WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users. While WhatsApp is designed primarily for smartphones, many users wonder if it’s possible to use WhatsApp on their computers or tablets without needing a phone number. Fortunately, there are a few different methods that allow you to use WhatsApp Web without linking to a phone.
Using WhatsApp Web
The official way to use WhatsApp without a phone is through the WhatsApp Web browser client. WhatsApp Web allows you to access your WhatsApp messages and contacts through any web browser on your computer or tablet. However, WhatsApp Web still requires you to scan a QR code using the WhatsApp mobile app on your phone when first setting up the connection. So while you can view WhatsApp without a phone after setup, you need a phone for the initial setup.
How to use WhatsApp Web
- Open the WhatsApp app on your phone and tap the More Options or Settings icon (3 dots or 3 lines)
- Select WhatsApp Web
- Point your phone’s camera at the QR code displayed on the WhatsApp Web page
- You will now be logged into WhatsApp Web and can access your chats on your computer
The main limitation with WhatsApp Web is that your phone must remain connected to the internet for you to receive messages. If your phone goes offline or loses connectivity, you will be logged out of WhatsApp Web.
Using WhatsApp Desktop Apps
In addition to the web browser client, WhatsApp also offers desktop apps for Windows and MacOS. These apps work similar to WhatsApp Web but provide a dedicated desktop experience:
WhatsApp Desktop for Windows
The WhatsApp desktop app for Windows allows you to install WhatsApp like any other desktop app. It provides native Windows notifications, better keyboard shortcuts, and auto-start so you can use WhatsApp without having a browser window open.
To install WhatsApp for Windows:
- Go to https://www.whatsapp.com/download and click Download for Windows.
- Open the downloaded file and follow the installation prompts.
- Scan the QR code with your phone when prompted to link the desktop app.
WhatsApp Desktop for Mac
WhatsApp also provides a native desktop app for MacOS as well:
- Go to https://www.whatsapp.com/download and click Download for Mac.
- Open the downloaded DMG file and drag WhatsApp to your Applications folder to install.
- Launch WhatsApp and scan the QR code with your phone when prompted.
The desktop apps work great if you want a more seamless WhatsApp experience on your computer. However, they still require your phone for setup and connectivity.
Using WhatsApp on Multiple Devices
In 2021, WhatsApp introduced the ability to use WhatsApp on up to 4 linked devices simultaneously without needing your phone online. This allows you to access WhatsApp on your desktop even when your phone is offline.
To enable WhatsApp for multiple devices:
- Open WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices
- Tap “Multi-device beta” then tap Link a Device
- Scan the QR code with your secondary device to link it
A few things to note about multi-device support:
- Your phone must remain the main “key” device – you cannot remove your phone after linking
- Initial setup still requires scanning a QR code from your phone
- Only 4 devices can be actively linked at once
- Some features like live location sharing are not available on linked devices
So while you can use WhatsApp on desktop without your phone online, you still can’t fully eliminate the phone requirement.
Using WhatsApp Without Phone Number
Normally, WhatsApp requires registering with your phone number as your username on the service. This means you can’t easily use WhatsApp without actually having a phone number linked to your account.
However, there are some tricks that allow you to use WhatsApp with an IP address instead of a phone number as your ID. This lets you create a WhatsApp account on a tablet or computer without needing a phone number.
Using WhatsMAPP
WhatsMapp is a modified version of WhatsApp that removes the phone number requirement. It assigns you a virtual IP address that acts as your ID, allowing you to use WhatsApp desktop and web without a linked phone.
To use WhatsMapp:
- Download and install WhatsMapp on your computer from http://www.whatsmapp.net
- Open WhatsMapp and note down the assigned virtual IP address
- On your phone, install the regular WhatsApp app and go to Settings > Linked Devices
- Click Add Device and enter the IP address from WhatsMapp instead of scanning a QR code
This will link your WhatsMapp instance with your phone’s WhatsApp account. You can now chat on WhatsMapp on your computer without needing your phone online.
