I used Whatsapp on my phone and I wanted to use a messenger while I am using my iPad as well. Whatsapp couldn’t help.
I found another App - Xpress Yourself Messenger( https://letsxprs.com) allows all the Whatsapp features in Phone as well as in Ipad or Tablets. Use this app if you want to be limited to phones. Use Xpress Yourself Messenger as its encrypted too.