What number do I give for WhatsApp?

When signing up for WhatsApp, you need to provide a phone number to verify your account. This allows WhatsApp to send you a verification code during the registration process. But what number should you give when asked for your phone number for WhatsApp?

Use Your Main Mobile Number

The best number to provide is your primary mobile number – the phone number you use every day for calling, texting, and smartphone apps. This is the number your contacts will have for you, so it makes the most sense to use it for WhatsApp as well.

Using your main mobile number allows you to easily merge your WhatsApp contacts with the existing contacts in your phone’s address book. It also lets you seamlessly communicate with people who already have your number saved in their phones.

Your primary mobile number will enable features like WhatsApp Call and WhatsApp Web that require verification via SMS. It streamlines the process if your main number is tied to your WhatsApp account.

Pros of Using Your Main Number

Your contacts already have your number saved
Easy to merge contacts from your phone’s address book

Enables seamless communication with existing contacts
Allows verification via SMS for features like WhatsApp Call and WhatsApp Web
Avoids juggling multiple numbers

Use a Secondary Number

In some cases, it may make sense to use a secondary phone number for your WhatsApp account. Here are some reasons why:

Keep Work and Personal Communication Separate

If you want to keep your personal and professional communications separate, using a secondary number for WhatsApp can help. You can give your work contacts your main number and your WhatsApp contacts a separate secondary number.

Avoid Unwanted Contacts

Using a lesser-known secondary number may prevent unwanted contacts from finding you on WhatsApp. This is useful if you only want a WhatsApp account for close friends and family.

Maintain Privacy

A secondary number provides an extra level of privacy and control over who can contact you on WhatsApp. Your main mobile number may be more widely available publicly compared to a secondary number.

Pros of Using a Secondary Number

Separate work and personal communication
Prevent unwanted contacts

Enhanced privacy and control
Compartmentalize different parts of your life

Things to Consider

Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding which number to use for WhatsApp:

Using your main number makes connecting with existing contacts easy.
A secondary number provides more privacy and control.
You can only verify one number per WhatsApp account.

Switching the number linked to your account can be a hassle.
Make sure you have access to the number to receive verification codes.
Using a landline number for WhatsApp is not recommended.

How to Change the Number on Your WhatsApp Account

If you decide to switch the number associated with your WhatsApp account, here are the steps:

Open WhatsApp > Settings > Account > Change Number
Enter your current number and tap Next.

Enter the new number you want to link to your account.
Tap Next and wait for the verification code.
Enter the 6-digit verification code received via SMS.

Once verified, your new number will be linked to your account.

Important: Changing your WhatsApp number will migrate your account info, groups, and settings. However, you’ll lose your messaging history.

Getting a Verification Code

When you first sign up for WhatsApp or change your number, you’ll need to enter a 6-digit verification code sent to your phone via SMS. Here are some tips for getting the verification code:

Make sure your phone has cellular reception or an internet connection to receive the SMS.
If you don’t receive it right away, wait a few minutes for the SMS to arrive.
Try restarting your phone or toggling Airplane mode on and off to force a re-connection.

Double check that you entered the correct phone number on WhatsApp.
If issues persist, try contacting your mobile carrier.

If you cannot get the SMS verification code, WhatsApp also offers these alternative options:

Phone call – Receive an automated WhatsApp phone call with the 6-digit code.
Email – Have the code sent to your registered email instead.

Using WhatsApp on Multiple Devices

WhatsApp can only be activated on one phone number per account. However, you can use WhatsApp on multiple devices simultaneously by linking them to your account:

WhatsApp Web/Desktop

Use WhatsApp on your computer by going to web.whatsapp.com or downloading WhatsApp Desktop. Scan the QR code to link your computer to your WhatsApp account.

Tablet and Secondary Phones

Download and install WhatsApp on your other devices. Log in using the same number and verification code to activate WhatsApp.

WhatsApp Multi-Device Beta

With the WhatsApp multi-device beta, you can use WhatsApp on up to 4 additional devices even without your primary smartphone connected to the internet.

So while you can only register one number per account, you can use WhatsApp across multiple devices simultaneously by linking them to your account.

Using WhatsApp for Business

WhatsApp also offers a separate app called WhatsApp Business to connect with customers. Here are some key things to know about using WhatsApp Business:

Download the WhatsApp Business app and register using a business phone number.

Add business details like description, email, store addresses, etc.
Special features like quick replies, labels, and stats are available.
You can share a click-to-WhatsApp link on your website.

Multiple people can manage the same WhatsApp Business account.

Using WhatsApp Business and Personal on the Same Phone

If you want to use both WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business on the same device, here are two options:

Use WhatsApp Business on a secondary work phone, while keeping WhatsApp on your personal primary phone.

Conclusion

To summarize, the number you should use for WhatsApp depends on your specific needs and preferences:

Using your main mobile number makes it easy to communicate with existing contacts.

A secondary number provides more privacy and separates work from personal chats.
You can only verify one number per WhatsApp account.
Link your account to use WhatsApp across multiple devices.

WhatsApp Business is designed for companies to connect with customers.

Consider your options and choose the right approach for your situation. With some planning, you can configure WhatsApp in a way that best suits your communication needs.