How to Get a Virtual Number for WhatsApp (Complete 2026 Guide)

published on 27 April 2026
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A WhatsApp virtual number is a cloud-based phone number with no SIM card attached. It is what businesses use to apply for the WhatsApp Business API without exposing a personal number.
With AiSensy, a WhatsApp virtual phone number costs ₹166/month, billed annually at ₹2,000 plus GST. You get an Indian number, free onboarding support, and WhatsApp Business API setup on the same call.
You will need a GST registration or an MSME certificate to complete KYC, so keep one of the two ready before you buy.
Buying the number takes four steps: purchase it, book your onboarding call, get the number handed over on the call, then connect it to your WhatsApp Business API account.
Once the number is live, you can run WhatsApp broadcasts, no-code chatbots, click-to-WhatsApp ads and automated order notifications on the official API, trusted by 2,10,000+ businesses across 68+ countries.

Looking to get a virtual number for WhatsApp?

You're at the right place.

If you're in a hurry & just looking for the WhatsApp virtual number, buy it from here at just ₹166 plus GST per month (billed annually)

If you want to know more about getting a virtual number from AiSensy, continue reading.

This guide covers what a WhatsApp virtual phone number is, how to buy one, and how to take your WhatsApp Business API live with it.

Note: This WhatsApp Virtual number by AiSensy can only be used to procure WhatsApp Business API, you cannot use it for any other purpose, such as creating a normal WhatsApp account. 

WhatsApp Virtual Number
WhatsApp Virtual Number

What is a WhatsApp virtual phone number?

A WhatsApp virtual phone number is a cloud-based number that lets you message customers on WhatsApp without a physical SIM card.

It is not tied to a network operator like Jio or Airtel, and it is the number businesses use to apply for the WhatsApp Business API.

It is best suited to businesses that want to keep a personal number private while messaging customers at scale.

If you're looking for the best WhatsApp virtual phone number provider in India, choosing a reliable platform is important for smooth setup and long-term scalability.

Read More: How to Unban a Banned WhatsApp Number

How to buy a WhatsApp virtual phone number with AiSensy

With AiSensy, you can buy a WhatsApp virtual phone number at ₹166/month, billed annually at ₹2,000 plus GST, from the link below.

You will need a GST registration or an MSME certificate to complete KYC, so keep one of the two ready before you start.

The number you receive is an Indian mobile number, in the +91 86XXXX format.

[Buy a WhatsApp Virtual Number @ ₹166/month]

whatsapp virtual number pricing
whatsapp virtual number pricing

After purchasing the number, follow the steps below to take your WhatsApp API live with AiSensy. 

How to procure WhatsApp Business API after buying virtual number for WhatsApp?


Step-by-step guide to getting a virtual phone number for WhatsApp

Watch the above video or read the steps below to apply for WhatsApp API with your Virtual WhatsApp number. 

Step 1: Once you purchase a virtual number with AiSensy, you will receive an automated WhatsApp notification from AiSensy with proper instructions to schedule your onboarding call.

Step 2: Book your procurement call - Schedule a call with the AiSensy team at a time that works for you. This call is completely free and included with your purchase.

Step 3: Attend the call and get your number activated. The AiSensy team will hand over your WhatsApp virtual number on the call and walk you through the WhatsApp Business API approval process - together, in one session.

Step 4: Connect your virtual WhatsApp number to the API. Once approved, link it to your AiSensy account and you're ready to start messaging at scale. Once your number is connected, you’ll need to log in and manage your account efficiently. If you’re unsure about the process, check out this detailed guide on WhatsApp Business API login to get started smoothly.

Important: Your AiSensy WhatsApp virtual number is valid exclusively for creating and connecting a WhatsApp Business API. It cannot be used for any other purpose, including personal WhatsApp.

Benefits of Getting a Virtual Phone Number for WhatsApp


  • Cost-effective - Using a virtual number for WhatsApp is a much more cost-effective option than using a number from a Telecom operator like Airtel/ Jio.

  • No physical existence - As the name suggests, a virtual WhatsApp number doesn't have a physical existence. It exists, but it's completely virtual.

