How to Install Two Instances of the Messaging App on the Galaxy S9
Apps like Twitter and Instagram allow you to log into two accounts at the same time, but if you want to use two different messaging clients on the same device, you’re often out of luck. In the case of things like Facebook Messenger, Skype, and WhatsApp, you need to sign out of one account in order to use another.
This means that every time you need to use that work Skype account to make a call or let your child log into Facebook Messenger so they can chat with their friends, you run into an annoying obstacle.
If you happen to buy a Galaxy S9, Samsung has added a new feature that makes it all easier: Dual Messenger, which lets you install two versions of the same app on your phone. This means you can stay in both accounts and use each version of the app as usual.
Obviously this is not something that needs or wants to use, but if you’ve encountered problems getting in and out of a particular messaging app before, this could be a welcome addition to the feature.
When you turn on the S9 for the first time and start installing the app, you will be prompted for instructions on how to add multiple instances of messaging apps. You can also do it yourself by going to Settings, then Advanced Features and then Dual Messenger.
This feature works for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Skype, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Viber and Telegram. In the menu, you just need to enable the feature for apps, of which you want two, and an additional instance of the app will be added to your home screen.
The second instance of your application will have an orange triangle in the lower right corner with two circles.
I highly recommend keeping them fairly far apart so that you don’t accidentally launch the wrong one and, for example, accidentally post your personal status on the company Facebook page, which you also manage from your phone.
For me, this means that my personal accounts will be in the phone’s Edge menu, and my work accounts will be hidden in the Work folder on my home screen. Choose what works for you, but make sure everything is organized to avoid accidental disruptions.
And we hope Samsung really lets you rename them in the future.