before.
Either way, the choice is yours. And for anyone who relies on their iPad daily, this update makes WhatsApp feel a lot more complete.
