How to Sign Up for WhatsApp Without a Phone Number

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Use a landline or fake number to sign up for WhatsApp
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If you want to sign up for a WhatsApp account without a phone number, you may have tried using Google Voice, TextNow, or other virtual phone number services. Unfortunately, WhatsApp no longer allows you to use any virtual phone numbers to set up an account. Your alternative is to use a companion device, but that's tied to another account that has a phone number. Read on to learn more.

Use WhatsApp Without a Phone Number

While you need a phone number to sign up for WhatsApp, it doesn't have to be your mobile number. You can use another phone. Select "Use as companion device" to start using WhatsApp on a secondary device quickly!

Section 1 of 3:

Linking as a Companion Device

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  1. 1
    Launch WhatsApp on your phone. This method works if you have a second phone that you want to link to your WhatsApp account without needing to get another phone number.
    • You won't be able to use WhatsApp at the same time on both devices, and the primary phone needs to use WhatsApp every 14 days or the companion device will be unlinked.
  2. 2
    Navigate to "Linked Devices" on your primary phone. There are two ways to do this, depending on your OS. Follow these steps:
    • Android : Tap the three-dot menu and choose Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device.
    • iPhone: Go to Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device .
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  3. 3
    Scan the QR code. Point your primary phone at the secondary phone's screen to use your WhatsApp account on a secondary device without needing your phone number. [1]
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Section 2 of 3:

Changing Your WhatsApp Number

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  1. WhatsApp has a green icon with an image that resembles a phone receiver inside a speech bubble. If you already have a WhatsApp account with your mobile number tied to it, you can change your number. You can use one of the methods above to verify your number.
  2. You need to use a number that can receive text messages or calls. You can change your number to a landline number , or you can use TextNow to create a temporary number. Use the following steps to do so:
    • Tap the icon with three dots ( ⋮ ) in the upper-right corner.
    • Tap Settings .
    • Tap Account .
    • Tap Change number .
    • Tap Next .
    • Enter your old number.
    • Enter the number you want to use.
    • Tap Next
  3. If you are using a landline or TextNow, wait for the timer to run out, then tap Didn't get the code > Call Me . Answer the call on your landline or using the TextNow app, then enter the code into WhatsApp. [2]
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Section 3 of 3:

Registration Troubleshooting

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  1. 1
    Make sure your SIM card is active. You should be able to receive SMS or phone calls to be able to use WhatsApp. Numbers including VoIP, landlines, toll-free, paid premium members, UAN, and shared cost numbers can't be used.
    • You can only use a landline with the WhatsApp Business App.
  2. 2
    Make sure you entered your number correctly. It needs to be in full international format. That includes the country code, area code (if appropriate), and phone number.
  3. 3
    Know that the verification code can take up to 24 hours to get to you. Verification may not happen quickly.
    • If it's been less than 24 hours but more than a few hours, you can tap Need help getting a code > Call me to get an automated call with a verification code.
    • If it's been more than 24 hours, call your mobile provider for additional information.
  4. 4
    Make sure you meet the minimum age requirements for WhatsApp. That means you have to be at least 13 in the US.
    • Creating an account for someone younger than 13 violates the Terms of Service and can get your account banned.
  5. 5
    Make sure you have a good internet connection. If you're abroad, you must be able to send and receive international SMS and phone calls. If you're roaming, you might be charged more.
    • If your internet connection is spotty, your WhatsApp registration may be interrupted. Try again on a more secure and reliable connection, like a private Wi-Fi network or a strong mobile data connection.
  6. 6
    Make sure you have enough pre-paid balance. You need to be able to receive SMS or a phone call to verify your phone number.
  7. 7
    Turn off task killers and ad blockers. Some of these may prevent WhatsApp from working; some current ones are Advanced Task Killer and Handcent Next SMS. [3]
  8. 8
    Update WhatsApp. If you don't have the latest version of the app, that can be the reason for your registration issues. Go to the App Store (iPhone) or Play Store (Android) to update the app.
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      • If you do not want to share the phone number for your WhatsApp account with others, you can give other users your username instead.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/1317564962315842/?cms_platform=web
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ybgWnEA-7Q
      3. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/1120385166078156

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Create a phone number with Google Voice.
      2. Install WhatsApp.
      3. Enter your Google Voice number when prompted.
      4. Tap OK to confirm.
      5. Go to https://voice.google.com in a browser.
      6. Click the Messages icon.
      7. Copy the code in the message from WhatsApp.
      8. Enter the code in WhatsApp to verify.

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