A virtual WhatsApp number is an essential asset for businesses looking to professionalize their client outreach. With over 200 million users on the WhatsApp Business app, relying on a personal phone number is no longer a scalable or secure strategy. A virtual number directly addresses this challenge.
It provides a dedicated, secure business line that operates over the internet, allowing you to separate professional communications from your personal life without requiring a second device.
This blog offers a direct path to implementation, detailing the core benefits, a step-by-step verification process, and an expert review of the top WhatsApp VoIP number providers to help you choose the best fit for your company.
A virtual number is more than just a verification tool—it's the gateway to a powerful communication platform. The real value comes from features like a shared team inbox, which allows multiple agents to manage WhatsApp conversations from one dashboard. This transforms WhatsApp from a simple chat app into a collaborative sales and support channel.
What is a Virtual WhatsApp Number?
A virtual WhatsApp number is a SIM-free phone number that lets you create a WhatsApp Business account to interact with customers online while keeping your personal number private. It operates over the internet using Voice over IP (VoIP) technology, enabling it to receive calls and messages—including the verification codes required for WhatsApp—through a provider’s app on a smartphone, laptop, or tablet.
Its primary purpose is to establish a distinct digital line for a dedicated WhatsApp Business account. This allows you to manage professional communications securely while keeping your personal mobile number private.A key advantage over a traditional number is its flexibility; a single virtual number can be accessed by multiple team members simultaneously, centralizing business conversations.
Get Your Virtual WhatsApp Number for Just $2.29 per Month!
Scale your WhatsApp Business worldwide. Contact [email protected] for your virtual number.
Why Use A Free Virtual Phone Number for WhatsApp?
The major reason for relying on a free virtual number for WhatsApp is to protect privacy via WhatsApp encryption. As your number is not visible, you can avoid several scams and fraudulent calls.
Secondly, by linking your business to a WhatsApp account, you can enhance customer experience and deliver personalized customer support. As a result, these efforts can lead to increased customer loyalty and sales.
Lastly, using a free virtual WhatsApp number frees you from the need for a SIM card. Plus, your WhatsApp messages can be integrated with different CRM software. It facilitates your team to track the messages received and ensure customer queries are resolved promptly without any unnecessary delays.
Also read: How To Create Click-to-WhatsApp Ads?How to Get a Virtual Number for WhatsApp in 3 Steps?
Acquiring a virtual number for WhatsApp is a straightforward process. Here’s a breakdown of the essential steps:
Step 1: Choose Your Provider and Sign Up
- First, select a virtual phone number provider that meets your business needs and budget. Look for a service known for reliable WhatsApp verification. Once you’ve chosen, navigate to their website and sign up for an account to access their platform.
Step 2: Select Your Desired Phone Number
After signing up, you’ll be directed to choose your new number. This involves two key decisions:
- Number Type: Select from options like local, toll-free, or mobile.
- Location: Choose the country and city/area code to establish your business presence.
Step 3: Pick a Subscription Plan and Activate
Finally, review the available subscription plans and select the one that offers the WhatsApp business features you require. Proceed to the payment stage to complete the purchase.
Your virtual number will be activated immediately upon payment and will be ready for use in your provider’s dashboard.
Key Takeaway: For a fully compatible and integrated solution, ControlHippo offers virtual WhatsApp numbers starting at Rs. 200/month. To get this offer, contact their team at [email protected].
How to Verify Your Virtual Number with WhatsApp?
Once you have acquired your virtual number, the next step is to connect it to your WhatsApp account. This verification process is crucial, and it’s important to follow these steps precisely, as it differs from using a standard mobile number.
Step 1: Download and Open WhatsApp
Install either the standard WhatsApp app or the WhatsApp Business app on your smartphone. Open the application and agree to the Terms of Service to begin.
Step 2: Enter Your Virtual Number
When prompted, carefully enter your new virtual phone number. Double-check that you have selected the correct country code from the drop-down menu before proceeding.
Step 3: Wait for the SMS Verification to Fail
WhatsApp will first attempt to verify your number by sending an SMS with a 6-digit code. With most virtual numbers, this SMS will not arrive. This is expected. Do not close the app; simply wait for the on-screen timer to count down to zero.
Step 4: Select the “Call Me” Option
After the timer expires, WhatsApp will display alternative verification options. Select the “Call Me” option. This is the most reliable method for virtual number verification.
Step 5: Receive the Verification Code via Voice Call
You will receive an automated phone call to your virtual number. Answer this call through your provider’s application or web dashboard. An automated voice will read the 6-digit verification code to you. Write it down carefully.
