What is a WhatsApp Virtual Number?
A virtual number for WhatsApp is a phone number that is not directly associated with a physical mobile phone or SIM card.
Instead, it is provided through online service providers and operates online.
This type of number can be used to register and manage a WhatsApp account, just like a regular phone number.
Depending on the provider, virtual numbers can come with additional features like voicemail, call forwarding, and text messaging capabilities, which we will explore in more detail later.
How to Get a Virtual Phone Number for WhatsApp
Now that we understand a virtual number for WhatsApp, the next question is, "How to get a virtual phone number for WhatsApp?" It's a simpler process than you think.
Here are the steps to getting a virtual phone number for WhatsApp:
Step 1: Choose a Provider: Find a service that gives virtual numbers. Several such providers are available, some of which we will discuss later.
Step 2: Create an Account: Go to the website of your chosen service, download their app, and sign up by following their instructions.
Step 3: Insert Your Area Code: The app will generate virtual phone numbers; you can choose the one you prefer.
Example Virtual Number Format for USA: +1 (Area Code) 555 123 4567 Here, "+1" represents the international dialing code for the United States. "(Area Code)" can be a city-specific code, such as "212" for New York. The following part is a 7 or 8-digit number.
Step 5: Set Up WhatsApp: Enter the virtual number you just got when it asks for your phone number.
Step 6: Verify Your Number: WhatsApp will send a code to your virtual number. Check the app or website of your virtual number provider to get this code and enter it into WhatsApp.
Step 7: Start Using WhatsApp: Once your number is verified, your WhatsApp is ready to use with your new virtual number.
These steps generally show how to get a virtual number for WhatsApp. To support these steps, we have shown how to get a virtual number with Hushed as an example below:
Firstly, I started by signing up for a Hushed account and providing basic details like my email address.
Secondly, After creating my account, Hushed presented three country options for phone numbers. I selected the United States as an example. 🙂
Next, Hushed showed me six different virtual number options. I could view more numbers or proceed with the one I prefer.
After this step, you can choose a plan that suits your needs, such as a pay-as-you-go or unlimited plan.
Then, open WhatsApp and enter the Hushed number during the verification process. You receive a verification code via text or call in the Hushed interface.
Lastly, you can enter this verification code into WhatsApp to finalize the setup.
Why Do You Need to Get a Virtual Phone Number for WhatsApp?
If you're still unsure about using a virtual number for WhatsApp, here are some reasons to consider it.
Privacy Protection: A virtual number offers you privacy. It allows you to keep your number hidden.
Separation of Personal and Business Communications: if you're using WhatsApp for business purposes, a virtual number lets you separate your personal and business communications.
Professional Appearance: It can increase brand credibility, a professional contact number is often associated with established and trustworthy businesses.
Global Accessibility: a virtual number lets you access WhatsApp from anywhere in the world. This is especially useful for travelers or those living abroad.
Local Presence: You establish a local presence by choosing a phone code that matches your target audience's location.
Top 8 WhatsApp Virtual Number Providers
Here's a helpful guide comparing seven notable virtual phone providers.
This table is crafted to assist you in finding the right fit for your communication needs.
Whether you're an individual, a small business owner, or a frequent traveler.
1. Google Voice
Best for individuals and small businesses in the U.S. seeking an easy, scalable solution for their communication needs.
Google Voice offers both free and paid services.
You can get a free US phone number, make free US calls, and send messages over Wi-Fi.
However, international calls incur charges, and paid plans are available for those who need more advanced features.
Top Features of Google Voice
- Cross-Platform Accessibility: Works on Chrome OS, Apple Mac, Microsoft Windows, Android, and iOS.
- Browser Flexibility: Compatible with Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari.
- International Availability: Offered in multiple countries across Europe and North America.
- SIP Link Option: For extended international availability in select South American countries.
- Comprehensive Communication: Beyond calls, it offers voicemail transcription and forwarding while effectively keeping unwanted spam calls out.
- Control and Privacy: Provides user control over call management and privacy settings.
Pricing:
- Starter: $10/user/month, suitable for up to 10 users, with domestic locations included and voicemail transcription.
- Standard: $20/user/month, offers unlimited users and locations, including all Starter features plus SIP Link and calls to most European countries.
- Premier: $30/user/month, for the most comprehensive support including advanced features like automatic call recording.
2. KrispCall
Best for small to large-sized businesses that want virtual cloud telephony systems at an affordable price.
KrispCall offers a cloud phone system with an extensive range of virtual phone numbers, including local, mobile, toll-free, vanity, and international numbers from over 100 countries.
Top features of KrispCall:
- Global calling and SMS: Connect with friends, family, and clients worldwide through phone calls and text messages.
- Unified Callbox: Access a detailed view of all conversations, including phone calls, text messages, voicemails, recorded calls, and call notes from a single dashboard.