Using TextNow
Another option is using the TextNow app to get a free US or Canadian phone number to verify your WhatsApp account. TextNow provides a free VoIP number that can receive SMS texts online.
To use TextNow for WhatsApp verification:
- Install and setup TextNow, selecting a free phone number
- On WhatsApp Web, enter your TextNow number for verification
- When WhatsApp sends a 6-digit code, open TextNow to receive the verification SMS
- Enter the code in WhatsApp to verify your account
The limitation is you need to keep TextNow installed and open to continue receiving messages. But it does allow using WhatsApp on a tablet or computer without your own phone number.
Using WhatsApp on Tablets
Up until now, WhatsApp has not officially supported tablet devices. However, there are a few methods you can use to install WhatsApp on an Android or iPad tablet without a phone.
WhatsApp for Android Tablets
For Android tablets, you have a couple options:
- Install WhatsApp via Play Store – Some newer Android tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 allow installing WhatsApp directly from the Play Store. This gives you the full native app experience.
- Sideload WhatsApp APK – For other Android tablets, you can download the WhatsApp APK file from a mirror site like APKMirror and sideload it manually. This gives you the mobile app UI.
- Use WhatsApp Web – The WhatsApp Web browser interface works fine on Android tablets, though without native app notifications or shortcuts.
The limitation is you still need a phone for the initial setup, unless you use the TextNow method.
WhatsApp on iPad
For iPads, you have a couple options:
- WhatsApp Web – You can simply use WhatsApp Web on an iPad through the Safari or Chrome browser. This works fine though lacks some app features.
- Sideload WhatsPad – WhatsPad is an unofficial WhatsApp client tweaked to work on iPads. You’ll need to sideload it using AltStore or a signing service.
Again you’ll need a phone for verification unless using TextNow. And sideloaded apps may break with WhatsApp updates.
Using WhatsApp on Mac and Windows PC
If you want to use WhatsApp natively on a Windows PC or Mac computer, you have a couple options:
Mac Options
- Official WhatsApp Desktop app
- WhatsApp Web in browser
- Sideload WhatsApp using Bluestacks Android emulator
Windows Options
- Official WhatsApp Desktop app
- WhatsApp Web in browser
- Sideload WhatsApp using Bluestacks or Nox emulator
The unofficial options like Bluestacks give you the mobile app experience but involve more setup. The official desktop and web apps are easiest if you just need messaging.
FAQs about Using WhatsApp without Phone
Does WhatsApp work without a phone?
No, currently WhatsApp still requires linking and registering with a phone number, even when using desktop or web platforms. Your phone is always the “primary” device. However, with multi-device support you can now stay logged into WhatsApp on other devices even when your phone is offline.
Can I use WhatsApp on my tablet without a phone?
Sort of – you can access WhatsApp Web on a tablet or even sideload the mobile app on Android tablets. But you still need a phone for the initial account verification and setup.
Can I use WhatsApp on my PC without a phone?
You can use WhatsApp Desktop or Web on a Windows PC or Mac without your phone online. But you still need to scan the QR code from your phone when first linking the desktop app.
Can I get WhatsApp without a SIM card?
Technically yes – you can use alternative verification methods like TextNow or WhatsMapp to register WhatsApp without a phone number. However, this breaks WhatsApp’s terms of service and could result in your account being banned.
Can I use WhatsApp on 2 phones at the same time?
With multi-device support, you can now use WhatsApp on up to 4 devices including phones at the same time. Your main phone number will receive all messages sent to your account.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp still requires a phone number to register and use as your ID, there are now multiple ways to access your WhatsApp account on a computer, tablet, or second phone without needing your main phone online at all times.
Methods like WhatsApp Web, Multi-Device, TextNow, and WhatsMapp allow using WhatsApp across platforms more seamlessly. However, you’ll still need a phone for the initial setup in most cases.
Going forward, WhatsApp may eventually allow fully phone-free use. But for now, your phone remains the “key” to your WhatsApp account, even if you can stay logged in on other devices. With some creativity, it’s possible to use WhatsApp in nearly any browser or device context when needed.