  • Highly Flexible - The biggest convenience of using a WhatsApp Virtual number is that you don't need a physical SIM card to use it.

  • Accessible Globally - You can communicate with people worldwide using a WhatsApp virtual number or an eSIM USA, making both excellent options for international business or personal communication. 

  • Top-notch privacy - WhatsApp virtual numbers allow you to keep your personal phone number private, particularly useful if you're using WhatsApp for business purposes or communicating with people you don't know well.

Who should buy a virtual number for WhatsApp?

Businesses buy a virtual number for WhatsApp when they want the WhatsApp Business API without tying it to a personal SIM.

The most common cases are D2C brands recovering abandoned carts, edtech companies chasing incomplete applications, and any team that wants automated notifications running on a number nobody has to carry in their pocket.

1. D2C and ecommerce: recovering abandoned carts

Skullcandy runs abandoned cart recovery on WhatsApp with AiSensy and reduced abandoned carts by 45 to 60%.

The Hatke, an online phone accessories store, cut abandoned carts by 40% and reported 21x ROI on the channel.

The setup is the same in both cases: a virtual number connected to the WhatsApp Business API, with an automated reminder sent 15 to 20 minutes after a customer leaves items in the cart.

2. Edtech and education: recovering dropped applications

NMIMS, a university with over 17,000 students, recovered 45 to 60% of dropped-off applications using WhatsApp reminders through AiSensy.

PhysicsWallah drove 3x more leads on the same channel.

3. Retail and manufacturing: reaching customers who never saved your number

Cosco, one of India's largest sports equipment manufacturers, could only reach 35% of its audience through email and the WhatsApp Business app, which caps broadcasts at 256 contacts.

On the official API through a virtual number, Cosco reached its full customer base and drove 3x more conversions.

If you want to buy a WhatsApp number for any of these, you need two things: a virtual number, and an official WhatsApp Business API provider to connect it to. AiSensy sells both together, at ₹166/month, billed annually at ₹2,000 plus GST.

Why choose AiSensy for a WhatsApp virtual phone number?

If you want a reliable and affordable platform to get a WhatsApp virtual number and access the official WhatsApp Business API, AiSensy is a trusted choice for businesses of all sizes.

  • Official WhatsApp Business API Partner
  • Fast onboarding with quick API activation
  • Dedicated support for easy setup & verification
  • Transparent pricing starting at just ₹166/month
  • Trusted by 210,000+ businesses globally
  • Easy WhatsApp automation, broadcasts, and customer support management
  • No technical expertise required to get started

How to use a WhatsApp virtual phone number for your business

Here are some ways you can use WhatsApp for your business marketing using a WhatsApp Marketing Platform like AiSensy

1. Shoot Promotional WhatsApp Broadcasts to Unlimited users in one go

Send non-transactional messages like discount offers, promotions on festivals, product launch messages, season-end-sale & much more to boost your business’ sales & conversions.

Add clickable CTA & Quick Reply Buttons to make your promotional messages more actionable with AiSensy. 

Promotional messages on WhatsApp
Promotional messages on WhatsApp

Read: 14 WhatsApp Promotional messages examples

2. Automate notifications on WhatsApp

Use WhatsApp for Business to automate notifications for multiple events like orders, shipping, delivery, abandoned carts & more to users via integration. 

Basically, you can set up automated notifications that will be sent to a user's WhatsApp whenever they trigger an event. E.g. order confirmation notifications/delivery updates.

Now, whenever a user buys a product, they will receive a confirmation on WhatsApp. Similarly, if they add an item to their cart & don't check out, they'll receive an Abandoned Cart notification reminding them to complete their purchase.

Duolingo and NoBroker
Duolingo and NoBroker

3. Run Direct to WhatsApp Ads

A major benefit here is that when a user lands on your WhatsApp, you'll instantly get their name & Mobile number (without having them fill out tiring forms).

You have a 3x better chance of converting a user by getting them on WhatsApp than on your landing page.

Direct to WhatsApp Ads
Direct to WhatsApp Ads

4. Integrate WhatsApp Chatbot to automate Sales & Support

A WhatsApp Chatbot responds like a human agent, understanding & responding to queries instantly. 

