How to use WhatsApp without a phone number

I'm still trying to get whatsapp for my friend, who uses, with
permission, her next door neighbor's wifi. (I'm going to Guatemala and
I think she would really get a kick out of video calls.)

https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/how-to-use-whatsapp-without-a-phone-number-2345514-2023-03-12

It looks easy, except maybe the last two of the last 3 steps:

>When you input a number into WhatsApp, it will ask you if it is accurate. Verify the number, then click OK.

>You will now receive a verification code from the app in an attempt. You'll need to wait a long time, then press ‘Call Me’ because your landline won't be able to receive it.

If you wait a long time, will "Call me" appear? (If you don't know the
answer, see below. Or even if you do.)

>Have a look at the verification code after picking up your landline

But this is what really attracted my attention. When you pick up your
landline, what can you look at? The wall? Is it different in India,
where this webpage originates?

OTOH, Whatsapp itself says
https://faq.whatsapp.com/1199905020946636
They are talking about traveling abroad, but they say:
"The verification code is used to verify that you own the phone number.
You must be able to verify your phone number via SMS or voice call. We
can’t send the code through email." (I bet you they can, they just
don't want to!)

A voice call would be fine. She wouldn't have to look at anything.

It goes on: "If you can check your voicemail while traveling, you may
be able to successfully verify. Our automated system should leave you a
voicemail with your code on it if you choose the "Call me" option after
the 5 minute count-down. Otherwise, you should consider using a local
phone number that you are able to receive a call or SMS with. "

So it is a long time. It's 5 minutes. No wonder most of us don't know
about it. --- And if you can consider using a local number to receive
a call, shouldn't you be able to do that in the USA too? Unless their
computer looks at country code and won't call the USA. Why would the
USA be an exception? How would the computer know she's not Swedish but
traveling in the USA. Is Whatsapp an American or americacentric
company? Does it have special rules about the USA?

On 2023-12-22 00:16, micky wrote:
> How to use WhatsApp without a phone number
>
> I'm still trying to get whatsapp for my friend, who uses, with
> permission, her next door neighbor's wifi. (I'm going to Guatemala and
> I think she would really get a kick out of video calls.)
>
> https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/how-to-use-whatsapp-without-a-phone-number-2345514-2023-03-12
>
> It looks easy, except maybe the last two of the last 3 steps:
>
>> When you input a number into WhatsApp, it will ask you if it is accurate. Verify the number, then click OK.
>
>> You will now receive a verification code from the app in an attempt. You'll need to wait a long time, then press ‘Call Me’ because your landline won't be able to receive it.
>
> If you wait a long time, will "Call me" appear? (If you don't know the
> answer, see below. Or even if you do.)
>
>> Have a look at the verification code after picking up your landline
>
> But this is what really attracted my attention. When you pick up your
> landline, what can you look at? The wall? Is it different in India,
> where this webpage originates?

Translation issue, probably. Just listen to the phone and write down
whatever code they give you.

>
> OTOH, Whatsapp itself says
> https://faq.whatsapp.com/1199905020946636
> They are talking about traveling abroad, but they say:
> "The verification code is used to verify that you own the phone number.
> You must be able to verify your phone number via SMS or voice call. We
> can’t send the code through email." (I bet you they can, they just
> don't want to!)

No, they really can't.

Think.

They need proof that you can get the *phone* call. What would prove an
email?

>
> A voice call would be fine. She wouldn't have to look at anything.
>
> It goes on: "If you can check your voicemail while traveling, you may
> be able to successfully verify. Our automated system should leave you a
> voicemail with your code on it if you choose the "Call me" option after
> the 5 minute count-down. Otherwise, you should consider using a local
> phone number that you are able to receive a call or SMS with. "
>
> So it is a long time. It's 5 minutes. No wonder most of us don't know
> about it. --- And if you can consider using a local number to receive
> a call, shouldn't you be able to do that in the USA too? Unless their
> computer looks at country code and won't call the USA. Why would the
> USA be an exception? How would the computer know she's not Swedish but
> traveling in the USA. Is Whatsapp an American or americacentric
> company? Does it have special rules about the USA?

--
Cheers, Carlos.

micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

[About using WhatsApp with a landline number, instead of a mobile number:]

This used to work, but now WhatsApp says/implies it does not work
anymore, so you'll just have to try it.

See

<https://faq.whatsapp.com/684051319521343/?helpref=hc_fnav&cms_platform=android>

In the left pane: Registration -> How to register your phone number:

"Registration requirements
...
* You'll need to use a supported phone number. Unsupported phone numbers
can't be registered on WhatsApp and include:
...
* Landlines
Note: Landlines are only supported on the WhatsApp Business app."