- Advanced call management: Benefit from features such as call transfer, routing, blocking, queuing, and forwarding to handle incoming phone calls efficiently.
- Shared phone number: Share a single number with team members for collective calling and texting, reducing the likelihood of missed calls.
- Integration with business tools and software: Seamlessly integrate KrispCall with your daily-use tools, such as CRM software, productivity tools, or sales automation tools, to streamline workflows and boost efficiency.
Pricing:
- Essential: $15/month/user, allows 5 users, recommended for small businesses, startups & freelancers.
- Standard: $40/month/user, allows unlimited users, recommended for mid-size businesses & call centers
- Enterprise: Custom, allows unlimited users, and is suitable for teams with varying needs.
3. Talkatone
Best for anyone in the US who needs a simple, free way to chat and message, especially when you're off cellular.
Talkatone offers a free U.S. phone number for unlimited texting and calling within the U.S. without using cell phone minutes.
Perfect for travelers, this device completely eliminates roaming charges and lets you stay connected wherever WiFi is available.
Top Features of Talkatone:
- Free U.S. Phone Number: Choose your own free U.S. number for calling and texting.
- Free Texting: Unlimited SMS to U.S. numbers.
- WiFi/Cell Data Calls: Make calls without using cell minutes.
- No Roaming Fees: Use your number globally on WiFi without extra charges.
- Widespread Adoption: Talkatone has a large user base, enabling free calls and texts between Talkatone users anywhere in the world.
- Features Preview: Visual insights into the app's functionality.
- Flexibility: Change your number anytime while retaining your message and call history.
Pricing:
- Free: $0. It offers free services, which include a free U.S. phone number and free calling and texting to U.S. numbers over WiFi or data.
4. Virtual Phone
Best for travelers and international businesses who need versatile numbers worldwide.
Virtual Phone offers a versatile business communication solution, including a Softphone for remote calling and features like Live Chat & IVR.
While some features are free, the service is primarily designed for businesses, and pricing varies based on usage.
Top Features of Virtual Phone
- Softphone & Call Management: Manage calls from anywhere with an app, displaying your business ID and offering call forwarding to keep you connected.
- International Reach: Access toll-free and local numbers in over 120 countries.
- Live Chat & IVR: Engage customers directly on your site with live chat and guide them through a customizable voice menu for seamless service.
- SMS & Call Scheduling: Communicate quickly with SMS and schedule calls to ensure your team is available when needed.
- Voicemail-to-Email & Fax: Easily access voicemails and faxes on the go, delivered straight to your email for convenience.
Pricing:
- Starter: $0/month, offers 100 minutes or texts, core call management features.
- Medium: $5-$39/month, offers 300 to 3,000 minutes or texts, advanced features like IVR and call recording.
- Large: $69-$499/month, offers 6,000 to 45,000 minutes or texts, comprehensive call management, and best rates for additional use.
5. Grasshopper
Best for small and medium-sized businesses looking for an intuitive phone system that grows with them.
Grasshopper is a business phone system designed to simplify your communication needs.
It is cost-effective, works with your existing phone, and provides 24/7 support, making it a practical choice for small business owners.
Top Features of Grasshopper
- Call Blasting: Simultaneous ringing of up to 15 lines reduces wait times and increases customer satisfaction.
- Voice Studio: Create professional greetings with experienced voice actors in English and Spanish.
- Ruby Receptionists: You can add live, US-based receptionists to your service. This approach is a great example of personalization in e-commerce, offering tailored interactions.
- International Calling: Customize international calling plans for your global business needs.
- Extra Numbers: Easily add Grasshopper numbers without changing your plan.
Pricing
- True Solo: $14/month, includes 1 user, 1 phone number, 1 extension
- Solo Plus: $28/month, includes unlimited users, 1 phone number, 3 extensions)
- Partner: $46/month, includes unlimited users, 32 phone numbers, 6 extensions)
- Small Business: $80/month, includes unlimited users, 5 phone numbers, unlimited extensions.
6. Phone.com
Best for diverse businesses seeking a comprehensive and adaptable communication toolkit.
Phone.com is a business communications company that offers a wide range of features such as voice, video, and conferencing to suit various business styles.
Top Features of Phone.com
- Versatile Communication Options: Stands out with various communication methods, including voice, text, video, and conferencing.
- Advanced Call Handling and Forwarding: The service stands out in its call management capabilities by offering features such as call forwarding, call transfer, call blocking, and call queues.
- Comprehensive Mobile Integration: Seamlessly integrates with your iOS and Android mobile devices.
- Customizable Voicemail and Call Filtering: The platform offers personalized voicemail options, including voicemail-to-email and voicemail transcription.
- High-Quality Video Conferencing: Enables effective and engaging remote meetings by supporting high-quality audio and video communication.
