4 Ways to Use WhatsApp without Phone Number

WhatsApp is the most popular messenger in the world. Currently, more than two billion people worldwide use it, which is approximately 25% of the global population. It's no surprise, as it allows users to make audio and video calls and send messages to any country at the cost of an internet tariff, instead of paying separate roaming charges. You can also connect a business account and communicate on behalf of a company, as well as integrate various services into the profile via API connections.

However, WhatsApp has one issue: registration requires a phone number to verify identity. This reduces anonymity and privacy due to the use of a personal number. Because of this, some users are hesitant to use the messenger. There are also people who don’t have a SIM card. In both cases, the issues can be bypassed, and a profile can be created through other methods, for example, temporary number. These methods help maintain anonymity and privacy. We will explain the four available ways and how to use them to safely and conveniently use WhatsApp.

Understanding WhatsApp's Phone Number Requirement

To register on the app, you need a phone number. WhatsApp links your account not to your name or email but to your phone number. Once you open WhatsApp, it will ask for your phone number to complete registration. The phone number here serves as a means of user identification and authentication. Here are the reasons why WhatsApp requires linking a regular phone number:

• Simplifies registration. All you need to do is enter your phone number and the SMS verification code sent to it. You can request the code via call or SMS, which is much easier than creating complex passwords or linking emails.
• Finding contacts. By linking your personal number, you can quickly find familiar WhatsApp users who are saved in your contact list.
• Enhances security. Enable 2FA to make your profile more secure. To log into your WhatsApp account, you will need to receive a verification code via SMS.

If you're not ready to register with your own phone number, you can use other services. For example, Google Voice. It's a free platform that provides phone numbers for free use, but it's only available in the USA. and Canada. For residents of other countries, there are special websites where you can temporarily rent a number, such as SMS-Activate.

This platform allows you to use a virtual number for a short time without signing a contract. The numbers work via the internet rather than through a SIM card. WhatsApp also supports registration using a landline number, where instead of receiving a verification SMS, WhatsApp will make an automated call to provide a verification code.

4 Methods to Use WhatsApp Without Your Personal Phone Number

In this section, we will look at four ways to avoid using a personal phone number for WhatsApp registration. This is important because regular phone number reduce the level of privacy, making it easier for scammers to access your data and send spam or even blackmail you. Additionally, phone number-based registration limits the number of accounts, as only one profile can be created per number.

Let’s look at each method in more detail.

Method 1: Using WhatsApp's Linked Devices Feature

Last year, WhatsApp introduced the ability to create linked accounts. With this feature, you can connect multiple devices to the same account, allowing you to use one profile created for the same phone number on multiple devices at the same time.

There is a limit of four devices that can be linked. These can include computers, smartphones, and tablets, with all devices synchronized, so any messages received on one device will appear on the others.

Advantages of this method:

• You can use one profile across different devices.
• The main device does not need to be constantly connected to the internet.
• All devices remain synchronized.

How to create linked accounts:

1. You need the latest version of WhatsApp on your primary device, so update the app first.
2. Open the app.
3. Go to the settings by tapping the menu in the top right corner.
4. Select "Linked Devices" and add a new device by tapping "Link a Device," after which a QR code will appear.
5. On your second device, install and open WhatsApp, but do not register or log in. Select “Link a Device” and scan the QR code.

The downside of this method is that you still need a phone number to register the account on the main device. Additionally, this method does not create new accounts; it simply duplicates one profile.

Method 2: Using a Landline Number for WhatsApp Verification

If you don’t have a SIM card, you can register a WhatsApp without phone number account using a landline number. WhatsApp offers this option.

Advantages of this method:

• Protects personal data. You don’t need to use a personal mobile phone number, enhancing security and privacy.
• Suitable for business. A landline number can also be used to create a business profile, which can become your primary communication channel.
• Mobile-free registration. If you don’t use mobile services but have a landline number, you can still register an account.

How to create an account using a landline number:

1. Download WhatsApp on your phone or computer. It’s better to install the app from the official website or phone’s app store — AppStore, or Google Play.
2. Begin the registration process. WhatsApp will ask for your phone number. Select your country and enter the phone number. Make sure the country code is correct.
3. Once you enter the number, an automated robot will call the provided phone number. Since landlines can’t receive SMS, WhatsApp will make an automated call. Initially, WhatsApp sends an SMS, but after a minute, you will have the option to receive a call instead. The call will dictate a six-digit code, which you will need to enter to complete the registration.

If you don’t have a personal number or a landline, try verifying with a virtual number from SMS-Activate.

