🏎️ Complete Overview

A virtual phone number is not linked to your SIM card or real phone, but can still get verification codes and voice calls through the internet. Some services offer these numbers so you can sign up for WhatsApp without using your personal phone number. This helps keep your real number private.Reddit+13sms-activate.ru+13secondnumber.io+13

📖 Introduction

WhatsApp requires a phone number to sign in. However, it doesn't have to be your own SIM card number—it can be a virtual number from apps like TextNow or using paid services like KrispCall, SMS‑Activate, Second Number, or 7SIM.cc. These allow you to receive the 6-digit WhatsApp verification code online.Lifewire+2sms-activate.ru+27sim.cc+2

🕹️ How to Use a Virtual Number

Using a free app (TextNow etc.)

• Download TextNow or another app.

• Sign up and choose a number.

• Enter that number in WhatsApp.

• Ask for a voice call or SMS to get your verification code.

• Enter the code and finish setup.Lifewire

Using a paid virtual number service

• Choose a provider (SMS‑Activate, Virtphone, Second Number).

• Pay for or rent a number.

• Use it in WhatsApp sign-up.

• Receive SMS/voice call verification in service inbox.

• Input the code into WhatsApp to complete setup.The Sun+15sms-activate.ru+15secondnumber.io+15Одноразовые SMS номера для регистрацииControlHippo+6Reddit+6Reddit+6

✨ Features

• Numbers available from dozens of countries.

• Works via web, mobile, or VoIP systems.

• Some platforms allow multi-week rentals of the same number.Wikipedia+3sms-activate.ru+3Apple+3

• Great for keeping personal number private or separating personal and business WhatsApp accounts.Lifewire+4sms-activate.ru+4The Telephony Co+4

👍 Benefits

• ✅ Privacy: Your personal number stays hidden.

• ✅ Multiple accounts: Easy if you want separate WhatsApp accounts.

• ✅ Quick setup: Many services give you a number in seconds.

• ✅ Global: Choose numbers from countries you don’t live in.Temp Number+5sms-activate.ru+57sim.cc+5Reddit+12Virtual Local Phone Numbers+12Одноразовые SMS номера для регистрации+12

👎 Drawbacks & Risks

• ❌ Many virtual numbers are VoIP-based. WhatsApp often blocks these numbers or refuses them during registration.KrispCall+15Reddit+15Reddit+15

• ❌ WhatsApp’s terms now say virtual numbers are not permitted and may disable them.Reddit+1Reddit+1

• ❌ Free numbers may expire if unused, or become reused by others.Lifewire

• ❌ Paid services may still fail verification, or numbers might be flagged after use.Одноразовые SMS номера для регистрацииReddit

💬 What Users Are Saying

From Reddit:

“WhatsApp does not accept virtual numbers anymore… Even if you manage to find one that works, it's likely to be disabled.”Reddit
“The problem isn’t location… WhatsApp refuses to send to VoIP numbers.”KrispCall+15Reddit+157sim.cc+15

But some users reported rare success with services like Zadarma—a virtual mobile number provider.KrispCall+15Reddit+15AirDroid+15

🧐 Our Analysis

Virtual numbers once worked well for WhatsApp, but recent policies and improved detection have made them unreliable:

• WhatsApp now rejects many VoIP and landline numbers during registration.Virtual Local Phone Numbers+1Reddit+1Одноразовые SMS номера для регистрации+3Reddit+3Reddit+3

• Terms of Service explicitly warn against using virtual numbers.Reddit+5Reddit+5Reddit+5

So, while some paid providers like KrispCall or Phone.com might still work occasionally, most free or VoIP-based options are no longer reliable.AirDroid+1KrispCall+1

🔐 Privacy & Security Notes

• WhatsApp warns users never to share your verification code, as it gives others full access to your account.The Sun

• Always use call verification if SMS arrives fail. But WhatsApp may still reject call-based verification if the number is VoIP.Reddit+1Reddit+1

• WhatsApp is working on usernames so you can connect without sharing any phone number. This may reduce the need for virtual numbers in the future.LifewireLifewire

❓ FAQs

Q1: Can I use WhatsApp without a SIM card?
A1: Yes, if you use a landline for call or a virtual number—but only on WhatsApp Business, landlines are sometimes accepted. Standard virtual numbers mostly don't work.The SunReddit

Q2: Do free virtual number apps like TextNow still work?
A2: Rarely. WhatsApp often rejects them. Some who set up long ago may still have accounts active.LifewireReddit

Q3: Are paid virtual number services reliable?
A3: Some are better—like KrispCall or Phone.com—but still no guarantee. They often support business accounts better.AirDroidControlHippo

Q4: What’s the best safe route to set up WhatsApp anonymously?
A4: Consider buying a low-cost prepaid SIM card and use that with WhatsApp rather than relying on virtual numbers. It’s more reliable and within WhatsApp’s rules.

🔗 Useful Links

• [How to use WhatsApp without a SIM or personal number]The Sun

• [WhatsApp security advice about verification codes]Apple+15The Sun+15Reddit+15

• [WhatsApp feature update on usernames and privacy]The Sun+5Lifewire+5Lifewire+5

✅ Summary (in bullet points)

• Virtual numbers let you keep your real number private.

• Many services exist—some free (TextNow), most paid (SMS‑Activate, KrispCall).

• WhatsApp now blocks most VoIP numbers and may refuse verification.

• Use trusted paid providers or a physical prepaid SIM for reliability.

• Never share your code, and keep account security tight.