What is a linked messaging device?¶
A linked messaging device is an additional phone, tablet, computer, application or browser session authorised to use the same messaging account. It is a separate access route and potential evidence source, not merely a mirror of the primary phone.
Linking creates another endpoint¶
Depending on the service, the linked endpoint may display synchronised conversations, receive new messages and send content through the account. It may continue operating while the primary phone is elsewhere or offline. Some services transfer extensive history; others provide only later messages or limited functions.
Useful artefacts can include the device name and type, link and last-active times, session identifiers, desktop application data, browser storage, login history and security notifications. Record the account's linked-device list before revoking anything: removal may change records, end a live session or alert another user.
A session is not a person¶
The presence of a linked device shows that the account authorised an additional endpoint. It does not identify who used that endpoint at a particular time. Shared computers, unattended sessions, compromise and remote access remain possible.
Where attribution matters, compare account records with artefacts from the linked system, device availability, locations and activity times. Multi-device messaging explains why account activity should not automatically be assigned to the primary handset.
The point to remember
Preserve each linked endpoint and its session history as a distinct access route, then establish who could control it before attributing account activity.
