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This guide helps you get a phone number to use with the Custom WhatsApp Number feature. If you already have a spare number, you can skip this and go straight to the setup guide.
Disclaimer: The information in this guide is based on our research and experience as of early 2026. Phone number providers, pricing, and WhatsApp’s verification policies are controlled by their respective companies and can change at any time. Spinnable has no control over whether Meta (WhatsApp’s parent company) accepts, restricts, or suspends any phone number. We provide this guide as helpful advice — not a guarantee. Always check the latest terms and policies of any provider before purchasing.

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Overview

To give your worker a custom WhatsApp number, you need a phone number that:
  • ✅ Can receive SMS or phone calls (for WhatsApp’s one-time verification)
  • ✅ Is not already registered as your personal WhatsApp account
  • ✅ Is recognized by WhatsApp as a valid mobile number
Not all numbers work equally well. WhatsApp (Meta) uses detection systems to identify and block certain types of numbers — particularly VoIP and virtual numbers. The most reliable option is a real mobile number from a carrier.

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Option 1: Prepaid SIM Card (Most Reliable)

A physical prepaid SIM card from a mobile carrier is the most reliable way to get a WhatsApp-compatible number. These are classified as “mobile” in carrier databases, giving them the highest verification success rate. Good picks:
ProviderCountryApprox. CostNotes
giffgaffUK 🇬🇧~£5-6/monthNo ID required, ships internationally
SMARTYUK 🇬🇧~£5-6/monthNo ID required, ships internationally
VOXI (Vodafone)UK 🇬🇧~£12/monthUnlimited calls/texts
Ultra MobileUS 🇺🇸~$3-10/monthT-Mobile network
TelloUS 🇺🇸~$3-10/monthT-Mobile network
LebaraEU 🇪🇺~€5-10/monthAvailable in multiple EU countries
LycamobileEU 🇪🇺~€5-10/monthEU roaming included
Why UK numbers are popular: UK prepaid SIMs typically don’t require ID or passport verification, can be ordered online with international shipping, and +44 numbers are well-recognized globally by WhatsApp.

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Option 2: Carrier-Backed eSIM (No Second Phone Needed)

If you don’t want to deal with a physical SIM card, some eSIM providers offer real phone numbers (not just data). These work well for WhatsApp verification.
Important: Most travel eSIMs (like Airalo, Holafly, aloSIM) are data-only — they don’t include a phone number and cannot be used for WhatsApp registration.
eSIMs that include a real phone number:
ProviderApprox. CostNotes
SecondSIM£5.99/month or £53.99/yearReal UK mobile eSIM, carrier-backed
eSIM m8VariesReal numbers from 70+ countries
AIS Sim2Fly eSIM~$5-15 one-timeThai number, works for WhatsApp

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Option 3: Dedicated WhatsApp Number Services

Some services specifically provide numbers designed for WhatsApp Business use:
ProviderApprox. CostNotes
YourBusinessNumber~$96/yearUK/Canadian numbers, SMS codes forwarded to email
gosimlessVariesVirtual mobile number with call/SMS forwarding
wNum App (iOS)Varies40+ countries, free replacement guarantee

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What to Avoid

WhatsApp actively blocks certain types of numbers. These have very low success rates and even if they work initially, the account may be flagged or banned later:
  • ❌ Google Voice — Almost completely blocked
  • ❌ TextNow, TextFree, TextMe — Mostly blocked
  • ❌ Burner — Mostly blocked
  • ❌ Skype Number — Blocked
  • ❌ Cheap one-time SMS verification services — Numbers get recycled and flagged
  • ❌ Modified WhatsApp clients (GB WhatsApp, FM WhatsApp) — Will result in permanent bans
VoIP and free virtual numbers have a very high failure rate with WhatsApp. Even if initial registration succeeds, Meta may flag or suspend the account later. For a production setup, always use a real mobile number.

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Setting Up Your Number for Success

Once you have your number, take a few steps to get it ready before connecting it to your worker.
  1. Register WhatsApp on the new number and complete the verification
  2. Set up your profile — add a name, photo, and “About” text
  3. Link it to your worker — follow the Custom WhatsApp Number guide to connect it
Our recommendation: Before you start sending a high volume of messages through your worker, consider exchanging a few messages on the number first — even just a quick chat. This helps WhatsApp recognize the number as a legitimate, active account and reduces the chance of it being flagged. It doesn’t need to be a long process — the goal is simply to avoid going from zero activity straight to mass messaging.

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Keeping Your Number Active

After connecting the number to your worker, keep these things in check:
RequirementWhyWhat happens if you don’t
Phone online every 14 daysWhatsApp unlinks connected devices after 14 days offlineWorker loses WhatsApp access
Top up your prepaid SIMMost carriers deactivate after 30-180 days without top-upYou lose the number entirely
Don’t let the account go dormantWhatsApp deletes accounts after 120 days of total inactivityAccount is deleted
Recommended setup: Keep a dedicated spare phone (even an old one) plugged in and connected to WiFi with WhatsApp running. Disable battery optimization for WhatsApp on Android. This acts as your “always-on” WhatsApp connection.
If you’re using a dual-SIM phone or an eSIM on your existing phone, you don’t need a spare device — just make sure WhatsApp stays active for the secondary number.

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Cost Comparison

ApproachMonthly CostAnnual CostReliability
UK Prepaid SIM + spare phone£5-12~£110-170 (year 1)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
UK Prepaid SIM (dual-SIM phone)£5-12~£60-144⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
US Prepaid (Ultra Mobile/Tello)$3-10~$36-120⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
SecondSIM eSIM£5.99~£54 (annual plan)⭐⭐⭐⭐
YourBusinessNumber~$8~$96⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Next Steps

Link the Number to Your Worker

Follow the step-by-step guide to connect your new number to a worker

Communication Channels

Learn about all the ways to communicate with your workers