WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. To create a WhatsApp account, you need to provide a valid mobile phone number for verification. This leads many to wonder – can you use a virtual phone number to verify WhatsApp?
Can I use a virtual number for WhatsApp verification?
The short answer is yes, you can use a virtual phone number to verify a WhatsApp account. However, there are some important caveats to keep in mind.
Virtual phone numbers, also known as VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) numbers, are phone numbers that are provided over the internet rather than through a traditional cellular carrier. These numbers allow you to make and receive calls and SMS messages through an app or web interface.
Many VOIP apps like Google Voice, TextNow, and Sideline provide free virtual numbers that can receive SMS messages. As long as the virtual number can receive verification texts, it can be used to verify a WhatsApp account.
Issues with using virtual numbers for WhatsApp
While virtual numbers can be used for the initial WhatsApp verification, there are some potential issues to be aware of:
- Accessibility – Virtual numbers may not always receive SMS reliably, depending on the service. This can make verification unpredictable.
- Security – Using a virtual number means your WhatsApp account is not tied to a real personal number. This reduces security and accountability.
- Changing numbers – WhatsApp does not allow changing from a virtual number to a real number later without creating a new account.
- Restrictions – WhatsApp may block certain VOIP services if they detect abuse related to those providers.
Due to these restrictions, WhatsApp recommends using a real mobile number for verification whenever possible for the best experience.
Steps to verify WhatsApp with a virtual number
If you do choose to use a virtual number for WhatsApp verification, here are the steps:
- Obtain a virtual phone number – Sign up for a VOIP service like Google Voice or TextNow and acquire a free virtual number.
- Install WhatsApp – Download and install the WhatsApp app on your device. When prompted, agree to the Terms of Service.
- Enter virtual number – On the registration screen, enter your virtual phone number when asked.
- Verify the number – WhatsApp will send a 6-digit code via SMS to your virtual number. Enter this code in the app to verify.
- Provide name – WhatsApp may ask you to provide your name. Add your name or business name.
- Set profile photo – Upload a profile photo if desired. Then your WhatsApp account will be verified.
Once registered, you can begin using WhatsApp and all its features like messaging, voice/video calling, status updates, etc. Keep in mind you will only receive messages and calls through the app interface, not your actual phone’s SMS or phone dialer.
Tips for using a virtual number with WhatsApp
Here are some tips to keep in mind when using a virtual phone number with WhatsApp:
- Save verification code – Be sure to save the 6-digit verification code that is texted to you. You may need this later for re-verification.
- Link email address – Link an email address to your account as a backup verification method if you lose access to your virtual number.
- Avoid banned numbers – Don’t use known banned VOIP numbers, check databases of banned numbers.
- Add to contacts – Have your WhatsApp contacts add your virtual number to their phone’s contacts for best notification reliability.
- Limit personal info – Avoid using your real name or personal info with a virtual WhatsApp account if privacy is a concern.
Can I verify with the same number on multiple devices?
WhatsApp allows you to be logged into a single account on up to 4 devices simultaneously. So you can verify WhatsApp using the same virtual number on up to 4 phones or tablets.
To add multiple devices:
- Open WhatsApp > Settings > Linked Devices on your primary device.
- On your secondary device, install WhatsApp and enter the same virtual number.
- Scan the QR code on your secondary device using your primary device to link them.
- Verify any prompts and your account will be added to the new device.
All linked devices will be able to send/receive WhatsApp messages and calls while connected to the internet. Keep in mind linked devices count against the 4 device limit.
Can I transfer my WhatsApp from one number to another?
Unfortunately, WhatsApp does not allow transferring your account from one number to another, whether virtual or regular. If you wish to change the number on your WhatsApp account, you will have to go through the process of creating a new account and informing your contacts of your new number.
Here are the steps to change your WhatsApp to a new number:
- Create new account – Install WhatsApp on your device and register with your new number and verify.
- Export chat history – From your old account, go to Settings > Chats > Chat History > Export to back up your chat data.
- Inform contacts – Let all your WhatsApp contacts know about your new number.
- Import history to new account – On your new account, import your chat history to retain messages.
- Delete old account – Once done, delete your old WhatsApp account tied to previous number.