Step 6: Enter the Code to Complete Setup
Return to the WhatsApp app and enter the 6-digit code you received from the phone call. This will complete the verification process, and your virtual WhatsApp account is now ready to use.
That’s it! Start making and receiving calls and messages from your virtual WhatsApp number for business communication.
How to Maximize the Potential of Your Virtual WhatsApp Number?
After creating and getting a free virtual WhatsApp number, it’s time to start utilizing it in a smarter way for business communication. ControlHippo’s WhatsApp Business API makes managing and using virtual WhatsApp numbers easy in various ways. Here’s how:
1. Manage Multiple Virtual WhatsApp Numbers from One Dashboard
ControlHippo provides a single centralized dashboard where you can manage your multiple WhatsApp Accounts in one place that you have created with your multiple virtual phone numbers, making it easier to keep track of communications and streamline operations.
With this feature, you can monitor and manage all customer interactions efficiently, ensuring no message is missed.
2. Invite Multiple Team Members to Manage Virtual WhatsApp Account
With ControlHippo’s WhatsApp Business API, businesses can invite multiple team members to manage virtual WhatsApp numbers. By granting access to the centralized dashboard, team members can collectively handle customer inquiries, ensuring prompt responses and efficient communication.
This shared access allows each team member to see all interactions and distribute workload, which will reduce the risk of missed messages.
3. Assign and Label Chats to Team Members
ControlHippo allows businesses to assign and label chats to specific team members or departments that have been invited and given access to their virtual WhatsApp account. This will ensure that the customer inquiries are directed to the right person.
Additionally, labeling these chats helps in organizing and categorizing interactions based on criteria such as department, project, or priority.
4. Send Quick Replies from a virtual WhatsApp number to boost Sales
Sending automated quick replies on WhatsApp from a virtual WhatsApp number allows you to respond to common customer inquiries swiftly and consistently. This feature reduces response time, providing customers with immediate answers and keeping them engaged, especially when using local phone numbers for better connection.
By leveraging these automated responses, businesses can effectively utilize an AI receptionist to handle routine inquiries, ensuring prompt and efficient customer service without the need for constant human intervention.
Connect your virtual number to a shared inbox to instantly transform it from a simple phone line into a collaborative team workspace.
Here are some use cases of WhatsApp quick replies–
- Product release updates with special launch discounts
- Regular discount offers for existing customers
- Re-engage inactive customers with irresistible offers
- Upsell to existing customers
: How to Use WhatsApp for Free International Voice Calls?Top 5 WhatsApp Virtual Number Providers
Choosing the right Virtual WhatsApp Number Provider is critical for ensuring reliable WhatsApp verification and unlocking advanced business features. We’ve analyzed the market based on platform capabilities, reliability, and target audience to bring you the top 5 providers.
1. ControlHippo
ControlHippo offers a fully integrated platform where the virtual number is a component of its primary solution: a shared inbox for WhatsApp and other messaging channels. It is purpose-built for teams that need to manage customer conversations collaboratively, turning WhatsApp into a centralized hub for sales and support.
Best For: Teams seeking a collaborative WhatsApp management platform.
Pros
- The platform provides a unified inbox for multiple messaging channels.
- It offers advanced features for chat assignment, labeling, and internal notes.
- The tool includes robust analytics for monitoring team performance.
Cons
- The system may be too comprehensive for individual users or solopreneurs.
- It requires using the ControlHippo platform, as it's not a standalone number provider.
Pricing: Paid plans with advanced features start from approximately $20 per user/month. For a compatible virtual number starting at $2.29 per month, contact their team at [email protected].
*Pricing as of 19-08-2025
2. CallHippo
CallHippo is a comprehensive VoIP provider that offers a wide array of virtual numbers and an extensive suite of cloud telephony features. It’s an ideal choice for businesses looking to build a complete communication stack that goes beyond WhatsApp to include advanced call routing, analytics, and CRM integrations.
Best For: Businesses needing a feature-rich, global cloud phone system.
Pros
- The tool supports virtual numbers from over 50 countries.
- It offers advanced call management features like IVR and power dialing.
- The platform provides seamless integration with dozens of popular CRMs.
Cons
- Customer support response times can sometimes be slow.
- The sheer number of features can be overwhelming for new users.
Pricing: CallHippo offers several tiers, including a free basic plan. Paid plans with more advanced features start at $16 per user/month when billed annually.
3. Twilio
Twilio is the industry standard for developers and businesses that require a highly customizable communication infrastructure. It operates on an API-first model, providing the building blocks for voice, SMS, and WhatsApp that can be integrated directly into a company’s own applications and workflows.