Also, it can show personalized recommendations, helping users find the right product & complete sales without human intervention. 

You can easily create WhatsApp Chatbot in 10 minutes without coding expertise with AiSensy's Chatbot flow builder.

There are so many more ways WhatsApp can benefit your business.

Check out some more amazing Use Cases of WhatsApp for your business.


Conclusion


A WhatsApp Virtual number is the safest thing you can purchase to protect your privacy, increase your accessibility & message your audiences globally.

Whether you're a startup or an enterprise, choosing the right virtual number for WhatsApp Business API ensures effective communication, automation, and scalability for your business.

We hope you got to know how to get a WhatsApp Virtual number from this blog.

If you liked it, share it with those you feel will benefit from this information.

Get started with AiSensy today and buy your WhatsApp virtual number to automate your business communication effortlessly.

Below are a few resources which we believe you'll find useful👇

Ultimate Guide to WhatsApp Business API

Top 10 WhatsApp Business API Benefits every Marketer must know

WhatsApp for Business: 10 Effective tools & strategies

Top 12 WhatsApp Business API Use Cases

WhatsApp Virtual Number FAQs

You can buy a WhatsApp virtual number through an official WhatsApp Business API provider. Choose a plan, complete payment, book your onboarding call, and connect the number to your WhatsApp Business API account. With AiSensy, the number is handed over on the call and the API setup is completed in the same session.

Yes. To complete KYC on an Indian virtual number for WhatsApp Business API, you need either a GST registration or an MSME certificate. Keep one of the two ready before you buy, as KYC cannot be completed without it.

With AiSensy, a WhatsApp virtual number costs ₹166/month, billed annually at ₹2,000 plus GST. Pricing varies across providers based on features, support and onboarding services.

There is no difference. Both terms describe the same thing: a cloud-based number, with no SIM card, used to run WhatsApp Business API. Providers use the two names interchangeably.

Virtual phone numbers for WhatsApp are sold by official WhatsApp Business API providers. AiSensy offers one at ₹166/month, billed annually at ₹2,000 plus GST, with onboarding support and API setup included on the same call. Check that any provider you use is an official Meta Business Partner before buying.

No. A reliable WhatsApp virtual number is a paid service, because it involves infrastructure, verification and WhatsApp Business API support. Free virtual numbers are usually temporary, unreliable, or in breach of WhatsApp policy. With AiSensy, an official WhatsApp virtual number costs ₹166/month, billed annually at ₹2,000 plus GST, with onboarding support included.

Yes, it is safe when you buy from an official WhatsApp Business API provider. Check that the provider is a Meta Business Partner and follows WhatsApp's policies before purchasing.

No. Virtual numbers are meant for WhatsApp Business API only and cannot be used with personal WhatsApp or the regular WhatsApp Business app.

Activation usually takes a few days, depending on verification and approval from WhatsApp. With AiSensy, the number is handed over on your onboarding call and the API approval process is walked through in the same session.

Once you get a WhatsApp virtual number, you can use it to access the WhatsApp Business API and manage customer communication at scale. Businesses use it to send promotional broadcasts, automate order and delivery notifications, run click-to-WhatsApp ads, and provide real-time customer support without using a personal number.

No, WhatsApp itself does not provide virtual numbers. You need to get a virtual number through an official WhatsApp Business API provider like AiSensy, which helps businesses procure and connect virtual numbers to the WhatsApp Business API.

No, virtual numbers are not illegal in India when obtained through authorised and compliant providers. Businesses commonly use them for customer communication, WhatsApp Business API, cloud telephony and support operations. You must still comply with WhatsApp policies and local telecom regulations.

No, WhatsApp requires a phone number for account verification. Businesses can use a WhatsApp virtual number instead of a physical SIM card to access the WhatsApp Business API and manage customer communication.

No. Most official providers include onboarding support, so no technical setup is needed. With AiSensy, the WhatsApp Business API application and onboarding are handled on a free call.

A virtual number is cloud-based, has no SIM card, and is used for WhatsApp Business API. A regular number requires a physical SIM from an operator like Jio or Airtel, and does not skip for business messaging in the same way.

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