If you do not want to associate your main mobile phone number with WhatsApp, you can get a virtual phone number for use on WhatsApp.
Use Virtual Phone Number on WhatsApp
When you try to create a WhatsApp Account, you will be prompted to enter a valid phone number that can receive a 6-digit verification code from WhatsApp.
Once the Phone Number is verified by WhatsApp, it gets linked with your WhatsApp Account and becomes visible to all your Contacts.
While most users do not have any problem with their phone number being visible on WhatsApp, there are many users who do not like the idea of their personal mobile phone number being openly available on WhatsApp.
The solution to this issue is to get a virtual phone number and use this phone number to create WhatsApp Account or use your Landline Phone Number to verify WhatsApp Account.
1. Get Virtual Phone Number Using TextNow
TextNow is a popular messaging app that provides users with a Free Phone Number that can be used on WhatsApp. You can Sign up for TextNow by using an Email Address.
1. Download TextNow App from Google Play Store (Android Phone) or from the App Store (iPhone).
2. Once the App is downloaded, open TextNow and select Sign Up with Email option.
3. Enter your Email Address and enter a Password (not your email password) to create a TextNow Account.
4. On the next screen, Enter the Area code for any US city and tap on Continue (For example, 773 for Chicago).
5. Select your Phone Number from the list and tap on Continue.
Note: Make sure that you note down the phone number. If you forget to note down the number, tap on 3-line menu icon and you will be able to see your TextNow phone number.
2. Get Virtual Phone Number Using TextFree
TextFree is another App that provides a free virtual phone number to all its users. Similar to TextNow, TextFree also uses an Email based verification system.
1. Download TextFree App from Google Play Store (Android Phones) or from the App Store (iPhone).
2. Once the App is downloaded, tap on the Sign Up button.
3. On the next screen, tap on the Allow option to provide TextFree with Access to your location.
4. On the next screen, remove the Area Code suggested by TextFree and enter the Area Code for any US City.
5. On the next screens, you will be able to select your TextFree Number and complete TextFree signup process by entering your Email Address and the Password.
3. Get Virtual Phone Number Using Skype
Skype is a popular VOIP service that is widely used by individuals and businesses all over the world. A lesser known feature of Skype is that it also provides virtual Phone numbers at reasonable rates.
Skype Phone Numbers are available in United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and 21 other Countries.
1. On your computer visit Skype Number Page.
2. Select the Country in which you want to Purchase the Skype Phone Number.
3. On the next screen, you will see a phone number as provided by Skype. Click on Continue to accept this phone number.
Note: You can also click on Show other local numbers option and select another Phone Number from the list of phone numbers.
4. On the next screen, sign-in to Skype and follow the On-screen instructions to complete the setup process.
Note: The cost of a Skype Phone Number varies, depending on the Country for which the Phone Number is required.
4. Get Virtual Phone Number Using Google Voice
Google Voice provides all its users with a free Phone Number that can be used to verify WhatsApp, Signal and other social media Apps.
The problem with Google Voice is that it is only available within the United States and it prompts for a US based Phone Number during the Sign-up process.
If you are living outside United States, you might be able to get a Google Voice Number by using this guide: How to Get Google Voice Number From Outside US.
5. Use Landline Phone Number to Verify WhatsApp
As mentioned above, another way to prevent your main mobile phone number from being exposed on WhatsApp is by using your Home Phone or Landline Number to create WhatsApp Account.
In this regard, you can refer to the first method as provided in this guide: How to Use WhatsApp Without Phone Number.
