WhatsApp has become one of the most popular communication apps in the world. People use it to chat with friends, make voice and video calls, join communities, communicate with customers, and manage businesses.
If you are wondering how to get a WhatsApp number, the process is simple. You do not receive a separate number from WhatsApp. Instead, WhatsApp uses your existing mobile phone number to create and verify your account.
In this guide, you will learn how to get a WhatsApp number, how to register it, how WhatsApp verification works, and what you should know before using a number for personal or business purposes.
What Is a WhatsApp Number?
A WhatsApp number is the mobile phone number connected to your WhatsApp account. When you create an account, WhatsApp asks you to enter a phone number that you can verify.
For example, if you have a mobile number from your local network, you can use that number to register WhatsApp.
Your WhatsApp account can then be used for:
- Sending messages
- Making voice calls
- Making video calls
- Sharing photos and videos
- Sending documents
- Sharing locations
- Creating groups
- Using WhatsApp Status
- Communicating with businesses
How to Get a WhatsApp Number
The easiest way to get a WhatsApp number is to use a valid mobile number that you control.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Get a Working Mobile Number
First, you need a mobile number that can receive an SMS or phone call.
You can use:
- Your personal mobile number
- A second SIM number
- A dedicated business number
- Another legitimate mobile number that you control
The number should be active because WhatsApp may send a verification code to it.
Step 2: Install WhatsApp
Download the official WhatsApp application from your phone’s app store.
After installing the app, open it and follow the registration instructions.
Avoid downloading WhatsApp from unknown websites because unofficial applications can create security and privacy risks.
Step 3: Enter Your Phone Number
WhatsApp will ask you to select your country and enter your phone number.
Make sure you select the correct country code and enter your number accurately.
For international registration, use the correct international format rather than adding an unnecessary leading zero.
Step 4: Verify Your Number
WhatsApp will send a verification code to your mobile number.
Enter the code inside WhatsApp when requested.
This verification process helps confirm that you have access to the phone number you are registering.
Step 5: Complete Your Profile
After verification, you can add your:
- Name
- Profile picture
- About information
You can also adjust your privacy settings according to your preferences.
Your WhatsApp account is now ready to use.
Can You Get a WhatsApp Number Without a SIM Card?
Generally, WhatsApp requires access to a phone number that can be verified.
Some services offer temporary, virtual, or online phone numbers. However, these numbers can have limitations. A number may already be registered, unavailable for WhatsApp verification, or later become inaccessible to you.
For an account you plan to use long-term, a mobile number that you personally control is usually the safer option.
How to Get a Second WhatsApp Number
You may want a second WhatsApp number for work, business, or separating personal conversations from professional communication.
One option is to use a second mobile number and register it with another WhatsApp account, where your device and WhatsApp setup support multiple accounts.
Another option is to use WhatsApp Business for your business communications.
Before choosing a second number, make sure you can continue accessing it for future verification.
How to Get a WhatsApp Business Number
If you run a business, you can create a WhatsApp Business account using a phone number you control.
A separate business number can be useful because it keeps business conversations separate from your personal chats.
You can use a business account to communicate with customers, provide information, answer questions, and share business updates.
A professional business profile may include information such as:
- Business name
- Business category
- Description
- Business hours
- Website
- Contact information
Can You Create WhatsApp Without a Phone Number?
WhatsApp accounts are based on phone-number verification. Therefore, you should have access to a valid number that can complete the required verification process.
If you do not currently have a mobile number, you will need to obtain a legitimate number before registering an account.
Can You Use Someone Else’s Number?
You should not register a WhatsApp account using another person’s phone number without their permission.
The registration process involves verification, and the number should belong to or be legitimately controlled by the person creating the account.
Using someone else’s number without authorization can also cause problems if they later need access to their account.
How to Get a WhatsApp Number for Business
Businesses often prefer to use a dedicated number rather than their personal number.
A simple setup is:
Business SIM → WhatsApp Business → Business Profile → Customer Communication
This approach makes it easier to separate personal and professional conversations.
You can also tell customers clearly that the number is your official business contact.
How to Protect Your WhatsApp Number
Once you create your WhatsApp account, protecting your number is important.
Here are some useful security practices:
Use Two-Step Verification
Enable WhatsApp’s two-step verification feature if available on your account. It adds another layer of protection beyond the normal registration code.
Never Share Verification Codes
Never give your WhatsApp registration code to another person.
Someone asking you for your verification code may be attempting to take control of your account.
Check Linked Devices
Regularly review the devices connected to your WhatsApp account. If you see a device you do not recognize, remove it.
Control Your Privacy Settings
WhatsApp provides privacy settings that allow you to control who can see certain information and interact with you.
Review these settings regularly.
How to Find Your Own WhatsApp Number
If you have already created a WhatsApp account but do not remember which number is connected to it, open WhatsApp and go to your profile or account settings.
Your registered phone number should be displayed there.
This is particularly useful if you have more than one SIM card.
How to Share Your WhatsApp Contact
If you want people to contact you on WhatsApp, you can share your phone number with them directly.
For businesses and websites, you can also create a WhatsApp chat link.
A common format is:
Replace YourNumber with your complete international phone number, without spaces, brackets, or unnecessary symbols.
For example, a number written in international format can be converted into a WhatsApp chat link using the same digits.
How to Get a WhatsApp Number for a Website
If you run a website, you may want visitors to contact you through WhatsApp.
You can add a WhatsApp contact button to your website.
For example, your website could display:
Chat With Us on WhatsApp
When visitors click the button, it can open a WhatsApp conversation with your business number.
This can be useful for:
- Customer support
- Product questions
- Service inquiries
- Online businesses
- Freelancers
- Local businesses
- Appointment requests
Avoid Fake WhatsApp Number Services
You may find websites claiming to provide free or temporary WhatsApp numbers.
Be careful before using these services.
A temporary number may later be assigned to someone else, leaving you unable to access your account. Publicly shared numbers can also create privacy and security problems.
For important accounts, use a number that you legitimately control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get WhatsApp with my existing phone number?
Yes. If your mobile number can complete WhatsApp’s verification process, you can generally use it to register an account.
Do I need a separate number for WhatsApp?
No. You can normally use your existing mobile number. A separate number is useful if you want to keep personal and business communication separate.
Can I have two WhatsApp accounts?
Depending on your device and WhatsApp’s supported account features, you may be able to use multiple accounts with different phone numbers.
Is a WhatsApp number free?
WhatsApp does not normally charge you simply for creating a WhatsApp account, although your mobile carrier may charge for SMS, calls, or mobile data depending on your plan.
Can I use WhatsApp without a SIM?
WhatsApp registration requires access to a phone number for verification. Some alternative number services exist, but their reliability and long-term access can vary.
Can I use a business number on WhatsApp?
Yes. Businesses can use a dedicated number with WhatsApp Business.
Final Thoughts
Getting a WhatsApp number is relatively simple. You need a valid mobile number that you control, the official WhatsApp application, and access to the verification process.
For personal communication, your existing mobile number may be enough. If you operate a business, a dedicated number with WhatsApp Business can help keep professional conversations separate from your personal chats.
Most importantly, protect your verification code, avoid suspicious temporary-number services, and use only numbers that you are authorized to control. This can help you maintain access to your WhatsApp account and protect your conversations.