So a landline (number) is unsupported. Whether "unsupported" means it
does not work, will have to be tested, by you.

N.B. The "How to register your phone number" section also mentions "To
register with a phone call", which is so badly explained in your
www.indiatoday.in reference.

The procedure is detailed in the 'How to register your account with a
missed call' section. No, you can obviously not register with a missed
call, but that section also describes the method with a 'Voice call',
which is the method you want/need:

"Voice call

This is a call you'll receive from WhatsApp that you do need to answer.
You don't need to grant any specific permissions.

To receive a voice call, tap Voice Call on the registration screen in
WhatsApp. You'll then receive a call from us.

When you answer, you'll hear an automated message which will read out a
unique code.

You'll need to enter this code into WhatsApp on your device when
prompted to complete registration."

HTH. Good luck.

[...]

In comp.mobile.android, on Fri, 22 Dec 2023 02:53:09 +0100, "Carlos
E.R." <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

>On 2023-12-22 00:16, micky wrote:
>> How to use WhatsApp without a phone number
>>
>> I'm still trying to get whatsapp for my friend, who uses, with
>> permission, her next door neighbor's wifi. (I'm going to Guatemala and
>> I think she would really get a kick out of video calls.)
>>
>> https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/how-to-use-whatsapp-without-a-phone-number-2345514-2023-03-12
>>
>> It looks easy, except maybe the last two of the last 3 steps:
>>
>>> When you input a number into WhatsApp, it will ask you if it is accurate. Verify the number, then click OK.
>>
>>> You will now receive a verification code from the app in an attempt. You'll need to wait a long time, then press ‘Call Me’ because your landline won't be able to receive it.
>>
>> If you wait a long time, will "Call me" appear? (If you don't know the
>> answer, see below. Or even if you do.)
>>
>>> Have a look at the verification code after picking up your landline
>>
>> But this is what really attracted my attention. When you pick up your
>> landline, what can you look at? The wall? Is it different in India,
>> where this webpage originates?
>
>Translation issue, probably.

I suppose, but an awful lot of people in India speak English.

> Just listen to the phone and write down
>whatever code they give you.
>
>
>>
>> OTOH, Whatsapp itself says
>> https://faq.whatsapp.com/1199905020946636
>> They are talking about traveling abroad, but they say:
>> "The verification code is used to verify that you own the phone number.
>> You must be able to verify your phone number via SMS or voice call. We
>> can’t send the code through email." (I bet you they can, they just
>> don't want to!)
>
>No, they really can't.
>
>Think.

Thursday. I've doen a lot of th inking this week and can't do much more
until I rest this weekend.

>They need proof that you can get the *phone* call. What would prove an
>email?

In comp.mobile.android, on 22 Dec 2023 14:40:57 GMT, Frank Slootweg
<this@ddress.is.invalid> wrote:

>micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:
>
>[About using WhatsApp with a landline number, instead of a mobile number:]
>
> This used to work, but now WhatsApp says/implies it does not work
>anymore, so you'll just have to try it.

Good to "know". Short of a firm no, that's what I planned, but I'm
really busy now and I dont' want to get her hopes up if it's known to be
impossible.

I read and appreciate the rest.

> See
>
><https://faq.whatsapp.com/684051319521343/?helpref=hc_fnav&cms_platform=android>
>
> In the left pane: Registration -> How to register your phone number:
>
>"Registration requirements
> ...
> * You'll need to use a supported phone number. Unsupported phone numbers
> can't be registered on WhatsApp and include:
> ...
> * Landlines
> Note: Landlines are only supported on the WhatsApp Business app."
>
> So a landline (number) is unsupported. Whether "unsupported" means it
>does not work, will have to be tested, by you.

Uh huh.
>
> N.B. The "How to register your phone number" section also mentions "To
>register with a phone call", which is so badly explained in your
>www.indiatoday.in reference.
>
> The procedure is detailed in the 'How to register your account with a
>missed call' section. No, you can obviously not register with a missed
>call, but that section also describes the method with a 'Voice call',
>which is the method you want/need:
>
>"Voice call
>
> This is a call you'll receive from WhatsApp that you do need to answer.
> You don't need to grant any specific permissions.
>
> To receive a voice call, tap Voice Call on the registration screen in
> WhatsApp. You'll then receive a call from us.
>
> When you answer, you'll hear an automated message which will read out a
> unique code.
>
> You'll need to enter this code into WhatsApp on your device when
> prompted to complete registration."
>
> HTH. Good luck.
>
>[...]

On Fri, 22 Dec 2023 15:35:46 -0500, micky wrote:
>
> I suppose, but an awful lot of people in India speak English.

The ones that call me at all hours of the day
speak rapid, squeaky Indlish.