While you can’t directly transfer numbers, this process will allow you to switch while keeping your chat history intact. Note you’ll be unavailable on WhatsApp during the transition period.
Can I have two WhatsApp accounts with different numbers?
It is possible to have more than one WhatsApp account active at the same time using different phone numbers. Here’s how:
- Obtain additional number – Get a second virtual number or SIM card to associate with a separate account.
- Register new account – Install WhatsApp again on your device or a separate device. Use the new number to verify.
- Log in to accounts – Open the WhatsApp selector and log into each account when needed.
- Set separate notifications – Go into WhatsApp settings for each account to set different notification tones and pop-up settings to avoid confusion.
With this setup, you can access either WhatsApp account seamlessly. Keep in mind you can only verify an account on up to 4 devices simultaneously. So if using multiple numbers, limit each one to 4 linked devices.
Can I use a virtual number with WhatsApp for business?
WhatsApp Business accounts can also be verified using virtual phone numbers. WhatsApp Business provides business profile features, messaging tools, and analytics for companies.
To use a virtual number with WhatsApp Business:
- Obtain virtual number – Ensure the VOIP service provides a business/commercial number option.
- Install WhatsApp Business – Download on your device and agree to Terms.
- Register with virtual number – Enter your virtual business number to receive SMS code.
- Verify and set up account – Verify SMS code, add business details like name, category, description, etc.
- Add features – Use available tools like quick replies, labels, greetings messages to configure your business account.
A virtual WhatsApp Business account functions the same as a standard account. The key benefit is separating your business communications from your personal account. You can also list your virtual business number on your website or other promotional materials.
Top virtual number providers for WhatsApp
If looking to get a virtual phone number for verifying WhatsApp, here are some top providers to consider:
| Provider | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Google Voice | Free US numbers, call forwarding, voicemail, SMS, works with Android & iPhone |
| TextNow | Free US/Canada numbers, calling & texting, supports WhatsApp verification |
| Hushed | Disposable numbers, private messaging, anonymous WhatsApp access |
| Sideline | Add second number to mobile, business features, 30 day free trial |
Be sure to research any virtual number service thoroughly, read reviews and check for any restrictions before using for WhatsApp. Some services may not disclose if numbers are banned or frequently recycled.
Risks & Downsides of Using Virtual Numbers
While using virtual phone numbers with WhatsApp offers more privacy and anonymity, there are some risks and downsides to consider as well:
- Limited features – Some WhatsApp features may not work reliably like calls, group chats, etc.
- No SMS – You cannot access your virtual number’s SMS outside of WhatsApp.
- Security issues – Higher potential for spam, scams and cybercrime without a real identity.
- Ban risks – Using an IP or number that’s flagged for abuse can get your account banned.
- Privacy concerns – WhatsApp still collects your usage data and metadata the same as with real numbers.
In general, virtual phone numbers are best suited for temporary second accounts, business purposes and disposable use cases. For your main personal WhatsApp account, it is safest and most reliable to use your actual mobile number whenever possible.
WhatsApp Support & Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues verifying your account with a virtual phone number, here are some tips for troubleshooting:
- Ensure number can receive SMS – Confirm SMS delivery by testing the number outside WhatsApp first.
- Contact number provider – Check for outages or SMS delivery issues impacting your VOIP service.
- Check for ban – Use a ban checker site to see if your number has been banned by WhatsApp.
- Use different number – Try registering with a different virtual number in case your current one is blocked.
- Reach WhatsApp support – Report verification issues to WhatsApp through their in-app support or Twitter support.
As a last resort, you may need to switch to using a regular mobile phone number to reliably use WhatsApp without limitations. But virtual numbers should work fine in most cases for the initial verification process.
Conclusion
Virtual phone numbers provide a convenient way to create additional WhatsApp accounts for business, family and other uses. However, it’s important to be aware of the limitations and risks compared to using your primary mobile number.
While possible in most cases, virtual numbers are not as stable for accessing WhatsApp long-term. Make sure to link an email for backup verification, export your chat history regularly, and inform contacts to avoid issues. With the right precautions, virtual numbers can be a useful option for maximizing WhatsApp in different ways.