WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users. When signing up for WhatsApp, you need a phone number for verification purposes. However, not everyone wants to use their personal phone number. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to get a free virtual phone number for WhatsApp verification.
Using Free Online Services
There are many free online services that provide virtual phone numbers for receiving SMS or calls. These numbers work just like regular phone numbers for verification purposes. Here are some recommended services:
- TextNow – Offers free US/Canada numbers. You can choose a number and receive SMS or calls without any cost.
- Google Voice – Gives you a free US phone number. Easy to set up and use for WhatsApp verification.
- Sideline – Provides a second US/Canada number for your mobile device. Great for privacy and app verifications.
- Dingtone – Lets you pick a free US/Canada number. Works for receiving SMS/calls for verification codes.
The process is simple. Just sign up on any of these platforms, choose a virtual number, and ensure it is capable of receiving SMS. When WhatsApp sends the 6-digit verification code, you will receive it on the online number. Enter this code in WhatsApp and your account will be verified.
Using Temporary Burner Numbers
Burner numbers are temporary phone numbers that you can use for a short time. They are ideal for one-time verifications like WhatsApp. Some popular services that offer burner numbers include:
- Burner – Gives you a new number on demand, usable for as little as 5 minutes up to 1 day.
- Hushed – Provides temporary numbers for up to 7 days. Works for WhatsApp verifications.
- TempPhoneNumber – Generates temporary phone numbers that work for receiving SMS/calls.
To use a burner number for WhatsApp verification:
- Download the burner app and purchase a number.
- Make sure the number can receive SMS.
- Enter this number when prompted for verification by WhatsApp.
- Receive the 6-digit code on the burner number and enter into WhatsApp.
- Verification complete. You can now discard the burner number.
The advantage of burner numbers is privacy and anonymity. Your personal number is not linked to your WhatsApp account.
Using VoIP Numbers
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) numbers also work for WhatsApp verification. You can get free or cheap VoIP numbers from various apps and services.
- Skype – Provides online numbers for a small fee that can receive SMS.
- SIPDroid – Lets you create free VoIP accounts to get virtual numbers.
- TextMeUp – Gives free VoIP numbers for US/Canada valid for WhatsApp verification.
- TextPlus – Offers cheap VoIP numbers starting at $1.99 that can receive text messages.
The process of using a VoIP number for WhatsApp verification:
- Install the VoIP app and create an account.
- Search and select a phone number capable of receiving SMS.
- Use this number when WhatsApp asks for verification.
- Enter the verification code received on the VoIP number.
- Your WhatsApp account will now be verified.
The benefit of VoIP numbers is that they often work like regular phone numbers. Furthermore, you can use them across multiple devices and apps if needed.
Using Friends or Family Member’s Number
If you don’t want to use any online services, you can simply ask a friend or family member to lend you their phone number for WhatsApp verification. Here is the process:
- Install WhatsApp on your device and start the signup process.
- When prompted for verification, enter your friend/family’s number.
- Inform them that they will receive a 6-digit SMS from WhatsApp.
- When they get the verification code, ask them to share it with you.
- Enter the 6-digit code in your WhatsApp setup to complete verification.
Just remember to request your friend/family member first before using their number. Also, remove their number from your WhatsApp account after verification and add your own number to avoid confusion.
Buying a Prepaid SIM Card
Another option is to purchase a prepaid SIM card just for WhatsApp verification. You can buy an inexpensive prepaid card from local stores or online retailers. Here are the steps involved:
- Buy a prepaid SIM card with some talk time and text validity.
- Insert the SIM in your phone and make sure it’s active.
- Start the WhatsApp registration process on your device.
- Enter the prepaid SIM number when WhatsApp requests for verification.
- Note down the 6-digit verification code received as an SMS.
- Input the code in WhatsApp to complete verification.
- Once your account is verified, you can remove the prepaid SIM card.
While this method costs a few dollars, it gives you a dedicated number just for WhatsApp signup. You retain your privacy without using your personal number.
Using Dual SIM Devices
If your phone supports dual SIMs, you can use the secondary SIM slot for WhatsApp verification. Follow these steps:
- Get a spare SIM card and activate it.
- Insert it in the second SIM slot of your dual SIM phone.
- Start the WhatsApp registration and when asked for number, enter the secondary SIM number.
- You will receive the SMS with verification code on that number.
- Input the 6-digit verification code in WhatsApp to complete signup.
- Once your account is verified, you can remove the secondary SIM if you want.
Having a dual SIM phone allows you to seamlessly use two numbers on one device. Just pop in the secondary SIM when you need it for verification purposes.
Using Online SIM Card Services
There are online services that provide real SIM cards to users. These SIM cards work just like regular phone numbers for receiving SMS or calls. Some examples include:
- SIMDeployer – Ships SIM cards worldwide. Lets you choose numbers from different countries.
