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WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, used by millions of people to communicate with friends, family, and colleagues. However, one of the requirements to use WhatsApp is to have a valid phone number for registration and account verification. This can be inconvenient for those who do not wish to share their personal number or do not have access to a SIM card.
Fortunately, there are alternative methods to use WhatsApp without a traditional phone number. These methods can be useful in situations where privacy needs to be maintained or when a mobile phone number is unavailable. Below, we will explore some of the available options for using WhatsApp without a phone number.
Although WhatsApp typically requires a phone number for registration, you can still use the app with alternatives like a landline or virtual number, eliminating the need for a traditional phone number. (Photo: AFP)
What Are the Methods to Use WhatsApp Without a Phone Number?
- Use a landline number: You can register your WhatsApp account using a landline number. During the verification process, select the option to receive the verification code via a call instead of a text message. WhatsApp will call the landline number and provide you with the necessary code to complete the verification.
- Use a virtual number: There are apps and services that offer virtual phone numbers, such as Google Voice, TextNow, and Hushed. You can use one of these numbers to register your WhatsApp account. Simply download the corresponding app, create an account, and obtain a virtual number. Then, use that number to sign up for WhatsApp and receive the verification code.
- Link devices: If you already have a WhatsApp account on one device, you can use the linked devices feature to access your account on other devices without needing an additional phone number. Open WhatsApp on your primary device, go to “Settings,” and select “Linked Devices.” Scan the QR code on the secondary device to link it to your existing WhatsApp account.
Why Does WhatsApp Require a Phone Number to Be Used?
WhatsApp asks for a phone number for several reasons, mainly related to account authenticity and security. Here are some of the main reasons:
- Identity verification: The phone number acts as a way to verify that the account belongs to a real person. By sending a verification code to that number, WhatsApp ensures that the person trying to register has access to the associated phone and that it isn’t a fake or spam account.
- Authentication and security: The phone number also serves as an additional layer of security. By linking it to the account, WhatsApp ensures that unauthorized access is minimized, as the verification code is sent directly to that number. This reduces the risk of someone creating a WhatsApp account with fraudulent intentions.
- Communication and contact: WhatsApp is primarily designed to facilitate communication between people who know each other, so by associating it with a phone number, it ensures that users can easily connect with each other. Additionally, many people use WhatsApp for direct and fast communication through their numbers, reinforcing the idea that the platform is tied to a person’s identity via their phone number.
- Integration with the contact list: By using a phone number, WhatsApp can access the user’s contact list and display people they are already connected with through other means, making the user experience easier by showing friends and family without needing to search for them manually.
