WhatsApp is known for its safe, easy-to-use, and reliable way to communicate online and stay in touch with people in your personal and professional networks. It has become one of the most popular messaging platforms across the globe. Since the app is designed around your personal phone number, many users wonder if there is a way to hide this information in WhatsApp. So, without wasting any time, let’s unravel this mystery!
How to Hide Your Phone Number in WhatsApp
Unfortunately, WhatsApp does not give users any option to hide their numbers on the platform since it is essential to have one to create an account. But there are some walkarounds you can try to protect your privacy.
Method 1: Create a Google Voice Phone number
The only way to conceal phone numbers is by using a virtual phone number on WhatsApp. You may use the Google Voice phone number to make free calls, send text messages, and forward calls. Here’s how to do so:
- Install Google Voice and log in using your credentials.
- Tap on Accept to allow all the permissions on the screen.
- Select Continue.
- Tap on the search bar and select your location.
- Then, tap on Select next to the virtual number of your choice.
- Tap on Accept number.
- Now, open WhatsApp and tap on Get Started.
- Type in your Google Voice number and tap on Call me under Verify me.
- Go to Google Voice and accept the call.
- Type in the OTP in WhatsApp and tap on the arrow icon.
This way you will be able to set up a WhatsApp account with a virtual number even if you have another number on your device.
Method 2: Change Privacy Settings
Since you cannot hide your number, you can easily change your privacy settings so that fewer people can check your profile. Here’s how:
- Open WhatsApp and tap on Settings from the bottom right ribbon. Please note that in some smartphones this feature will be located as three dots at the top right corner.
- Swipe down and tap on Privacy.
- Select the settings of your choice and choose your preferred option.
- Swipe down and turn the toggle off for Read receipts.
This way you can make your experience in WhatsApp as private as possible.
Method 3: Create Account With an Alternate Number
If you have more than one number, you can create a WhatsApp account with another number which is more private with only trusted contacts. This can help you make sure that not everyone has access to your personal cell and only your friends and family can reach out to you.
Method 4: Change your number
You can also change your number and transfer all your information without losing any data. Follow the steps mentioned below to do the same:
- Open WhatsApp and tap on Settings.
- Tap on Account.
- Select Change phone number.
- Now, tap on Next.
- Type in your old phone number and select the location.
- Then, enter the new phone number and select the location.
- Tap on Next.
- Enter the OTP received in your old number followed by the new one.
- Then, tap on Continue.
This way you will be able to migrate your WhatsApp information in another number.
How to Hide IP Address of My Phone Number in WhatsApp
To further protect your privacy, WhatsApp also offers users the ability to disable the IP addresses of their numbers. This is how you can do so:
- Open WhatsApp and tap on Settings.
- Tap on Privacy.
- Swipe down and tap on Advanced.
- Turn the toggle on for Protect IP address in calls.
- Then, turn the toggle on for Disable link previews to protect your IP address from being inferred by third-party websites.
With these steps, you will be able to turn off your IP address tracking.
Also Read: How to Blur Background on WhatsApp Video Call on Android
Now that you have seen how to hide your phone number in WhatsApp, we hope your doubts are cleared with the methods shown in this guide. Keep visiting TechCult to know the latest tech walkarounds. If you have any queries or suggestions, do reach out to us in the comment section.
