Why Can’t I Use My TextNow Number for WhatsApp?

WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging applications in the world, allowing users to send messages, photos, videos, and even make calls. It’s a convenient way to keep in touch with friends and family around the world.

Unfortunately, not all phone numbers are compatible with WhatsApp. TextNow numbers are not supported by WhatsApp due to their unique structure.

TextNow is an app-based phone service that provides users with a virtual phone number to use online. This virtual number is only valid while the user has an active TextNow account and can be used for making calls and texts from within the app. Unlike traditional mobile phone numbers, TextNow numbers are not real phone numbers assigned by telecom carriers.

WhatsApp requires users to register using a real phone number in order to use the service. Therefore, it does not support virtual or temporary numbers like those provided by TextNow. Even if you were able to register on WhatsApp using your TextNow number, you would not be able to receive verification codes from WhatsApp or make calls through WhatsApp.

There are some workarounds if you want to use your TextNow number on WhatsApp. You can get a second SIM card with a real mobile number and link it to your existing device or buy a new device with a SIM card that has a real mobile number assigned by your telecom provider. You can then use this number to register on WhatsApp.

Conclusion:

WhatsApp does not support virtual or temporary numbers like those provided by TextNow due to its strict registration requirements. As such, you cannot use your TextNow number for WhatsApp without obtaining an additional SIM card with a real mobile phone number assigned by your telecom provider first.