Viber is one of the most popular messaging applications globally, known for its voice and video calling features, as well as its user-friendly interface. However, many individuals often wonder: Can I use the same Viber account on two phones? The answer is yes! You can indeed access your Viber account from multiple devices, provided you understand how to manage your settings effectively. In this detailed article, we will explore the various methods you can use to achieve this and the implications of using the same Viber account on more than one phone.
Understanding Viber’s Basics
Before diving into the process of using the same Viber account on two phones, it’s essential to grasp the fundamentals of the Viber application. Viber operates as a cloud-based platform that syncs messages, calls, and other data across devices, provided you connect with your mobile number.
What You Need to Use Viber
To effectively use Viber on multiple devices, you’ll need the following:
- A smartphone (iOS or Android) with the Viber application installed.
- A valid phone number that you intend to use for verification.
- A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
Using Viber on Two Phones: The Step-by-Step Guide
Using Viber on two phones involves a straightforward process. However, it requires careful management of your contacts and conversations to ensure that you don’t lose any essential data.
Step 1: Install Viber on Both Phones
Firstly, you will need to download and install Viber on both smartphones. Here’s how to do it:
- For iOS Users:
- Go to the App Store.
- Search for “Viber.”
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Tap “Get” to download and install the app.
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For Android Users:
- Go to the Google Play Store.
- Search for “Viber.”
- Tap “Install” to download and install the app.
Step 2: Verify Your Phone Number
Once installed, open the app on the first phone and follow these steps:
- Enter your phone number.
- You will receive a verification code via SMS. Enter this code to verify your account.
Now, repeat these steps on the second phone. However, be cautious here: using the same phone number on two devices will result in your account being deactivated on the first phone. This means you will have to switch back and forth between devices, as Viber allows only one active session per number.
Step 3: Explore the Viber Out Features
If you need to utilize both phones concurrently, consider using Viber Out. This feature allows you to make calls to non-Viber users, and it operates without tethering to the primary phone account. Here’s how to use it:
- Open Viber on your first phone.
- Go to the Viber Out section.
- Make calls or send messages using credits purchased through Viber.
This way, one account can operate independently on both devices, allowing you to stay connected without interruptions.
Using Viber on Desktop or Tablet
An alternative way to access Viber without losing access on your phone is to use a desktop or tablet version. Viber provides applications for both Windows and macOS, in addition to a web-based version. Here’s how to set it up:
Step 1: Download Viber for Desktop
- Go to the Viber website.
- Choose your operating system: Windows or Mac.
- Download and install the application following the prompts.
Step 2: Link Your Phone with Viber Desktop
- Open Viber Desktop.
- A QR code will appear.
- Using your mobile Viber app, go to “More” -> “QR Code.”
- Scan the QR code to link the devices.
Your Viber account will now be accessible on both your mobile and desktop devices simultaneously, allowing for a seamless experience across platforms.
Managing Your Contacts and Messages
When using Viber across multiple devices, managing your contacts and messages is crucial to maintain an uninterrupted flow of communication. Here are some tips:
Keep Your Contacts Synced
Viber syncs your contacts automatically when you install it on any device. However, to ensure smooth operation:
- Always update your contacts on the phone where Viber is initially set up.
- Use the Viber app to add and remove contacts as needed.
Handling Notifications
Each device you connect will receive notifications for incoming messages, which can be overwhelming. Here’s how to manage them effectively:
- Customize Notification Settings: Go to Viber’s settings on each device, and manage notification preferences according to your needs — turning off notifications on one device whilst keeping them on another to streamline communication.
Benefits of Using Viber on Multiple Phones
Using Viber on two devices has several notable benefits:
Accessibility
With Viber on multiple devices, you have the flexibility to use whichever device suits your context. If your hands are busy with work on one phone, you can easily switch to your other mobile for messaging or calls.
Backup and Restore Convenience
Should you happen to lose or damage one device, having Viber installed on a secondary phone ensures your conversations and contacts remain intact and accessible.
Challenges of Multi-Device Usage
While utilizing Viber on multiple phones comes with benefits, it also presents a few challenges.
Limited Simultaneous Use
You cannot be active on both phones at the same time using the same mobile number. If you log into a second phone, the session on the first will be terminated, which means you must switch back and forth as needed.
Possible Conflicts in Notifications
Having notifications ping on both devices can be distracting. This is especially true if you receive high message volume. Users should consider how they want to filter notifications.
Final Thoughts
Using the same Viber account on two phones is indeed possible, but you must navigate through the limitations of the platform. While you may need to switch between devices and manage notifications carefully, the benefit of being able to access your messages and calls from different devices adds considerable flexibility to your communication style.
In the age of connectivity, where instant communication is crucial, Viber’s ability to operate across devices provides a perfect solution for professionals and casual users alike. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure an optimal experience using Viber on two smartphones or even complement it with a desktop version, thus enhancing your messaging experience while staying connected with friends and family.
Can I use the same Viber account on two different phones?
Yes, it is possible to use the same Viber account on two different phones. However, it’s important to note that Viber only allows you to be logged into one device at a time. This means that if you activate your account on a new phone, it will log you out from the other device.
To use your Viber account on a second phone, you’ll need to install the Viber app on that device and verify your phone number. After verification, your chats and settings will sync to the new phone, but only as long as you remain logged in on that device.
Will my messages be synchronized between the two devices?
No, messages are not synchronized between two devices when you use Viber on them. Once you log into a new phone, the previous device will lose all access to the account. Consequently, any messages received or sent from the original device will no longer be available on the second device.
If you need to keep a record of your messages, consider backing them up on your original device before switching to the other phone. You can do this through Viber’s built-in backup feature, which allows you to save your chat history to the cloud.
How do I switch my Viber account between phones?
Switching your Viber account between phones is a straightforward process. First, ensure that you have the Viber app installed on both devices. On the phone you wish to switch from, go to ‘Settings’ and select ‘Account’ to log out. Then, on the new phone, open the Viber app, enter your phone number, and follow the prompts for verifying your account.
Once you’ve verified your number on the new device, Viber will automatically retrieve your account information. Keep in mind that logging into the new device will cause your original device to log out of Viber. It’s essential to back up your chat history if you wish to maintain access to previous conversations.
Will my contacts be available on both devices?
Your contacts are linked to your Viber account and will be available on any device you are logged into. However, since Viber allows only one active session at a time, your contacts will transition to the new phone once you log in there, and they will be inaccessible on the old device after you log out.
If you have added any contacts while using Viber on the original phone, those contacts will sync to the new device once you log in. Make sure to sync your phone contacts with the Viber app to ensure a seamless transition and maintain communication.
Can I have multiple Viber accounts on one phone?
Generally, Viber does not support having multiple accounts on the same phone. Each Viber account is tied to a specific phone number, and as such, you can only use one account per phone. If you attempt to register a second account, you will need to log out of the first one.
However, some users opt to use multiple phone number apps or services that temporarily assign different phone numbers to achieve the same result. This allows for the creation of separate Viber accounts, but managing multiple numbers can complicate communication and contact management.
What should I do if I lose access to my Viber account on one phone?
If you lose access to your Viber account on one phone, you can regain it by reinstalling the app on that device and verifying your phone number again. Keep in mind that if you have already logged into a different device, logging in on the original phone will log you out of the new one.
If you encounter any difficulties during the verification process, ensure that you have access to the phone number linked to your Viber account. If your number has changed or is inaccessible, you may need to recover your account through Viber’s support, but this may result in data loss unless you had previously backed up your chats.