How Can I Get A Virtual Number For WhatsApp Or WhatsApp Business?

Share this article:

Table of Contents

How Can I Get A Virtual Number For WhatsApp?

Essentials to know

  • A WhatsApp virtual number lets you register and use WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business without a physical SIM, keeping personal and professional accounts separate.
  • Benefits include privacy protection, improved work-life balance, and the ability to use one account across multiple devices for team access.
  • Choosing the right provider is crucial – look for fast setup, flexible monthly plans, and reliable support.
  • With YourBusinessNumber, you can generate a virtual number instantly, set it up in WhatsApp Business within minutes, and manage multiple team numbers if needed.
  • Virtual numbers work for WhatsApp and other apps (e.g., Telegram, Signal, Uber), making them versatile for both business and personal use across the UK.

 

Are you looking for a virtual second phone number to use with WhatsApp Business? You’re in the right place. At YourBusinessNumber, we can generate a unique virtual number for WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business for you in just a few clicks.

But why should you consider getting a second phone number for business use, and what are the benefits of using one for WhatsApp Business?

Let’s take a look at what a virtual phone number is, what you can do with it, why you need one, and how it can take your business communications strategy to the next level. We’ll explain where you can get virtual phone numbers, how to choose the best virtual phone number provider, and how to set up WhatsApp using your new number.

What is a WhatsApp virtual number?

A WhatsApp (or WhatsApp Business) virtual phone number allows you to register and activate a WhatsApp account (or WhatsApp Business account) without needing a physical SIM card. This lets you use WhatsApp across multiple devices simultaneously and share the same phone number with several users.

Virtual phone numbers can function on any device with internet access, the ability to install third-party apps, and receive voice calls. This means you can make calls from laptops, smartphones, VoIP desk phones, or even softphones. Many people in the UK now use virtual phone numbers to sign up for social media and messaging apps like WhatsApp (along with others like X, Facebook, and Telegram). They’re also ideal for businesses with in-office, remote, or work-from-home setups. In the case of WhatsApp, having a virtual number allows you to have both WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business on the same device.

Why might I need a virtual phone number for WhatsApp?

A second virtual phone number allows you to install and use both WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business on the same device. WhatsApp restricts users to one account per phone number. This means that if you already use your personal mobile number to chat with friends and family on WhatsApp Messenger, you need to get a second virtual phone number to set up WhatsApp Business for professional use.

What are the benefits of using a virtual phone number for WhatsApp Business?

There are lots of benefits to using a virtual phone number for WhatsApp Business. Virtual phone numbers have revolutionised how modern companies do business, making it easier than ever for UK entrepreneurs to get the most out of their comms strategy, without adding any extra stress. Here are some of the benefits of using a second virtual phone number:

Keep your personal and professional contacts separate

No one wants to send a potentially embarrassing text or call to an important client by accident – but it’s worryingly easy to do just that if your professional contacts are housed in the same app as your personal chats.

By using a second virtual phone number to set up WhatsApp Business, you can keep your work chats safe and sound, away from your private chats. It’s great for staying on top of your workload, too!

Use your virtual number on multiple devices at once

You can use WhatsApp Business on up to four linked devices, alongside your primary phone. That means multiple team members can access the same WhatsApp Business account, with data effortlessly syncing across devices to keep everyone in the loop.

The flexibility of virtual phone numbers is crucial in an age of remote working, when it’s important that team members can pick up messages even when they’re out of the office or working from a different part of the country.

Protect privacy for business owners and employees

Data protection is hugely important these days, and not everyone is comfortable publishing their personal mobile number on a website or handing it out freely to customers and clients.

With a second virtual phone number, you can enjoy the peace of mind that your personal number is kept private, while sharing your professional number while networking.

Create a better work-life balance

Ever have one of those days when you really, really need to switch off, but your phone won’t stop pinging? When you use just one number for all your calls and chats it can be difficult to draw the line between your working hours and your personal time.

With a second virtual phone number that’s dedicated to professional use only, you can make the distinction between your home and work life much clearer. Display your office hours in WhatsApp Business and turn on auto-replies to manage your clients’ expectations during your valuable time off, while protecting your mental wellbeing.

How to choose the best virtual phone number provider

There are several important factors when it comes to choosing a reputable virtual phone number provider. Select carefully to avoid hassle, stress and unnecessary expense. Check if your provider offers these benefits (top tip – we do!):

Instant, hassle-free set up

Make sure your provider can get you instant access to WhatsApp Business, so you’re not waiting around for confirmation of your new number or wading through tedious onboarding instructions.

At YourBusinessNumber, we make the process quick and easy. We generate your new number and send it to you via SMS in just 10 seconds. Then, all you need to do is download the WhatsApp Business app and follow the on-screen instructions. That’s it!

Flexible, low-cost monthly plans

One of the best benefits of virtual phone numbers? Flexibility and value. That’s why it’s important to check the terms and conditions of any plans before you sign up.

With YourBusinessNumber, we keep our prices transparent and offer rolling monthly plans that you don’t have to lock into for the long term. Cancel anytime and stay in complete control.

