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Do virtual numbers work for WhatsApp?

WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion active users worldwide. Its ubiquity and ease of use have made it a go-to communication tool for both personal and business needs. One question that often comes up is whether you can use a virtual phone number with WhatsApp, instead of your regular cell phone number.

What are virtual numbers?

Virtual numbers, also known as digital or online phone numbers, are phone numbers that you can use over the internet. They work just like regular phone numbers, except they are provided by a third-party service instead of a traditional phone carrier.

When you get a virtual number, you are assigned a real phone number with a local area code. You can use this number to make and receive calls, send and get text messages, and set up accounts with apps and services – just like you would with a regular cell phone number.

The key difference is that the virtual number is tied to an online account rather than a physical phone. This allows you to access it from any internet-connected device, instead of having it linked to just one mobile phone.

Virtual phone numbers have many uses, both personal and business. Here are some of the most common:

  • Maintaining privacy – You can keep your real number private and give out your virtual number instead.
  • Setting up temporary numbers – Useful for trials, short-term projects, event promotions etc.
  • Getting local numbers – Businesses can get local numbers to connect better with customers.
  • Managing business communications – Route calls to multiple devices, customize greetings and more.

There are many providers offering virtual phone numbers, with different setups and pricing models. Overall, virtual numbers provide flexibility and control over how you manage calls and texts.

Can you use virtual numbers on WhatsApp?

The short answer is yes, you can absolutely use virtual phone numbers with WhatsApp. When you sign up for WhatsApp, it requires a valid mobile number to send verification SMS and connect your account. Most virtual number services provide real phone numbers that will work just fine for this purpose.

The process of using a virtual number on WhatsApp is quite simple:

  1. Get a virtual number from a provider that supports texting.
  2. Download and install the WhatsApp app, either on your smartphone or through WhatsApp Web.
  3. Enter your virtual number when WhatsApp asks for your phone number.
  4. WhatsApp will send a verification code via SMS to your virtual number.
  5. Input the code in the app to verify your number and complete setup.

Once your virtual number is verified, you can start using WhatsApp normally – messaging contacts, creating groups, making calls etc. The whole experience is basically identical to using your regular phone number.

Many popular virtual number services like Skype, Google Voice and Vonage support verification and usage with WhatsApp. However, there are a few limitations to keep in mind:

Limitations of using virtual numbers on WhatsApp

  • You may not be able to port an existing WhatsApp account to a new virtual number. You’ll have to start fresh.
  • Group admins will see your virtual number instead of your name. No way to set a custom name.
  • Some providers limit capabilities like SMS, call forwarding etc. so features may not work.
  • There could be occasional verification issues, getting banned or blocked by WhatsApp.

While most virtual numbers will work fine, these limitations mean that virtual numbers may not work reliably for heavy business usage of WhatsApp. For individual personal usage they are typically fine.

Top virtual number providers for WhatsApp

There are dozens of companies and apps that offer virtual phone numbers, but only some of them will seamlessly work for verifying and using WhatsApp. Here are 5 of the top options:

Google Voice

Google Voice is one of the most popular virtual number choices in the US and Canada. It provides free real local numbers that you can use to verify WhatsApp and link to your Google Voice account. All your WhatsApp calls and messages will be managed through the Voice app.

Burner

Burner is another good option for private virtual numbers. It offers short-term disposable numbers as well as longer term “Burner Unlimited” plans. Burner numbers work with WhatsApp as long as you have credits for continued SMS verification.

TextNow

TextNow gives you a free US or Canadian number along with a calling and texting app. You can verify WhatsApp with your TextNow number and use it as long as you maintain an active account.

Hushed

Hushed provides anonymous virtual numbers that are perfect for privacy conscious WhatsApp users. All their numbers work with WhatsApp as they come with real phone plan features.

Line2

Line2 is a business-focused virtual number provider, but individuals can also get a personal number starting at $9.95/month. Line2 numbers can be used to verify and activate WhatsApp.

The table below compares some key features of these providers:

Provider Cost Country SMS Included
Google Voice Free US/Canada Free
Burner Starting at $4.99/month US/Canada Pay as you go
TextNow Free US/Canada Free
Hushed Starting at $3.99/month US/Canada Pay as you go
Line2 Starting at $9.95/month US/Canada Included

Key tips for using virtual numbers with WhatsApp

Here are some top tips to make sure your virtual number works smoothly with WhatsApp:

  • Choose a provider that specifically confirms WhatsApp compatibility.
  • Make sure your provider has enough SMS credits for continued WhatsApp verification.
  • Don’t violate WhatsApp’s Terms of Service with your virtual number usage.
  • Turn on notifications so you don’t miss any messages or calls.
  • Setup call forwarding if you want to receive WhatsApp calls on another phone.
  • Make backups regularly in case you have to switch virtual numbers.

Following these best practices will help avoid any hiccups in your WhatsApp experience when using a virtual number.

Conclusion

Virtual phone numbers provide a convenient way to use WhatsApp while keeping your real number private. The top virtual number services make it simple to verify and activate WhatsApp with the number of your choice.

While there are some minor limitations, virtual numbers generally work quite well for personal WhatsApp use. Businesses may want to exercise more caution and not rely solely on virtual numbers for critical WhatsApp communication.

Overall, virtual numbers offer more privacy and flexibility. With some due diligence on choosing the right provider, they can be a great option for using WhatsApp while maintaining control over your digital presence.