How to Use WhatsApp Without a Phone Number

This article explains how to use a landline phone to sign up for a WhatsApp account. It also covers an alternative method if you want a dedicated WhatsApp phone number.

How to Use WhatsApp With a Landline Number

When you first sign up for WhatsApp, it appears as though you need a cell phone that supports texting. Really, though, any phone number should work because you can receive the verification code through a phone call. Here's how to set up WhatsApp using a landline phone:

1. Start the setup process by opening the app and tapping Agree and continue on the start screen.

2. Confirm the correct country is selected, then enter your landline phone number and press Next. You might be asked to confirm the number; choose Yes.

3. Wait for the timer to run out. It usually takes about a minute.

4. Select Didn't receive code? and then tap Call me in the pop-up.

5. Answer your phone to an automated call from WhatsApp. Type the six-digit verification code into the spaces provided in the app.

6. That's it! You've set up WhatsApp without needing a mobile phone number.

How to Use WhatsApp Using a TextNow Phone Number

Lots of apps are available that can serve as a virtual phone number. Most are easy to use and give out a completely free phone number you can use for WhatsApp. We've chosen TextNow for this demonstration, but there are several other second phone number apps you can use instead. Here's how it works:

1. Download TextNow. It's available on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.

2. Tap Sign Up and then pick how you want to make your account. You can log in with a Google or Facebook account or enter your email address and create a password.

3. Tap Use my location and then follow your phone's location permission prompt if you want a local phone number.

4. Pick a number from the list and tap Continue.

   If you wait 60 seconds, you'll get a new set of numbers to choose from. You can also tap Change area code to see phone numbers local to a different area.

5. You can now use your new TextNow phone number when you sign up for WhatsApp.

   If you ever forget your TextNow number, tap the three lines at the top of the app to see it. Know, however, that free numbers like this one expire if you don't use them frequently.

Can You Use WhatsApp Without a Phone Number?

While you need to use a phone number to sign up for WhatsApp, it doesn't have to be your personal number. You can use an alternative number including a landline, or set up a fake WhatsApp number with a third-party app. 

Privacy is a key reason you might not want to share your regular phone number on WhatsApp. For instance, if you're dating and don't want to get pestered by people after just one date, or simply because you like to keep different parts of your life separate.

Fortunately, there are ways of signing into WhatsApp without using the number connected to your SIM card or even without a SIM card at all.