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Run two WhatsApp accounts on Mac
A second WhatsApp on the same Mac — its own Dock icon, its own chats, linked as its own device. Your main WhatsApp is left exactly as it is. This one is new, so it ships as Beta.
7-day free trial · $19 once · macOS 13+ · notarized by Apple
What you get
- Its own linked device. Each instance links to WhatsApp as a separate device with its own chats — your primary WhatsApp is untouched.
- Both open at once. Run a second WhatsApp alongside your main one, each in its own app with its own Dock icon.
- Its own Dock icon. Colour-tinted, so work and personal WhatsApp are instantly distinguishable.
- Separate data. Each instance keeps its own chats, media and settings in its own isolated storage.
To isolate WhatsApp, an instance runs with one of macOS's security protections (the hardened runtime) switched off; the technique needs it that way. Your original WhatsApp keeps all of its protections, this applies only to instances you create, and WhatsApp is the only app it applies to. Running more than one account is yours to reconcile with WhatsApp's own terms.
Beta, verified hands-on: a second WhatsApp linked as its own device with its own chats, the original untouched. It is the first App Store app MacDupl can clone — each instance gets its own app-group storage and a private keychain. Shipped as Beta because of the hardened-runtime trade-off above.
- The first App Store app MacDupl can clone — each instance gets its own app-group storage and a private keychain.
- Runs without the macOS hardened runtime, a disclosed trade-off scoped to WhatsApp instances only.
How to set it up
- Pick the app
Open MacDupl and choose WhatsApp from the list of apps installed on your Mac. - Name and colour it
Call it “Work”, “Personal” or a client's name, and give it one of nine icon tints. - Hit Create
About two seconds later there's a new WhatsApp in your Dock — link it as a new device from your phone — your original WhatsApp stays linked and untouched.
Questions about WhatsApp
Does this affect my main WhatsApp?
No. The instance links to WhatsApp as a separate device and keeps its own data; your original WhatsApp is left signed in and untouched.
Can I use two different phone numbers?
Yes. Each instance links independently, so you can run a different WhatsApp account or number in each.
Is it safe? What is the trade-off?
A WhatsApp instance runs with one of macOS's security protections (the hardened runtime) turned off — that is what lets MacDupl isolate it. Your original WhatsApp keeps all its protections, and only the instances you create are affected. That trade-off is why the feature is Beta.
Are my chats shared between the two?
No. Each instance has its own isolated storage and links as its own device, so chats, media and settings stay separate.
Does running two accounts break WhatsApp's rules?
That is up to you to check. MacDupl just runs the app — whether multiple accounts or linked devices fit WhatsApp's terms is your call.
Try it on your own Mac
The free trial classifies every app in your Applications folder instantly, so you can see exactly how WhatsApp is handled before paying anything.