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Here's how to use WhatsApp without a SIM card in your phone
WhatsApp is great, but it has one major limitation; it requires a mobile phone number to work. Thankfully, there are a few ways to use WhatsApp without a SIM card.
Read more: Whatsapp tricks you need to know
These methods require you to download WhatsApp on your device, either via the Google Play Store or directly from WhatsApp’s official website. If you choose the second method, be sure to check out our guide for installing apps without the Google Play Store.
QUICK ANSWER
You can use WhatsApp without a SIM by verifying your account using another device's phone number. To do this, download WhatsApp on your phone without a SIM and enter your other phone's number during the setup process. When WhatsApp sends you a message with the verification code, enter it into the phone without a SIM card.
You can also accomplish this using a landline phone. You'll just have to request a call, instead of a text message. Alternatively, you can use an SMS or VOIP app.
JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS
Editor’s note: All steps in this guide were put together using a Pixel 7 Pro running Android 13. Remember, steps can vary depending on your device and software.
Do you have another phone?
You can use WhatsApp without a SIM card if you happen to own another phone that works. This could be any device that supports text messages or calls. Even if it’s a feature phone.
How to set up WhatsApp on a phone without a SIM by using a second phone:
- Download and open WhatsApp on your phone without a SIM card.
- Pick your language and hit the Arrow button.
- Read the privacy policy and terms of service offered by the welcome screen.
- Hit Agree and continue.
- Enter your other device’s phone number.
- Press Next.
- Verify your number is correct and press OK.
- The app will send a text message to your active device.
- Get the code and enter it into the phone without a SIM.
- You should be good to Go!
Landline method
This method is also easy, but you do need a landline number or some kind of home phone number. We know those are becoming scarce lately, but it’s one way to get things done!
How to set up WhatsApp using a landline phone:
- Download and open WhatsApp.
- Pick your language and hit the Arrow button.
- Read the privacy policy and terms of service offered by the welcome screen.
- Hit Agree and continue.
- Enter the landline phone number.
- Press Next.
- Verify your number is correct and press OK.
- You’ll be asked to verify the number with a missed call. Since your smartphone won’t get the call at all, select Verify with SMS.
- The app will attempt to verify your phone number. Please wait for it to fail.
- Tap on Did not receive code?.
- Select the Call me alternative option.
- Answer the call and enter the verification code in WhatsApp.
Use a virtual phone number and texting app
Sadly, not everyone has access to a secondary cellphone or landline number. You might still want to use WhatsApp without a SIM card, though.
If you really can’t get a hold of any phone number for a call or text verification, but have access to an internet connection, you can use a third-party app. Some applications grant you a virtual phone number, as well as calling and texting capabilities. Some of them are free too! A very popular one is Google Voice, but there are great alternatives. Here’s a list of our favorite free text apps.
How to set up WhatsApp using a VOIP number:
- Get a free VOIP number from one of the apps in the link above.
- Pick your language and hit the Arrow button.
- Download and open WhatsApp on the phone without a SIM card.
- Read the privacy policy and terms of service offered by the welcome screen.
- Hit Agree and continue.
- Enter the phone number you got from the text app.
- Press Next.
- Verify your number is correct and press OK.
- You’ll get a text message with your verification code on the text app.
- Enter the code on WhatsApp, on your phone without a SIM card.
- You should be good to Go!
FAQs
As long as WhatsApp supports the country, you can use a number from that region to use WhatsApp. Very few countries have banned the use of WhatsApp, including China, North Korea, Syria, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
No. Only one WhatsApp account can be linked to a phone number. This means that if you’re using a landline, only one person from that household will be able to use that phone number to create a WhatsApp account.
Yes. You’ll need to link the accounts to different numbers.
You can’t use WhatsApp on a Windows or macOS computer alone, but you can use WhatsApp Web to link your WhatsApp account to a browser and use it remotely. Everything still runs through your phone, though.