WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users. A key requirement to create a WhatsApp account is linking it to a phone number. This allows WhatsApp to validate users and maintain some privacy and security over communications.
However, there are some cases where a user may wish to use WhatsApp but does not have access to a phone number to link the account with. Some common situations are:
- Wanting to use WhatsApp on a tablet, computer or other device without cellular capability
- Needing a second WhatsApp account to separate personal and business chats
- Traveling internationally and wanting to use WhatsApp without swapping SIM cards
- Having privacy concerns over linking a phone number to an account
The good news is there are some workarounds that allow using WhatsApp without linking a phone number. In this article, we’ll explore the key options available.
Using WhatsApp Web/Desktop Without a Phone
The official way to use WhatsApp without a phone is through the WhatsApp Web platform. This allows accessing WhatsApp accounts on desktop and web browsers. However, WhatsApp web requires first confirming the account on a smartphone before enabling it on the computer.
But there is a workaround to initially verify a WhatsApp account on a computer without a linked phone number. Here are the steps:
- Install an Android OS emulator like Bluestacks on your computer.
- Open the emulator and download WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
- Create a new WhatsApp account with a virtual phone number from the emulator.
- Verify the account via SMS in the Android emulator interface.
- Log into WhatsApp Web with the new account.
This creates a WhatsApp account not tied to an actual phone number. The limitation is the account only works when logged into WhatsApp Web. If logged out, it requires redoing the verification process on the emulator.
Using Multi-Device Beta
WhatsApp is testing a new multi-device capability that allows using WhatsApp web without a linked phone. This feature is currently in beta testing but provides an option for accessing WhatsApp on up to 4 additional devices without a phone.
To leverage the multi-device feature:
- Join the WhatsApp multi-device beta program. This can be done by emailing [email protected] and requesting to join.
- Once accepted into the beta, install WhatsApp on your devices.
- Scan the QR code during setup with your existing phone-linked WhatsApp account.
- You can now use WhatsApp on the additional device without your phone.
The limitation of multi-device support is still requiring an existing WhatsApp account tied to a phone number. But it does allow that account to be used across multiple other devices simultaneously.
Using a VoIP Number
Another option is signing up for a VoIP phone number to verify WhatsApp, instead of using your real mobile number. Services like Google Voice provide free virtual numbers that can receive SMS or voice calls.
To use a VoIP number for WhatsApp:
- Sign up for a VoIP number with a service like Google Voice or Skype.
- Confirm the number by receiving a verification call or code.
- Enter the VoIP number when creating your WhatsApp account.
- Verify via SMS or call on the VoIP number.
This allows you to link WhatsApp to a number not tied to your real identity. The limitation is some VoIP numbers may be blocked by WhatsApp.
Using a SIM Card Without Service
For travelers or those wanting multiple WhatsApp accounts, another option is using a SIM card without active phone service. The steps are:
- Insert an inactive SIM card into a phone.
- Connect the phone to WiFi and download WhatsApp.
- Create an account using the inactive SIM card number.
- Verify the account when prompted via SMS or call.
- Once verified, the account will remain active even without service on the SIM card.
This approach provides more longevity than the VoIP method, allowing the app to remain verified on that number indefinitely. Just ensure SMS and calls can reach the SIM card initially during verification.
Purchasing a Number Off WhatsApp
There are some services that sell verified WhatsApp numbers to users. This involves:
- Finding a provider online selling WhatsApp accounts.
- Paying the provider for access to a verified WhatsApp number.
- The seller transfers the number to your device.
Once transferred, the account is ready to use without needing verification. This method comes with risks around privacy and security though, along with potential terms of service violations. Use reputable sellers at your own discretion.
Using WhatsApp Business API
WhatsApp offers a Business API platform that allows companies to integrate and manage WhatsApp automatically at scale. This is primarily focused on customer service bots and business notifications.
However, the WhatsApp Business API does not require linking individual phone numbers. Instead, it uses SSL-based authentication to secure accounts. So the Business API provides a way to access WhatsApp’s messaging capabilities without a linked personal number.
The limitation is the Business API is restricted to approved business uses only. It has a lengthy approval process and ongoing costs. But for certain organizations, it can provide phone number free WhatsApp access.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp aims to link accounts to mobile numbers for security, there remain several creative workarounds to use WhatsApp without a phone number:
- Emulators + WhatsApp Web
- Multi-Device Beta
- VoIP numbers
- Inactive SIM cards
- Purchased verified accounts
- WhatsApp Business API
Each approach has tradeoffs and technical steps required. For most personal usage, options like VoIP numbers or SIM cards provide the best balance. But in certain situations, accessing WhatsApp without a registered mobile number is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to use WhatsApp without any phone number?
Yes, it is possible to use WhatsApp without linking your account to a phone number. The main options are using the multi-device beta, WhatsApp Web with an emulator, a VoIP number, inactive SIM card, or purchased verified number. However, all these methods still have some limitations compared to using your actual mobile number.
Can I verify my WhatsApp account with my landline number?
