Quick Answer
Yes, it is possible to create a virtual phone number for WhatsApp. WhatsApp requires connecting to a real mobile number to verify your account. However, there are services that provide virtual phone numbers that can receive SMS or calls, allowing you to verify your WhatsApp account with that number. Once verified, you can use WhatsApp normally with your virtual number.
Overview
WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging platforms worldwide, with over 2 billion users. A key requirement to use WhatsApp is verifying your account with a real phone number. This means you cannot simply create a “fake” number to use with WhatsApp.
However, there are services that provide virtual phone numbers that can receive SMS and phone calls. These numbers work like real phone numbers, allowing you to verify your WhatsApp account. Once verified, you can use WhatsApp normally with your virtual number.
The main reasons people want a virtual phone number for WhatsApp include:
– Maintaining privacy – Using a virtual number keeps your real number private.
– Managing multiple accounts – You can have different WhatsApp accounts for business and personal use.
– Temporary usage – Useful if you only need a number temporarily, like when traveling abroad.
So in summary, while WhatsApp requires a real phone number to verify accounts, virtual phone numbers can fulfill this verification role and enable WhatsApp usage without tying it to your real number.
Services That Provide Virtual Phone Numbers
There are a number of services that offer virtual phone numbers for WhatsApp verification and usage:
| Service | Features |
|---|---|
| Google Voice | – Free phone number for calls & texts – Available in the US and few other countries – Verified by many as working for WhatsApp |
| Hushed | – Offers US & Canadian numbers – Prices start at $1.99/month – Can purchase exact number of your choice |
| TextNow | – Free and paid plans – Provides a unique phone number – Works in US & Canada |
| Sideline | – Virtual business phone numbers – Customizable call & text forwarding – Pricing starts at $9.99/month |
These are some prominent and reliable services known to provide virtual phone numbers that can be used to verify WhatsApp accounts. The availability and exact pricing may vary across services. Some key aspects to consider when choosing a service:
– **Coverage:** Ensure they provide numbers for your country.
– **features**: Check if the number provides both call and SMS capability. This is required for WhatsApp verification.
– **Cost**: Prices range from free to paid plans starting around $2/month. Paying for a number may provide better reliability.
– **Reviews**: Check reviews and feedback from other users on using the service for WhatsApp verification.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here is a step-by-step guide to getting a virtual phone number and using it to verify and set up WhatsApp:
1. Acquire a Virtual Number
First, sign up for a service that provides virtual phone numbers. We recommend services like Google Voice or Hushed. Follow the service’s instructions to acquire a virtual number. Make sure the number is capable of receiving both calls and SMS.
2. Install WhatsApp & Enter Number
Install WhatsApp on your device if you haven’t already. When prompted, enter the virtual number you acquired as your WhatsApp number.
3. Verify the Number
WhatsApp will send an SMS with a verification code to the virtual number. Open the SMS on the service you acquired the number from and copy the verification code. Enter the code in WhatsApp to verify your number.
4. Verify Via Call (Optional)
In some cases, WhatsApp may call your virtual number for verification instead of sending an SMS. If this happens, answer the call and follow the prompts to verify through the call.
5. Start Using WhatsApp
Once verification is complete, your WhatsApp account will be ready to use with your new virtual number! You can now use WhatsApp to message and call other users normally.
Using Multiple WhatsApp Accounts
Once you have one WhatsApp account set up with a virtual number, you can also add additional accounts to the same device using different virtual numbers. Here’s how:
For iPhone
On iPhone, you can use the native dual SIM functionality to add another WhatsApp account:
1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan to add another virtual number
2. Follow the normal WhatsApp verification process using this number
3. In WhatsApp, toggle between accounts using the cellular plan selector
For Android
On Android, you can use multiple WhatsApp accounts with apps like Parallel Space:
1. Install and set up Parallel Space on your device
2. Open Parallel Space and add WhatsApp to create a cloned version
3. Verify the cloned WhatsApp using your second virtual number
4. Use the original and cloned WhatsApp apps to manage each account
This allows you to easily switch between two WhatsApp accounts on a single Android device.
Verifying Without SIM Card
In some cases, you may wish to verify WhatsApp on a device that does not have SIM card capability, like a tablet or WiFi-only device. Here are some options:
– **SMS Forwarding** – Some virtual number services allow you to forward incoming SMS to email or another device. You can use this to receive the verification code.
– **SIM Emulator apps** – Apps like SIM PIN can emulate a SIM card on your device to receive the automated call verification.
– **Borrow a SIM** – You can temporarily borrow a friend’s SIM card to insert in your device, receive verification, then remove it after activation.
So it is possible to verify WhatsApp without a SIM card using these workarounds. But having a device with SIM capability makes the process much simpler.
Using WhatsApp Web
Once you have WhatsApp set up on your phone with a virtual number, you can also use WhatsApp Web to access your account from your computer’s browser:
1. Open web.whatsapp.com in your desktop browser
2. On your phone, open WhatsApp and tap Menu > WhatsApp Web
3. Point your phone’s camera at the QR code on the browser screen to link accounts
Your WhatsApp messages and calls will now display in the browser, in sync with your mobile device. This lets you seamlessly continue conversations from your computer.
Tips for Using a Virtual Number
Here are some useful tips for using a virtual phone number with WhatsApp smoothly:
– Save important messages or media to your phone storage, as they are not backed up to the virtual number’s cloud storage
– Turn on notifications for the virtual number app so you never miss a WhatsApp verification code
– Make sure to stop auto-renewal for paid virtual numbers if only needed temporarily
– Add emergency contacts like family to your real number as well, in case issues arise with your virtual number
– Be sure to comply with WhatsApp’s Terms of Service when using a virtual number account
Pros and Cons
Using a virtual phone number with WhatsApp has some notable advantages:
**Pros:**
– Maintains privacy of your real number
– Lets you separate personal and business accounts
– Easy to get started in most countries
– Provides temporary number when traveling abroad
**Cons**:
– Paid virtual numbers have a small recurring cost
– Need a smartphone to set up verification initially
– No SMS or call capability without mobile data or WiFi
– Features limited compared to real phone number
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about using virtual phone numbers with WhatsApp:
Is this allowed by WhatsApp?
Yes, WhatsApp’s terms of service do not prohibit the use of virtual numbers, as long as the number provided is valid.
Can I make calls with the virtual number?
Yes, you can make normal WhatsApp voice and video calls to other users using your virtual number. However, you may need mobile data or WiFi connectivity.
Can I use multiple accounts on the same device?
You can use tricks like dual SIM capabilities or apps like Parallel Space to have multiple WhatsApp accounts on the same smartphone.
What happens if I lose my virtual number?
You would be locked out of your WhatsApp account associated with that number. So it’s best to always have access to your virtual number service account in case you need to regain control of the number.
Is there a limit on how many accounts I can create?
WhatsApp may limit the number of accounts created with sequential virtual numbers to curb abuse. But otherwise, there is no strict limit. However, using too many accounts simultaneously may get you blocked.
Conclusion
Virtual phone numbers provide a straightforward way to use WhatsApp while keeping your real number private. Services like Google Voice and Hushed enable setting up a virtual number for verification purposes and regular WhatsApp usage. With some simple steps, you can start enjoying WhatsApp with the added privacy and flexibility of a virtual number. Just be sure to choose a reliable service suited to your specific needs.