Method 3: Using Google Voice Number for WhatsApp Verification

Google Voice is a service from Google that allows you to use a temporary or virtual number for free. It enables you to make calls, receive voicemail, and send SMS. The number works via the internet, so you don’t need to purchase a physical SIM card.

However, this service is geographically restricted and fully functional only in Canada and the USA. It’s not possible to register for Google Voice in other countries, such as those in Europe or Russia. If you are currently in the USA or Canada, you can create an account, and it will continue to work if you move to another country, although international calls will be charged. You can also use a VPN for registration.

Note that to register with Google Voice, you will need to link your account to a U.S. or Canadian phone number.

How to get Google Voice:

1. Create an account on Google.com.
2. Go to the Google Voice service and switch your VPN to the U.S. or Canada if you are not living there.
3. Click on "Get Google Voice," choose your purpose for using it, and enter a ZIP code. Some cities may not have available numbers, so you might need to enter a different ZIP code or city name.
4. Link your virtual number to a real one to verify it. You will need to receive and enter a sms verification code.

Now you have a Google Voice number. Here’s how to use it for registration WhatsApp without phone number:

• Install WhatsApp on your device.
• Open WhatsApp and start the registration and sms verification process and enter the Google Voice number instead of your personal number.
• Request and receive a confirmation code, which will appear on the Google Voice website.
• Enter the code to complete registration.

Method 4: Using a Virtual Number (SMS-Activate) for WhatsApp Verification

Virtual number for WhatsApp are phone numbers that work only via the internet, so you don’t need to purchase a physical SIM card. These numbers are available for short-term use, ranging from several minutes to several weeks, depending on your needs. No contract is required, and you do not need to provide personal information. You can also rent numbers from various countries, regardless of your location.

SMS-Activate is a service that provides rental phone numbers. Here’s why you might like it:

• Over 10 million users worldwide.
• Plenty of positive reviews.
• 24/7 technical support.
• Free virtual numbers for trial use.
• Convenient account top-ups with many available options.
• Numbers from over 180 countries.
• Support for various services, websites, and apps for registration.

Here’s step by step guide how to register on WhatsApp with a virtual phone number:

Go to the SMS-Activate website. Create an account by clicking the profile button in the top right corner of the homepage.

Top up your account balance using any preferred method, such as a card or cryptocurrency wallet.

When the funds are available, you can purchase a phone number. Start by determining the type of number you need. SMS-Activate offers several options:

Activation. You use the number once, and after SMS verification, it expires.

Rent. You can rent a fake WhatsApp number from four hours to four weeks. During this time, you can receive unlimited SMS code from one service. Full rental allows you to receive messages from multiple services.

Multi-service. This option lets you register multiple services with one number.

Continue with the purchase process: enter “WhatsApp” in the search bar, then choose either activation or rent.

To set up the number and complete the purchase, click on the WhatsApp number entry. Here you can select verification type, country, and the number of phones, which will determine the price.

When you’ve selected the necessary options, add the number to the cart and complete the purchase.

The purchased number will appear in your personal account. Copy it and use it during WhatsApp registration. Request a verification code, receive SMS in your personal account under the "Activations" tab.

Conclusion and Best Practices

You can register a WhatsApp account without using a personal phone number, which enhances your privacy and allows for near-anonymous use.

You can use a landline phone instead of a mobile number. In this case, you will receive a call from an automated system instead of an SMS. A landline can be used to register either a personal or WhatsApp business account.

Another option is Google Voice, a virtual number service that allows you to make calls, send messages, and receive voicemails. However, it is only available in the U.S. and Canada, and you’ll need to link a personal phone number to register.

The easiest and most cost-effective method is to use a virtual number service. This way, you can conveniently and affordably obtain a valid phone number to register with any service.

FAQs About Using WhatsApp Without a Phone Number

Can you have a WhatsApp account without a phone number?

To register a WhatsApp without phone number account, you don’t have to use your personal number. You can try using a landline number, Google Voice, or virtual numbers.

Can I use WhatsApp with just an email address?

No, you must link a mobile phone number to your account. This is required to identify you as a user, simplify registration, and increase WhatsApp account security. However, you can use virtual numbers for registration.

How to get a free number for WhatsApp?

You can use Google Voice, but it’s only available in the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, some number rental services offer the option to try a virtual number for free. However, be cautious, as this may not always be safe.

How can I send WhatsApp message without phone number?

Link a virtual phone number or a landline number to your WhatsApp account. You cannot use the app without connecting a number.