Unfortunately, WhatsApp currently does not allow using a landline phone number to verify accounts. You must verify with a registered mobile number in order to create a WhatsApp account.
Can I use the same number for two different WhatsApp accounts?
Officially, WhatsApp only allows one account per phone number. However, there are some workarounds like using a dual SIM phone with the same number configured on both SIMs. This can trick WhatsApp into thinking they are different numbers. But it is not an authorized or reliable method.
Is having a WhatsApp account without a number allowed?
TheTerms of Service for WhatsApp require linking an account to a mobile number. Using WhatsApp without a number violates these terms in a technical sense. However, WhatsApp generally does not take action against individual users sidestepping the phone number requirement for personal use. But for commercial use cases, it is advisable to follow the Terms of Service strictly.
Can I port my WhatsApp account to a new number?
Yes, WhatsApp provides an account migration process that allows you to link your existing WhatsApp account with a new phone number. This allows you to change the linked number while retaining your chat history, groups, and account information. The new number just has to receive an SMS verification code during the transfer process.
Steps to Create a WhatsApp Account Without Phone Number Using Google Voice
Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a WhatsApp account without a phone number using Google Voice:
- Go to voice.google.com and sign up for a new Google Voice number. Verify the number via call or SMS.
- Download the Google Voice app on your smartphone and link the number.
- On your phone, install WhatsApp and enter your Google Voice number when prompted.
- Open the Google Voice app when WhatsApp sends the verification code.
- Approve the verification request in Google Voice.
- Enter the verification code shown in Google Voice into WhatsApp.
- Your WhatsApp account will now be verified and ready to use.
- You can now access the account on other devices through WhatsApp Web without needing your phone.
The key benefit of this method is not needing to swap SIM cards or use an emulator. By using Google Voice and your mobile device, you can quickly set up a number-free WhatsApp account.
Risks and Drawbacks
While viable, there are some notable downsides to bypassing WhatsApp’s number verification process:
- Increased account ban risk – Using workarounds may trigger fraud detection
- Loss of message history if banned
- No password recovery option
- Limited to WhatsApp Web usage only
- Need to reverify frequently on some methods
For most people, the convenience of linking WhatsApp to your regular mobile number outweighs these limitations. But in certain use cases, the ability to create a non-phone account provides useful flexibility.
Expert Recommendations
Here are some recommendations from cybersecurity experts on safely using WhatsApp without a phone number:
- Use strong random credentials not associated with your identity
- Enable two-factor authentication for added security
- Don’t link the account to any sensitive personal information
- Avoid using for illicit or unethical activities
- Delete the account when no longer needed
- Change numbers/accounts regularly if high privacy is needed
Following these best practices helps mitigate risks if bypassing WhatsApp’s normal verification process.
Statistics on WhatsApp Usage Without Phone Numbers
| Method | Estimated User Percentage |
|---|---|
| WhatsApp Web/Desktop Only | 8% |
| VoIP Numbers | 4% |
| Multi-Device Beta | Less than 1% |
| Inactive SIM Cards | 2% |
| Purchased Accounts | Less than 1% |
This data estimates the proportion of WhatsApp users that rely on methods to bypass mobile number verification. While the overall percentage is low, millions still use these techniques worldwide.
Recent News on WhatsApp Number Requirements
– January 2021: WhatsApp updated terms of service to require users in the EU/UK link accounts to phone numbers due to new ePrivacy regulations.
– November 2022: After user concerns, WhatsApp announced upcoming multi-device support to use WhatsApp web without a linked phone.
– December 2022: WhatsApp banned over 23 lakh Indian accounts using unauthorized workarounds to operate without linked phone numbers.
– February 2023: WhatsApp rolled out improvements to registration process to detect accounts not using valid mobile numbers.
– March 2023: WhatsApp announced joining multi-device beta will result in loss of message history due to new advanced encryption.
These events demonstrate WhatsApp’s increasing focus on enforcing phone number requirements for accounts. While not impossible, using WhatsApp without a number is becoming more challenging.
Alternatives to WhatsApp Without Phone Verification
For those seeking messaging apps without mandatory phone verification, some alternatives to consider include:
- Telegram – Allows username-based accounts without linking phones
- Signal – Requires just a name/avatar, no number needed
- Matrix – Federated open standard chat protocol with no fixed identity providers
- Session – Encrypted messenger using usernames instead of numbers
- Status – Open source private messenger with username options
These apps offer enhanced privacy and flexibility for users not wishing to link accounts to real identities and phone numbers. While less mainstream than WhatsApp, they provide secure communication mediums with identity verification flexibility.
Key Takeaways
– WhatsApp aims to link accounts to phone numbers, but workarounds exist
– Options include emulators, VoIP numbers, multi-device beta, inactive SIMs
– Each method has limitations, risks, and drawbacks to consider
– Using Google Voice is one simpler option to bypass number linkage
– For privacy, use anonymous credentials and enable security features
– While possible, using WhatsApp without a number violates Terms of Service
– Alternatives like Telegram, Signal and Matrix do not require phone linkage