WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users. One of the requirements to create a WhatsApp account is to provide a valid mobile phone number that can receive SMS or voice calls for verification purposes. However, there are some situations where you may want to use WhatsApp but don’t have access to a phone number, such as using WhatsApp on a tablet or secondary device. Fortunately, there are a few methods that allow you to install and use WhatsApp without needing to verify a phone number.
Using WhatsApp Web/Desktop Without Phone Number
The easiest way to use WhatsApp without a phone number is by using WhatsApp Web or Desktop. WhatsApp Web allows you to access your WhatsApp account through a web browser on your computer. To use it, you simply need to go to web.whatsapp.com and scan the QR code using your primary device that already has WhatsApp installed and verified with your phone number.
Once linked, you can use WhatsApp Web to send and receive messages on your computer without needing to verify your computer with a phone number. The same applies to WhatsApp Desktop, which you can download and install to use WhatsApp on your computer. As long as your primary device stays connected to the internet, WhatsApp Web/Desktop will mirror the messages and conversations from your main device.
Pros:
- Easy to set up and use
- Syncs messages with your main WhatsApp account
- No need for additional phone number verification
Cons:
- Requires primary device with verified number to be connected
- Doesn’t work as standalone WhatsApp account
Using Multi-Device Beta
WhatsApp has recently introduced a multi-device beta feature that allows you to use WhatsApp on up to 4 additional devices without needing your primary device to be connected. To use it, you first need to install the latest WhatsApp beta version on your primary device and link it to your WhatsApp account.
After that, you can install WhatsApp beta on your additional devices, scan the QR code shown on each device using your primary device, and verify without entering a phone number. The multi-device feature will sync your chats and data across the linked devices.
Pros:
- Use WhatsApp independently on multiple devices
- No need for phone number verification
- Primary device doesn’t need to be connected
Cons:
- Still requires a primary device with verified number
- Limited to 4 additional devices
- Must install WhatsApp beta version
Using WhatsApp Business
Another option is to use WhatsApp Business, which is designed for businesses to engage with customers. When setting up a WhatsApp Business account, you have the option to use either your phone number or an email address for verification instead.
This means you can create a WhatsApp Business account using an email address without needing access to a phone number for SMS verification. However, keep in mind WhatsApp Business has some limitations compared to the regular WhatsApp app.
Pros:
- Verification with email address instead of phone number
- Specialized business features
Cons:
- Limited features compared to regular WhatsApp
- Primarily meant for businesses
Using Temporary Phone Number Services
Some online services provide temporary and disposable phone numbers that can receive SMS or voice calls, which you can use to verify your WhatsApp account. After verification, you can uninstall WhatsApp from that number and use it on your primary device without a SIM card.
However, these temporary numbers usually only work for a limited period before expiring. You’ll need to repeat the verification process if you uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
Pros:
- Get a working phone number for verification
- Don’t need to keep using the number after verification
Cons:
- Numbers expire after a limited period
- Need to reverify if reinstalling WhatsApp
- Extra steps involved
Using Rooted/Jailbroken Phones
For advanced users with rooted Android devices or jailbroken iPhones, it’s possible to bypass WhatsApp’s phone number verification using modded apps and tweaks. However, this requires technical knowledge of modifying app packages and system files.
The process varies across devices and Android/iOS versions. It may involve things like modifying WhatsApp installation files, spoofing device IMEI number, or using hacked WhatsApp mod apps that bypass verification. This allows using WhatsApp without any linked phone number.
Pros:
- Bypass verification completely
- Use WhatsApp without any linked number
Cons:
- Requires rooted/jailbroken device
- Complicated process, only for advanced users
- Stability and security risks
Conclusion
While the standard way to use WhatsApp requires verifying your phone number, there are some workarounds available if you need to use it without a phone number. WhatsApp Web/Desktop, Multi-Device beta, and WhatsApp Business allow using WhatsApp without re-verifying your number on additional devices.
Temporary phone numbers can also help bypass verification initially but have limitations. Modifying WhatsApp with a rooted/jailbroken device is possible but not recommended for most users due to complexity and risks.
The ideal solutions involve using your primary verified WhatsApp account across multiple devices through official tools like WhatsApp Web or Multi-Device beta for convenience and stability.
Method | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
WhatsApp Web/Desktop | Easy to use, syncs with main account | Requires primary device, doesn’t work standalone |
Multi-Device Beta | Use independently on multiple devices | Limited to 4 additional devices, requires beta version |
WhatsApp Business | Verify with email instead of number | Limited features compared to regular WhatsApp |
Temporary phone numbers | Get working number for verification | Numbers expire, need to reverify when reinstalling |
Rooted/Jailbroken devices | Bypass verification completely | Complicated, risks involved |