Pricing
- Basic Users: $12.74/month/user, offering 500 pooled minutes, one phone number per account, and video conferencing for up to 10 participants.
- Plus Users: $18.69/month/user, adding unlimited minutes, conversational text messaging, and enhanced video conferencing features for up to 25 participants.
- Pro Users: $27.19/month/user, expanding on Plus with features like call recording, call analytics, CRM integration, and advanced video conferencing for up to 100 participants.
7. Hushed
Best for individuals and businesses who want to have different numbers for a variety of needs, complete with extra messaging features.
Hushed keeps your communication flexible, offering multiple numbers with customizable plans, whether texting or sharing pictures.
Top Features of Hushed
- Anonymous Calling: Hushed allows you to make and receive calls anonymously, ensuring your calls remain private and do not appear in your phone records.
- SMS and MMS: This feature allows you to securely send and receive text, gif, image, and voice messages, with the option to delete messages anytime for greater privacy.
- Multiple Numbers: Can handle multiple lines for different purposes, providing a clear separation between personal and business communications.
- Custom Voicemail Greetings: You can record and customize unique voicemail greetings for each of your Hushed numbers.
- Call Forwarding and Forwarding: This feature allows you to forward incoming calls to another phone number and place calls using voice minutes on your wireless plan.
Pricing
- Prepaid Plans: Starting at $2.99, offering bundled minutes/SMS for local calling and texting. Available in 7, 30, 90, and 365-day plans.
- Unlimited Subscriptions: Starting at $4.99/month, providing unlimited local talk and text. Options include 1 or 3 line bundles, with monthly or yearly plans.
- Pay-As-You-Go International Plans: Starting at $6.99 (includes $1.00 in credits), for international calling and texting capabilities.
8. Blacktel
Best for anyone who needs a phone number for a short time.
Blacktel provides temporary numbers with virtual SIM technology when you need to keep things private.
Top Features of Blacktel
- Calls + SMS: Allows you to make calls and send and receive SMS with a single virtual number.
- WhatsApp SIM: Provides a special second number for registering WhatsApp, Telegram, Tinder, Facebook, Twitter accounts or for any SMS verification.
- Travel SIM: Offers prepaid phone numbers for international travel and ensures uninterrupted communication abroad.
- Prepaid Phone Number: Provides short-term phone numbers on a prepaid basis.
Pricing
- Calls and SMS: Starting at €20.00, offering combined calling and texting services.
- Calls Only: Prices begin from €10.00, focused on call-only services.
- SMS Only: Starting at €10.00 for text message services.
- WhatsApp SIM: Around €14.00 - €15.00, for second number registration for apps and verifications.
- Trash SIM: Similar pricing to WhatsApp SIM, for receiving calls and texts online.
Conclusion: How to Choose the Right WhatsApp Virtual Number Providers
When selecting a virtual number provider for WhatsApp, it's vital to examine several key aspects.
Ensure the provider covers the country or region where you plan to communicate with clients or colleagues.
Look into the range of features they offer, such as voicemail and call forwarding, to see if they align with your needs.
The provider's reputation and user reviews are also crucial, as they offer insights into their reliability and customer service quality.
Additionally, consider the cost factor. While free plans are available, they may come with limitations and might not be suitable for professional use.
With various reliable providers available, finding a virtual number for WhatsApp is generally straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Verify WhatsApp Without the Verification Code?
To verify WhatsApp without a code:
Use 'Call Me': Tap the 'Call Me' option in WhatsApp for a voice call that gives you the code.
Wait for Alternatives: If the SMS code doesn't come, wait for the timer to run out. WhatsApp might offer other methods.
Contact Support: If you're stuck, contacting WhatsApp's support with your issue and phone number might help.
Simple as that! Just a few steps, and you're on your way.
How to Use WhatsApp Without a Phone Number?
To use WhatsApp without a phone number, first download WhatsApp.
Then, get a virtual phone number from a provider like Google Voice or one of the other six providers mentioned above.
Enter this virtual number into WhatsApp during setup.
Verify the number when WhatsApp sends a code to your virtual number, and you're all set to use WhatsApp.
With these steps, you'll have WhatsApp up and running with a virtual number!
Is It Possible to Change My Virtual Number on WhatsApp?
Absolutely, you can change your virtual number on WhatsApp. It's a straightforward process:
Open WhatsApp Settings: Go to the settings section in your WhatsApp.
Select 'Account': Find the 'Account' option.
Choose 'Change Number': There's a specific feature for changing numbers.
Follow the Steps: WhatsApp will guide you through the rest. Just ensure both your old and new numbers can receive texts or calls for verification.
That's it!
Before You Go
- How to Create a WhatsApp QR Code That Sends a Custom Message
- WhatsApp Business API Guide & How to Get Started?
- How to Scan a QR Code inside Phone without Using Another Phone?
- 8 Effective Ways to Boost ROI with Phone Call Conversions
