The latest beta tests of the cross-platform messaging app WhatsApp have uncovered a long-awaited new function. Testers for the WhatsApp beta in iOS 25.19.20.74 report they can switch between their different WhatsApp accounts.Â
Sounds simple, right? But quick account switching has been unavailable to mobile WhatsApp users. This beta appears to show native support for a feature in WhatsApp settings called "Switch Accounts," which brings up all linked profiles for people to pick from.Â
Don't miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.
Since people have only discovered this in the beta and not all testers have access to it, there's no way to know when a rollout to all users may begin. Most likely, this feature is still in the early testing phases and has a way to go before the average WhatsApp user will see it.Â
The feature is only being reported on the iPhone beta at this time. But since WhatsApp's Android support has been historically reliable, we're betting the new setting will roll out to Android users, too.Â
A representative for Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
WhatsApp testers noticed a new feature in the latest iOS that makes managing profiles easier.
Why is this a high-demand feature?
Holding separate WhatsApp accounts is fairly common. Sometimes, two different people may be using the same phone for their WhatsApp talks. Or people may have a different set of preferences, icons and customizations for different friend groups that they'd like to keep separate. Sometimes your college circle and after-work pickleball friends have very different texting needs.
Previously, the only way to easily hold two WhatsApp accounts without constantly logging in and out was to use WhatsApp Business. Now, the beta feature appears to suggest that even more casual users may soon be able to switch between profiles on the fly.Â