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.
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
Recommended Options
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:| Provider | Country | Approx. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| giffgaff | UK 🇬🇧 | ~£5-6/month | No ID required, ships internationally |
| SMARTY | UK 🇬🇧 | ~£5-6/month | No ID required, ships internationally |
| VOXI (Vodafone) | UK 🇬🇧 | ~£12/month | Unlimited calls/texts |
| Ultra Mobile | US 🇺🇸 | ~$3-10/month | T-Mobile network |
| Tello | US 🇺🇸 | ~$3-10/month | T-Mobile network |
| Lebara | EU 🇪🇺 | ~€5-10/month | Available in multiple EU countries |
| Lycamobile | EU 🇪🇺 | ~€5-10/month | EU roaming included |
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. eSIMs that include a real phone number:Option 3: Dedicated WhatsApp Number Services
Some services specifically provide numbers designed for WhatsApp Business use:| Provider | Approx. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| YourBusinessNumber | ~$96/year | UK/Canadian numbers, SMS codes forwarded to email |
| gosimless | Varies | Virtual mobile number with call/SMS forwarding |
| wNum App (iOS) | Varies | 40+ countries, free replacement guarantee |
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
Setting Up Your Number for Success
Once you have your number, don’t connect it to your worker immediately. New WhatsApp accounts that jump straight into automated activity are frequently restricted. Follow this warm-up process:Register and set up your profile (Day 1)
Register WhatsApp on the new number. Complete your profile — add a name, photo, and “About” text. Add a few real contacts.
Use it naturally for a week (Days 2-7)
Send a few messages each day to real contacts. Join a group or two. Make a call. The goal is to look like a normal user.
Gradually increase activity (Week 2)
Continue using the account. Join more groups, share media, use the Status feature. Build up a natural usage history.
Connect to your worker (Week 3+)
Once the account has a couple of weeks of normal activity, it’s safe to link it to your worker. Start with moderate AI usage and scale up gradually.
Keeping Your Number Active
After connecting the number to your worker, keep these things in check:| Requirement | Why | What happens if you don’t |
|---|---|---|
| Phone online every 14 days | WhatsApp unlinks connected devices after 14 days offline | Worker loses WhatsApp access |
| Top up your prepaid SIM | Most carriers deactivate after 30-180 days without top-up | You lose the number entirely |
| Don’t let the account go dormant | WhatsApp deletes accounts after 120 days of total inactivity | Account is deleted |
Cost Comparison
| Approach | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |