How to use two WhatsApp accounts on one phone

The official options compared

Built-in second account

Two accounts in the WhatsApp app, switch between them; maximum of two

WhatsApp + WhatsApp Business

Two separate apps, one number each, both running at once

Dual SIM or eSIM

Gives the phone a second number; you still use one of the options above

Numbers needed

One per account — the same number can't be used in both apps at once

Landline for the second account

Only in the WhatsApp Business app, verified by phone call

Unofficial clone or modified apps

Not supported by WhatsApp; can lead to a ban

Option 1: WhatsApp's multiple account feature

WhatsApp's help centre describes a multiple account feature that lets you have two different accounts on a single mobile device. You register the second account with a separate phone number, then switch between the two inside the same app. Instructions are published for both Android and iPhone.

The idle account still gets alerts for new messages and calls; you switch accounts to read them. Each account can have its own profile picture, about text, notification settings and privacy settings.

A few limits, all from WhatsApp's help centre: the feature supports a maximum of two accounts; secondary accounts can only be created from your primary mobile device; and on iPhone, account switching isn't currently available in the WhatsApp Business app.

1. 01Update WhatsApp to the latest version from the official app store.
2. 02Open Settings and, next to your name, tap the add option, then Add Account.
3. 03Tap Agree and Continue.
4. 04Select the country and enter your second number in international format — no leading 0.
5. 05Verify it with the 6-digit code sent by SMS, or request a call if the SMS doesn't arrive.
6. 06Set a name and photo, and switch between accounts from the same menu.

Option 2: WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business side by side

WhatsApp Messenger and the WhatsApp Business app are two different apps. WhatsApp's help centre says you can't use the same phone number with each app simultaneously — so install both and give each its own number.

This option suits anyone whose second account is for customers. WhatsApp Business is free and adds a business profile, catalog, greeting and away messages, quick replies and labels. It also accepts a landline: WhatsApp says landlines can be registered only on the WhatsApp Business app, with the code delivered by phone call, as long as the number has no extension.

Because both apps run independently, you see notifications from both at once without switching — the main practical difference from the built-in second account.

Where dual SIM and eSIM fit in

A dual SIM or eSIM phone doesn't create a second WhatsApp account by itself. WhatsApp's help centre says WhatsApp is tied to the phone number you registered, not to a specific SIM card or slot, and that on a dual SIM or eSIM phone WhatsApp uses only the number you verified. WhatsApp works with an eSIM the same way as with a physical SIM.

What dual SIM gives you is a second number on the same phone. You then register that number as your second account with Option 1 or Option 2.

If your phone has only one SIM slot, no eSIM support, or you'd rather not pay for a second mobile contract, you need the second number from somewhere else. That's where a real mobile number received online comes in.

Using a second real mobile number

WhatsApp only needs to deliver its 6-digit code to the second number, by SMS or voice call, and to be able to do so again whenever it asks you to re-verify. A real mobile number with a web dashboard does exactly that: you read the code in your browser and enter it on your phone.

An SMSCreation number is a real mobile number in the country's official mobile format — not a VoIP number, which WhatsApp's help centre lists as unsupported. You can choose any of 181 countries, so a business serving UK customers can show a +44 number and a US one a +1 number, at the same price.

Keep the number as long as you use the account. WhatsApp may ask for a new code when you change phones or reinstall, and it can't verify you on a number you no longer have.

Set it up in five steps

1. 01Decide which option you want: a second account inside WhatsApp, or WhatsApp Business alongside WhatsApp.
2. 02Get a second number: a second SIM or eSIM from a carrier, or a real mobile number from SMSCreation, which you sign up for with just an email and pay for in USDT or USDC.
3. 03Start registering the second account and enter the number in international format.
4. 04Read the 6-digit code in your SMSCreation dashboard — or on the second SIM — and enter it. If the SMS doesn't arrive after the timer, request the voice call.
5. 05Turn on two-step verification for both accounts, and add an email address to each.

Avoid these mistakes

• Unofficial clone or modified WhatsApp apps. WhatsApp's help centre says a temporary ban can mean you're using an unofficial version, and that continuing can lead to a permanent ban.
• Borrowing a friend's number. WhatsApp says an account must be registered with the number the user intends to use for their own account, and a friend's or family member's number can't be used to receive the code.
• Moving accounts between devices repeatedly. WhatsApp warns this can get you blocked from re-verifying.
• Letting the second number lapse. Without it, you can't receive a new code when WhatsApp asks for one.

When to contact support

If you can't add a second account, WhatsApp's help centre suggests restarting your phone, switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data, and making sure the latest version is installed. If the second number is rejected as not valid or can't be registered, follow our checklist for that error and, if it persists, use the contact form on WhatsApp's website.

If you use an SMSCreation number and the code doesn't appear in your dashboard, open a support ticket with the time you requested it. If the number doesn't work with WhatsApp at all, our 7-day replacement guarantee gives you a free replacement number in the same country within 7 days of activation — or a 100% refund if you prefer.

Why it works with WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram & Google

Apps check more than the digits: they look up the line type, the country format and whether the number can actually receive their code. Every SMSCreation number is a real mobile number in its country's official format — not a VoIP line — so it passes those checks the same way a SIM in your pocket does.

And we stand behind it with a 7-day replacement guarantee: if your number doesn't work with WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, Google or any app you need, we replace it free with a new number in the same country — or refund 100% if you prefer.

• Non-VoIP, real mobile line type — line-type checks see an ordinary SIM number, not a VoIP line
• Official country format with the right country code, prefix and digit count
• Unlimited incoming SMS and calls — codes arrive by text or through the “call me” option
• Private to you — never listed on public SMS sites, so it isn't flagged or rate-limited
• Yours for as long as you want — re-verification and account recovery keep working

Price, keeping the number and the 7-day guarantee

A second real mobile number for WhatsApp costs from $1.80 a month on the yearly plan ($21.60 billed yearly), in any of 181 countries. It includes unlimited incoming SMS and calls, 500 outgoing SMS and 1,000 outgoing minutes a month, and it stays yours as long as you keep renewing it.

If it doesn't work with WhatsApp, you get a free replacement in the same country within 7 days of activation, or a full refund if you prefer. If you haven't used it for any call or SMS, a no-questions-asked refund is available within 7 days.