WhatsApp is a fantastic messaging platform, but it isn’t perfect. For instance, many people are uncomfortable sharing their personal numbers when creating an account. With WhatsApp’s spam calls and text problem, it’s easy to see why people are unwilling to sign up with their numbers. Some even delete their WhatsApp account for good to remove their platform from the Meta messaging service. Luckily, there are a few ways to use WhatsApp without sharing your phone number.

4 Ways to Use WhatsApp Without a Phone Number

1. Buy a Temporary SIM Card

The easiest way to use WhatsApp without your number is by getting a temporary SIM card. Since WhatsApp only requires an OTP once when setting up the account, you can insert the SIM temporarily into your phone just for that purpose.

Don’t throw away the temporary SIM, though. Keep it safe, as you might need it again for the OTP when you log into a different device without using a QR code from WhatsApp. If you have a phone with dual SIM support, you can insert it into the second SIM slot and recharge it when required in case it needs to be activated again.

You can use Telegram without a phone number. But this is not possible on WhatsApp, and you’ll need a number for registration.

2. Use a Landline Number

Another easy way to avoid giving your number to WhatsApp is by using your landline instead. Yep, it is possible to register a WhatsApp account using a landline number. Here’s how.

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Select Agree and continue.
3. Put in your landline number instead of your real number.
4. Wait for the time to expire, then tap Didn’t receive code?
   
5. Wait for Call me to become available, then tap it.
   
6. Take the call and listen to the OTP carefully.
7. Input your code and wait for it to verify.

3. Use a Virtual Number

An excellent alternative to buying a temporary SIM card is getting a virtual number instead. A few online services will let you generate a virtual number you can use instead of your number when signing up for WhatsApp. One of the most popular apps to use, in this case, is TextNow.

TextNow is a free service, but if you want to get a virtual number, you’ll need to pay for it. Here are the options to choose from.

• Premium/$4.99 per year – This lets you choose a virtual number from a pool number. You can also choose Premium numbers which are easier to remember.
• Lock-In Number/$4.99 per month – Gives you a random virtual number on which you can receive verification codes.

Note: TextNow has a limited pool of numbers to choose from, so they recycle numbers from accounts that are not in use. That said, if you want to keep your number from TextNow, make sure to keep your subscriptions active.

→Try TextNow

4. Try Google Voice Number

Google Voice Number is used mainly for those who usually get overseas calls. However, it can help you create a WhatsApp account without using your number. With this app, Google gives you an alternative number to link to your actual number.

It also gives you a free phone number that you can use to send texts, make calls, and, yes, make a WhatsApp account. Here’s how you can set up your Google Voice Number.

1. Head over to Google Voice.
2. Sign in to your Google account.
3. In the search bar, select a city and see the available numbers in the drop-down menu that appears.
   
4. Click Select on the number you want.
5. Select Verify.
6. Put in your existing number, then select, Send code.
   
   
7. Enter the code Google sends you and click Verify.

Here’s how to use your Google Voice Number to use WhatsApp.

1. Launch WhatsApp.
2. Select Agree and continue.
3. Put in your Google Voice number instead of your real number.
   
4. Wait for the time to expire, then tap Didn’t receive code?
5. Wait for Call me to become available, then tap it.
   
6. Take the call and listen to the OTP carefully.
7. Input your code and wait for it to verify.

Note: Like TextNow, this service also uses recycled numbers. Inactive Google Voice Numbers get reassigned after 30 days of inactivity. You can reclaim it or a new number by following the steps above again.

To avoid losing your Google Voice Number, try to send a text at least once every 30 days using it.

Once you have created a WhatsApp account using a temporary or burner phone number, follow this guide to learn how you can tell who viewed your WhatsApp profile.

Keep Your Personal Number Safe

With millions of users on WhatsApp, the messaging platform can be a hotspot for hacking and other cybercrime activities. Using WhatsApp without your number can add another layer of protection the app already brings. If you want more security tips, here’s how to block unknown WhatsApp calls.