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How to use WhatsApp without a phone number: Your 2026 guide
Learn how to use WhatsApp without a phone number and explore alternatives to avoid using your real number, like using a virtual phone number
With over 3.3 billion active users monthly, WhatsApp quickly became one of the most popular and important messaging services for people and businesses.
But what if you want to use WhatsApp without a phone number? There are several reasons this should be a priority, such as security, travel, and managing multiple accounts.
This guide covers how to use WhatsApp without a phone number, including using the Holafly eSIM with a virtual phone number and other verification methods.
A safe way to stay connected
Create a WhatsApp account using a virtual phone number.
Why use WhatsApp without a phone number?
It’s important to clarify one thing: a phone number is required to use WhatsApp, as it’s a phone-based app.
However, you can use a different number, i.e., a virtual phone number, and get access to benefits such as:
- Avoid SIM swap attacks: If your SIM got cloned, not having a phone number will prevent unauthorized access to your WhatsApp account.
- Convenience for international travelers: If you decide to use WhatsApp without a real phone number, it’s easy to keep access to your account without worrying about roaming charges.
- Privacy and security protection: WhatsApp scams are increasing rapidly, and not linking your real phone number to your account reduces risk.
- Managing multiple WhatsApp accounts: Each number is attached to one account. If you decide to use a virtual phone number, you can create different accounts and duplicate WhatsApp on your phone and manage them.
Options for using WhatsApp without a phone number
WhatsApp requires a phone number for verification purposes, but it doesn’t have to be your personal number. This also works when creating an email without a phone number.
Instead, you can choose a virtual phone number or an eSIM like Holafly.
Using a virtual number for WhatsApp
If you want to use a virtual phone number, you can choose apps like Google Voice, Burner, or TextFree.
Here’s how you do it:
- Choose your preferred virtual number service.
- Sign up and purchase an available virtual phone number.
- Download WhatsApp and start registering a new account.
- Enter the virtual phone number and receive a code via SMS or phone call.
- Complete your WhatsApp account setup
Tip: These apps can help you create an account on other services, like creating a Google account without a phone number, as you won’t have to use your personal information.
Using an eSIM for WhatsApp while traveling
If you want to use a different WhatsApp account while abroad, an eSIM can help you out. These offer international data, and you can choose a Holafly, which includes a virtual phone number to complete the setup.
- Check whether your phone is eSIM-compatible.
- Choose an eSIM provider like Holafly, which offers a virtual phone number with its monthly eSIM subscription.
- Choose the Unlimited Plan and complete the purchase to receive the QR code.
- Install the eSIM and turn on data roaming to get your eSIM working.
- Activate the eSIM, and when traveling, use your virtual phone number to complete the setup.
How to manage WhatsApp without showing your real number
You can keep your WhatsApp account safe even if you’re not using your real phone number.
Adjust WhatsApp privacy settings
WhatsApp has different privacy settings you can manage from the “Privacy” menu, which include:
- Silence calls from unknown numbers: You can avoid possible scam/spam calls by silencing calls from unknown numbers. These are still shown on the “Calls” section.
- Change your account privacy: You can change your profile picture, stories, last seen, links, and statuses so they are only seen by your contacts or no one.
- Turn off reading confirmations: You can turn off the reading confirmations so no one knows whether you’ve read messages, listened to voice notes, or watched pictures/videos.
Use WhatsApp Business for separation
If you want to keep your personal account private, get a virtual phone number and install WhatsApp Business.
Creating an account follows the same step-by-step process as WhatsApp, and while it offers business features, you can still use it as the standard WhatsApp version.
Keep your account secure
WhatsApp has pretty solid security standards, which is why it’s not possible to use an account without a phone number.
If you opt to use WhatsApp with an alternative number, go to Settings > Account and activate the following features to keep your account secure:
- 2-step verification: You can create a unique 6-digit code that you’ll need to enter when opening your account on a different device.
- Email address: You can add an email address that also needs verification, so it can be used if you have issues accessing your account or if WhatsApp needs to contact you regarding safety or client support.
- Passkeys: Enable your password or biometric settings for use when signing in to your WhatsApp account for added security.
Alternatives to WhatsApp for users without a number
WhatsApp’s solid security makes it impossible to use its services without a phone number. But similar to using an email without a phone number, there are alternative apps to use.
- Telegram: You can use Telegram without a phone number in a similar way to WhatsApp. Get a virtual phone number and activate your account to start using the app.
- Signal: Another safe messaging app with high-end encryption protocols. Same as WhatsApp and Telegram, you can create an account with a virtual phone number.
- Session: While less popular, it is a messaging app you can use without a phone number by creating a unique account ID.
- Wire: Supports sign-up via email address instead of a phone number, making it a straightforward alternative for users who want to avoid phone-based verification entirely.
If you still need to use WhatsApp for personal or work purposes, get Holafly Plans. You get unlimited data, 5G speeds, and a virtual phone number to create an account without issues.
On top of that, you get the Always On perk, which gives you 1 GB of backup data each month with every eSIM purchase. Simply keep your eSIM installed and stay connected whenever you need it.
A safe way to stay connected
Create a WhatsApp account using a virtual phone number.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. You can install WhatsApp on a different device without a SIM card as long as you can receive the confirmation SMS or call to enter your account.
No. A phone number is a must for all WhatsApp accounts. However, you can use a virtual phone number for security purposes.
Yes. As long as you can receive calls or text messages to get verification codes, you can use WhatsApp with a virtual phone number.
There’s no way to hide your number on WhatsApp. You can hide other account details, like profile picture and last seen, but your phone number is always seen, even for people who aren’t in your contact list
You can use WhatsApp on a tablet, laptop, or PC for up to 14-days without a phone. If you don’t use your phone and get an internet connection during that time, your account will be closed.
Plans that may interest you
I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
