Do WhatsApp and Telegram Require a Real Phone Number?
Posted: Tue May 27, 2025 8:41 am
Yes, both WhatsApp and Telegram require a phone number, and it must be a valid one for account creation and verification. However, the way these platforms handle phone numbers, their necessity after setup, and workarounds available vary between the two services.
WhatsApp: Real Number is Mandatory
WhatsApp is directly linked to your mobile number. It uses your phone number as your unique identifier instead of usernames or email addresses. Here’s how it works:
Registration
To sign up, you must enter a valid phone number. WhatsApp sends a verification code via SMS or phone call to that number. Without entering this code, you cannot activate your account.
Continued Dependence on the Number
Your account remains tied to that phone number.
Contacts find you on WhatsApp through your number.
You need the same number (or transfer process) to recent mobile phone number data restore backups.
Can I Use a VoIP or Virtual Number?
Technically, yes—some VoIP services (e.g., Google Voice) can receive SMS or calls for verification. However, WhatsApp sometimes blocks VoIP or virtual numbers due to abuse. Using temporary or anonymous numbers may result in restricted functionality or bans.
Can You Use It Without a SIM?
Yes, after verification, WhatsApp can run on a device without a SIM card, as long as it has internet access. However, for initial setup and re-verification, a real number is essential.
Telegram: Real Number Required, but More Flexible
Telegram also requires a real phone number for registration and account verification, but it provides more flexibility and privacy features:
Registration Process
Like WhatsApp, Telegram sends a verification code via SMS or call to a phone number. This step is mandatory to activate the account.
Username System
After account setup, Telegram allows users to create a username, and others can find and message you using that instead of your number. This gives Telegram a layer of anonymity not found in WhatsApp.
Can I Use VoIP or Virtual Numbers?
Telegram is more lenient than WhatsApp with VoIP or virtual numbers. Many users successfully register using services like Google Voice, Burner, or TextNow. However, Telegram may restrict high-risk or blacklisted number ranges.
Multiple Accounts and Number Changes
Telegram allows multiple accounts on one device using different numbers and lets you change your registered number later without losing data.
WhatsApp: Real Number is Mandatory
WhatsApp is directly linked to your mobile number. It uses your phone number as your unique identifier instead of usernames or email addresses. Here’s how it works:
Registration
To sign up, you must enter a valid phone number. WhatsApp sends a verification code via SMS or phone call to that number. Without entering this code, you cannot activate your account.
Continued Dependence on the Number
Your account remains tied to that phone number.
Contacts find you on WhatsApp through your number.
You need the same number (or transfer process) to recent mobile phone number data restore backups.
Can I Use a VoIP or Virtual Number?
Technically, yes—some VoIP services (e.g., Google Voice) can receive SMS or calls for verification. However, WhatsApp sometimes blocks VoIP or virtual numbers due to abuse. Using temporary or anonymous numbers may result in restricted functionality or bans.
Can You Use It Without a SIM?
Yes, after verification, WhatsApp can run on a device without a SIM card, as long as it has internet access. However, for initial setup and re-verification, a real number is essential.
Telegram: Real Number Required, but More Flexible
Telegram also requires a real phone number for registration and account verification, but it provides more flexibility and privacy features:
Registration Process
Like WhatsApp, Telegram sends a verification code via SMS or call to a phone number. This step is mandatory to activate the account.
Username System
After account setup, Telegram allows users to create a username, and others can find and message you using that instead of your number. This gives Telegram a layer of anonymity not found in WhatsApp.
Can I Use VoIP or Virtual Numbers?
Telegram is more lenient than WhatsApp with VoIP or virtual numbers. Many users successfully register using services like Google Voice, Burner, or TextNow. However, Telegram may restrict high-risk or blacklisted number ranges.
Multiple Accounts and Number Changes
Telegram allows multiple accounts on one device using different numbers and lets you change your registered number later without losing data.