WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. Many people use WhatsApp as their primary way to stay in touch with friends and family. However, some users want to keep their personal and professional communications separate on WhatsApp. For them, using a second phone number for WhatsApp can be helpful.
In this article, we will look at whether it is possible to use a second phone number or second SIM card for accessing WhatsApp. We will discuss the requirements, options, advantages and potential issues with using dual WhatsApp accounts.
What are the requirements for using two WhatsApp accounts?
The main requirement for using two WhatsApp accounts is having two different phone numbers. WhatsApp verifies users through their phone numbers and ties each account to a single number.
So to use two accounts on the same device, you need:
- Two different SIM cards and phone numbers
- A dual SIM phone that can hold two SIMs
- A second phone number app that provides a virtual second number
With either dual SIMs or a virtual number, you can verify and use two different WhatsApp accounts on the same smartphone.
How to use two WhatsApp accounts on Android
On Android phones, you can use dual WhatsApp accounts in the following ways:
Method 1: Using Dual SIM phones
Many modern Android phones come with dual SIM slots. To set up two WhatsApp accounts:
- Insert your primary SIM in SIM slot 1 and secondary SIM in slot 2
- Install WhatsApp and register your primary number
- Go to Play Store and install WhatsApp again using your secondary number
- You can now switch between the two accounts within WhatsApp
The disadvantage is having to carry two physical SIM cards.
Method 2: Using a second phone number app
You can also get a second virtual phone number using apps like Dual Space, Parallel Space, 2Numbers, etc. To set up:
- Install your SIM card and set up primary WhatsApp
- Install the second number app and generate a new virtual number
- Verify WhatsApp using the secondary virtual number
- Access the two accounts by switching apps on your home screen
This method avoids having to use dual SIM slots.
How to use two WhatsApp accounts on iPhone
On iPhones, you can set up dual WhatsApp as follows:
Using two different SIM cards
- Insert your primary SIM in SIM slot and secondary SIM in eSIM slot (iPhone XS and above)
- Alternatively, you can use a physical SIM and eSIM with two different numbers
- Verify both numbers separately using WhatsApp
- Switch between accounts within WhatsApp
Using a second number app
- Install your primary SIM and verify WhatsApp
- Install a second phone number app like Hushed
- Get a virtual secondary number and verify WhatsApp with it
- Switch between the two WhatsApp apps on your home screen
Again, the virtual number avoids having two physical SIMs.
Pros and cons of using dual WhatsApp
Let’s look at some key advantages and potential issues with using two WhatsApp accounts:
Pros
- Separate personal and professional messages
- Privacy from contacts you give your secondary number
- Manage multiple businesses using different accounts
- Less disruptions from work messages after work hours
Cons
- Constantly switching between two accounts can be annoying
- You need two different phone numbers
- Some messaging or calls may go to the wrong account
- Features like WhatsApp Web only work on one account at a time
- Extra cost if using a paid second number service
So in summary, dual WhatsApp can be very useful but also involves some hassles. You have to decide if it’s worth managing two accounts this way.
Top second phone number apps for WhatsApp
If you want to use a second virtual number for WhatsApp, here are some of the top options:
| App | Platform | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dual Space | Android | Free |
| Parallel Space | Android | Free |
| 2Numbers | Android, iOS | Free for basic |
| Hushed | Android, iOS | $3.99/month |
| Sideline | Android, iOS | $9.99/month |
These apps provide additional phone numbers that can be used to verify and access a separate WhatsApp account easily. Most offer free trials so you can test them out.
FAQs about dual WhatsApp
Here are some frequently asked questions about using two WhatsApp accounts:
Is having two WhatsApp accounts allowed?
Yes, WhatsApp’s terms of service do not prohibit using two accounts. As long as the accounts are verified with different numbers, it is allowed.
Can I use two WhatsApp accounts on the same phone?
You can use two different WhatsApp accounts on Android and iOS devices. Just make sure each account is tied to a separate number.
How do I switch between two WhatsApp accounts?
On Android dual SIM phones, you can switch accounts within WhatsApp. On iPhones and when using second number apps, switch by opening the two different WhatsApp apps.
Can I use WhatsApp Web with two accounts?
Unfortunately, you can only use WhatsApp Web with one account at a time. You have to logout and scan the new QR code to switch accounts.
Can I make calls with my second WhatsApp number?
Yes, you can make WhatsApp calls and send messages with both numbers if you’ve verified them properly.
Is having a dual WhatsApp safe and secure?
Having two WhatsApp accounts is generally safe if you use strong security settings like two-step verification on each account. Make sure to use strong passwords and beware of phishing.
Conclusion
Having two WhatsApp accounts on one smartphone is possible by using either dual SIM cards or second phone number apps. While it takes some extra effort, it allows separating personal and professional chats conveniently.
Make sure to choose a reliable second number app and use caution to keep both accounts secure. With some discipline, dual WhatsApp can be an effective approach for managing your messaging needs.