- GetSIM.net – Provides global prepaid SIM card delivery in 200+ countries.
- PrepaidZero – Sends electronic SIM cards (eSIMs) digitally to your phone.
- Airalo – Offers cloud-based eSIMs that work globally for data, calls & SMS.
To use these for WhatsApp verification:
- Purchase a SIM card from the service for your country.
- Activate the SIM card and select a number that can receive SMS.
- Insert the SIM card into your device if it’s a physical SIM.
- When WhatsApp requests verification, enter the SIM card number.
- Receive the 6-digit code on that number and enter it to verify your account.
This gives you access to real global SIM cards without having to go to local stores. Convenient for verification purposes.
Using SIM Card Cloning Services
Some online services can clone your existing SIM card to create a secondary virtual SIM. This cloned SIM can be used for receiving SMS/calls. Examples include:
- SIMIdle – Clones your SIM to provide a virtual secondary number.
- CloneMySim – Copies your SIM card data to generate virtual SIMs.
- CopySim – Duplicates your physical SIM to create eSIMs for dual SIM devices.
Here is how to use a cloned SIM for WhatsApp verification:
- Choose a SIM cloning service and provide your SIM details.
- They will clone your SIM and email you the virtual SIM details.
- Add the cloned eSIM to your phone through the service’s app.
- Use the secondary cloned number when WhatsApp asks for verification.
- Enter the 6-digit code received on the cloned SIM to verify your WhatsApp.
Cloned SIMs retain all features of the original SIM. Useful for privacy and dual SIM dual standby (DSDS) phones.
Using SIM Card Emulators
SIM emulators mimic real SIM cards on your computer. They generate virtual SIM cards that can receive SMS or calls. Some popular options are:
- FakeSIM – Creates virtual SIM cards using your computer’s internet connection.
- SIMulator – Emulates SIM cards to provide fully functioning phone numbers.
- bypass – Generates virtual SIMs you can use to receive text messages or calls.
- SIMonKEY – Provides emulated SIM cards and phone numbers for verification purposes.
To use a SIM emulator for WhatsApp verification:
- Install the SIM emulator software on your desktop/laptop.
- Create a new virtual SIM card with a phone number capable of SMS.
- When WhatsApp asks for verification, enter the virtual SIM number.
- Retrieve the 6-digit code received on the emulated SIM.
- Input the verification code manually in WhatsApp to complete signup.
SIM emulators provide free virtual numbers while protecting your privacy. Great for app verifications from your computer.
Using WhatsApp without Number Verification
Currently, there are no mods or tweaks that allow bypassing WhatsApp’s phone number verification. The developers have made sure that every account must be verified before use. Having a phone number tied to each account is crucial for security and preventing spam/abuse. As such, there are no legitimate methods to use WhatsApp without completing phone number verification upon signup. Any mods claiming to bypass verification are likely unsafe and temporary workarounds. Your best option is to use one of the above methods to get a free number for WhatsApp verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is phone number verification mandatory for WhatsApp?
Yes, WhatsApp requires every user to verify their phone number before using the service. This policy prevents fake/spam accounts and enhances security. You cannot use WhatsApp without verifying a phone number, even on desktop.
Can I use the same number on two WhatsApp accounts?
No, you cannot use the same phone number to verify two different WhatsApp accounts simultaneously. The number can only be linked to one account at a time for verification.
Does WhatsApp accept virtual numbers?
Yes, WhatsApp allows using virtual phone numbers provided by online services, VoIP apps, etc. as long as they are capable of receiving SMS/calls for verification.
Can I verify WhatsApp with a landline number?
No, WhatsApp does not allow using landline numbers for verification as they cannot receive text messages.
Is there any limit on how many times I can change my number on WhatsApp?
Yes, WhatsApp only allows changing your verified number up to 3 times every 365 days. Beyond this limit, your account could get banned.
Does WhatsApp send verification SMS internationally?
Yes, WhatsApp’s verification SMS works globally. However, sometimes there may be issues receiving international SMS depending on your local carrier.
Can I verify two WhatsApp accounts on the same device?
Yes, you can use dual SIM, SIM cloning, or virtual numbers to verify two WhatsApp accounts on one device. Use one number per account for verification.
Conclusion
Getting a free WhatsApp number for verification is easy with the many options available today. Online services, VoIP apps, burner phones, friends/family numbers, prepaid SIM cards, dual SIM devices and more can all work for receiving the verification SMS.
Choose a convenient method that suits your needs. Make sure to only use your personal number on accounts you own and want linked to your identity. For other purposes, use temporary phone numbers to keep your real number private.
With free online phone numbers and virtual SIM cards, anyone can now signup for WhatsApp without much hassle. Don’t overuse verification numbers as it may lead to blocking. Follow WhatsApp’s terms of service and enjoy using their platform.