Many messaging apps, including WhatsApp, restrict account access to one primary device at a time, with limited support for additional devices. This becomes inconvenient in situations like traveling when someone needs to briefly use a friend's phone, or when families share a tablet. Currently, users must either share their full login details—compromising privacy—or go without access. A potential solution could be a temporary login feature that allows short-term, restricted access without exposing the full account.

The Core Idea: Temporary, Secure Access

One way to address this issue could be to introduce a temporary guest mode in WhatsApp. Users would generate a one-time QR code or link from their primary device, specifying how long the access should last (e.g., 1 hour or 1 day). The guest session would limit high-risk actions like changing account settings or exporting chats. After the set time, access would automatically expire, or the primary user could manually revoke it anytime. This would be useful for travelers, shared family devices, or emergencies when the primary phone isn't available.

Why This Could Work

Existing apps like Telegram allow full multi-device access, while Signal barely supports it at all. This approach sits in the middle—offering short-term convenience without long-term security risks. For WhatsApp, adding such a feature could prevent users from switching to competitors while maintaining strong privacy controls. A simple first version might enable temporary web access, later expanding to in-app QR logins with customizable permissions.

A feature like this would balance flexibility and security, making WhatsApp more adaptable without compromising its privacy-first approach.