Best For: Developers and businesses needing custom, scalable communication solutions.
Pros
- The platform provides easy access via a flexible and powerful API.
- It offers unmatched scalability and reliability for global operations.
- The pay-as-you-go model can be very cost-effective for specific use cases.
Cons
- It requires technical expertise or developer resources to implement.
- The pricing structure can be complex and difficult to predict.
Pricing: Twilio uses a pay-as-you-go model. A local U.S. number costs $1.15/month, and WhatsApp conversations are priced per 24-hour session, typically starting around 1.5 cents per conversation.
4. Plivo
Plivo is a powerful cloud communications platform that serves as a direct, high-quality alternative to Twilio. It provides developers and product teams with the essential API building blocks to embed voice and SMS capabilities directly into their own applications. Known for its reliability and strong global network, Plivo is an excellent choice for tech-savvy businesses that need to build scalable, custom solutions for things like account notifications and WhatsApp verification.
Best For: Developers, product teams, and businesses that need to embed custom communication features directly into their applications.
Pros
- It offers a highly reliable and well-documented API for both voice and SMS functionalities.
- The platform is known for its responsive premium support and competitive pay-as-you-go pricing.
- Its visual workflow builder, Phlo, simplifies creating complex communication logic without deep coding.
Cons
- Like other API-first platforms, it is not a plug-and-play solution and requires development resources.
- The platform can be overly complex for individuals or small businesses seeking a simple, ready-to-use virtual number.
Pricing: Plivo operates on a pay-as-you-go model. U.S. virtual numbers start at just $0.80 per month, plus carrier fees for calls and messages.
5. Google Voice
Google Voice is a versatile and highly reliable virtual number service offered by Google. It provides users with a free U.S.-based phone number that works seamlessly across smartphones and web browsers. Its deep integration with the Google Workspace ecosystem makes it an excellent choice for freelancers and small businesses looking for a cost-effective and dependable number for WhatsApp verification and general business calls.
Best For: U.S.-based freelancers and small businesses integrated into the Google ecosystem.
Pros
- It provides a free U.S. phone number with no monthly fees for personal use.
- The platform offers best-in-class voicemail transcription and spam filtering.
- It integrates seamlessly with other Google services like Calendar and Meet.
Cons
- An existing U.S. phone number is required for the initial sign-up process.
- The free version lacks essential business features like an auto-attendant or multiple users.
Pricing: The service is free for personal use in the U.S. For business features, Google Voice is available through Google Workspace plans, starting at $10 per user per month.
Conclusion
By connecting your WhatsApp account with a virtual number to ControlHippo, you can use features like chat assignment, multi-user access, and sending promotional messages to efficiently manage business conversations and drive sales. Note that you must register your virtual number on WhatsApp Business API to capitalize on these capabilities.
As API doesn’t have a separate interface, adopt a trusted WhatsApp business solution provider like ControlHippo to best utilize your virtual WhatsApp number.
While some services offer "free" virtual numbers, they are not recommended for business use. These numbers are often unreliable, recycled, and frequently blocked by WhatsApp's security systems. For a stable, professional, and secure business line, it is essential to invest in a reputable, paid provider. The small monthly cost is a critical investment in your business's reliability.
Your account is highly unlikely to be banned if you use a legitimate number from a trusted, paid virtual number provider. WhatsApp's policies are designed to prevent spam and the use of throwaway numbers from disreputable sources. By partnering with an established provider, you ensure your number is stable and compliant, protecting your account from being flagged.
Yes, it is completely legal to use a virtual number to register a WhatsApp Business account. A virtual number is a real phone number. The key is to ensure you use the service in compliance with WhatsApp's Terms of Service, which prohibit activities like spamming or impersonation.
This is the most common issue when verifying a virtual number and is expected behavior. The solution is simple: wait for the SMS timer on the WhatsApp verification screen to expire completely. Once it does, WhatsApp will enable a "Call Me" option. Select this, and you will receive an automated phone call to your virtual number that reads your 6-digit verification code aloud.
You can get a free U.S. number for WhatsApp through services like Google Voice or TextNow. These platforms provide a real U.S. number that can receive calls and texts over the internet, which you can then use for the WhatsApp verification process.
Updated : August 25, 2025
Naina Khare is an experienced content writer specializing in business communication solutions. Her expertise in omnichannel communication shines through in her clear, engaging content. Naina’s writing helps businesses navigate and enhance their communication strategies, making complex concepts more accessible.