Comprehensive customer support

No matter how simple a process is, sometimes things don’t quite go to plan. You want your provider to be on hand to help you if any problems arise.

At YourBusinessNumber, we’re here to help at every step. We’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions with helpful information and troubleshooting tips. If you still need assistance, our support team is on hand. Get in touch via chat, call or email and we’ll get any issues sorted out in no time.

How to create a virtual number for WhatsApp

To create a virtual phone number, begin by choosing a provider. Various companies offer these services, each with different options and pricing. Handily you’re already looking at this blog on one – and YourBusinessNumber can get you started easily in just a few clicks!

  • Sign up on your chosen virtual phone number provider’s platform.
  • Choose a country code for the type of phone number you need
  • Purchase the virtual number using an online payment method like a credit card or PayPal.
  • Use your new number to register a WhatsApp Business account and start sending and receiving messages and calls.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I get a second virtual number for WhatsApp?

There are quite a lot of different providers out there such as Hushed, Numero eSIM, Blacktel, Talkatone, Krispcall and many others, but they can often be complex to set up, unexpectedly expensive, and want to tie you into long term contracts for your virtual number.

Now admittedly we’re a bit biased, but at YourBusinessNumber, we offer flexible, low-cost monthly plans on virtual numbers for WhatsApp, and you can get set up in just a few clicks. We’ve also got our own dedicated support team who are on hand to help you through the process in the (unlikely) event that you run into problems. So why bother shopping around? For less than the price of a takeaway meal we can get you up and running right now, and we can offer you support for multiple numbers with our Teams solution if you have more than a couple of employees.

How to set up WhatsApp Business with a virtual phone number

It’s incredibly easy and quick to generate your WhatsApp Business virtual number with YourBusinessNumber. There’s no contract and you can cancel the service at any time – get your number for WhatsApp in just a few clicks. The WhatsApp Business app itself is free to download for both Android and iPhone users.

Simply visit our Generate page, and we will instantly create your own dedicated second mobile number.

You don’t have to wait – we’ll deliver you a valid virtual WhatsApp Business number in under one minute.

Then download the free WhatsApp Business app from the App Store or Google Play Store. The process for installing WhatsApp is the same whether you have an iPhone or Android device – you will need a stable internet connection.

Finally, it’s time to open WhatsApp. Use your new number for WhatsApp to receive your verification code via SMS and complete the WhatsApp verification process.

Can you use WhatsApp Business without a phone number?

The short answer is no – you must have a valid phone number to verify WhatsApp Business. You can create a free account but it must be associated with a verified mobile number – you’ll be asked to verify WhatsApp when you set up an account.

If you already have WhatsApp chat set up using your private number, you’ll need a solution in order to set up a separate WhatsApp Business account. That’s where second virtual phone numbers come in.

With a virtual phone number, you can harness the power of WhatsApp Business, without the need for a second handset or an expensive long-term phone contract.

Can I use a virtual number for incoming calls and business calls?

Each virtual number generated by YourBusinessNumber can only be used in messaging apps, rather than receiving standard voice calls. Phone calls which are made to your virtual number will be rerouted via call forwarding to your main mobile number, and you will have a talk time of up to 1 minute. You can still send and receive voice messages recorded via your WhatsApp account.

Can I get multiple virtual phone numbers for teams?

Yes. Businesses can easily manage multiple virtual phone numbers for WhatsApp using our Teams feature.

Generate multiple numbers for your team, then ask them to install WhatsApp on their personal phone, using the verification code to follow the SMS verification process. When team members leave or change job roles, you can switch numbers as required.

Can I use a virtual number for WhatsApp for other apps?

Yes! Users can set up their virtual phone number with any other messaging app including Telegram, Signal and Viber. You can also use it to sign up for other apps such as Uber or Just Eat!

Get a virtual number for WhatsApp today

Virtual phone numbers are an excellent way to maintain the privacy of your personal mobile number while staying connected on WhatsApp. They’re also ideal for UK businesses, as they enable multiple support agents on different devices to handle customer enquiries through a single number, and allow you to use WhatsApp Messenger and WhatsApp Business on the same device – no more costly second phones!

So what are you waiting for? Get your virtual WhatsApp Business number today.

Author:

Picture of George Lineker

George Lineker

The co-founder of YourBusinessNumber, George has a lasting interest in modern communications technology, and is an advocate of simple and easy to use tools for businesses of all sizes. He has a background in mobile telecom solutions along with qualifications in business and management support services.
Share this article:

Get A Virtual Number Now!

Receive your number for WhatsApp verification in just 3 clicks!

Trustpilot rating with 5 stars

Related Posts

Here are some related posts that you might like

Are your WhatsApp messages compliant? Learn the essential opt-in rules for UK businesses, avoid account bans, and discover how to get valid customer consent today.

Searching for a real unlimited data eSIM for your UK business? Learn about fair usage policies, avoid hidden speed caps, and find the best flexible plan today.

Stop the noise and start engaging - master WhatsApp Business Groups with our guide on controls, privacy, and how to keep your customers connected.