WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users. One of the app’s key features is that it uses your phone number as your account identifier. However, sometimes users wish to have a second WhatsApp account, for privacy or other reasons. A common question is whether it’s possible to get a second phone number for WhatsApp without having a second SIM card.
Why Would You Want a Second WhatsApp Number?
There are a few main reasons why someone might want a second WhatsApp number:
- Privacy – Having a separate number for WhatsApp can help keep your personal and professional communications separate.
- Business Use – Companies often want a dedicated business WhatsApp number that multiple people can access.
- Dual SIM Phones – If you have a phone with dual SIM capability, you may want two different WhatsApp accounts for each SIM.
- Testing – App developers may need to test WhatsApp verification without using their personal number.
The main challenge is that WhatsApp requires a valid mobile number to register an account. So is there a way to get a second number for WhatsApp without having two physical SIM cards?
Methods to Get a Second WhatsApp Number
There are a few different methods people use to get a second phone number for WhatsApp:
1. SIM Card
The most straightforward way is to simply get a second SIM card and cell phone plan. This gives you a fully functioning second phone number that you can use for WhatsApp or anything else. However, the downside is that having two active cell plans can be expensive.
2. Dual SIM Phone
Some newer phone models have dual SIM capability, meaning you can have two SIMs installed at once. This allows you to have two different phone numbers and WhatsApp accounts on a single device. The downside is that you need a specifically compatible dual SIM phone.
3. Online Phone Numbers
There are services that provide online phone numbers that can receive SMS messages. These numbers work for receiving the SMS activation code from WhatsApp during registration. However, some providers may not work with WhatsApp’s automated detection systems.
4. SIM Card Cloning
SIM card cloning involves copying the identity of a SIM card onto another blank SIM. This can effectively give you a second number tied to the original SIM card. However, cloning is illegal in many regions.
5. SIM Emulator Apps
Some Android apps like Dual Space act as a SIM emulator, allowing you to clone your primary SIM within the app. This can let you run dual WhatsApp accounts. However, these apps can break WhatsApp’s terms of service.
Legality and Risks
While using options like online phone numbers or SIM cloning may seem like a quick fix, it does come with some risks:
- Against WhatsApp Policy – WhatsApp explicitly prohibits duplicated accounts and may ban you if detected.
- Illegal – SIM card cloning is illegal in many countries around the world.
- Limited Functionality – Online numbers may not support full phone capabilities.
- No Privacy – Your online or cloned number still ties back to your original SIM.
Due to these risks, using these workaround methods is generally not recommended. Having a properly registered second SIM is the safest and most sustainable option.
How to Get a Second SIM Card
If you do want to get a legitimate second SIM card properly, here are some options:
Go Through Your Mobile Carrier
One option is to speak to your current mobile carrier and see if they can provide a second SIM card paired with your existing account. This lets you take advantage of any account discounts you may have. However, your two numbers will still be linked under the same account.
Buy a Prepaid SIM Card
Another easy option is to purchase a prepaid SIM card from a mobile shop or retailer. This will provide a fully functioning cell number. You can then register it with WhatsApp. The prepaid account will be separate from your primary number.
Order a SIM Card Online
Rather than going to a physical store, you can also order a prepaid SIM card online. Providers like Mint Mobile let you buy just the SIM card without requiring a monthly plan. This may be more convenient than going to a wireless retailer.
Key Things to Keep in Mind
If you do obtain a second SIM card properly, here are some important factors to keep in mind:
- Make sure both numbers are registered under different WhatsApp accounts.
- Using dual SIM devices makes managing two accounts easier.
- Keep your primary personal number private and use the second number for public purposes.
- Turn off auto-saving and syncing of media if you wish to keep accounts separate.
- Using a secondary prepaid SIM line is cheaper than having two monthly postpaid plans.
Following WhatsApp’s policies and using legitimate methods is always recommended to avoid bans. But having two properly registered SIMs can allow you to fully utilize WhatsApp’s great communication capabilities across both personal and professional contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is having two WhatsApp accounts allowed?
Officially, each WhatsApp account must be tied to a unique registered mobile number. While you can’t have two accounts with the same number, having two different numbers with separate accounts is permitted under WhatsApp’s policies.
Can I use an online phone number for WhatsApp verification?
Some online phone number services may initially work for receiving the verification code via SMS. However, WhatsApp tries to detect and block these providers to cut down on duplicated accounts. Having an actual physical SIM is more reliable.
Can I use dual SIM phones to have two WhatsApp accounts?
Yes, dual SIM phones allow you to properly have two different WhatsApp accounts, one registered with each SIM line. This is a great way to utilize two numbers with a single device. Just be sure each number is tied to a different WhatsApp account.
Is SIM card cloning allowed for a second WhatsApp number?
No, using cloning or emulation software to duplicate a SIM identity is considered illegal in many regions. It also violates WhatsApp’s policies, which could lead to bans. It’s better to obtain two separate legitimate SIM cards.
Can I verify my secondary WhatsApp number using my primary number?
No, you cannot use your existing registered WhatsApp number to verify a new secondary account. Each account must be verified using the individual cell number it will be registered to.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp only allows one account per phone number, having a second WhatsApp account can be useful for many users. The recommended way is obtaining a secondary SIM card properly through a prepaid plan or your mobile carrier. Using illegal methods like SIM cloning or emulators can lead to service disruptions. With a legitimate second cell number, you can fully utilize WhatsApp on the same device safely using dual SIM capabilities. Just be sure each number is registered under separate WhatsApp accounts to follow policies.