• Will this work?

    From micky@21:1/5 to All on Thu Dec 21 18:16:18 2023
    How to use WhatsApp without a phone number

    I'm still trying to get whatsapp for my friend, who uses, with
    permission, her next door neighbor's wifi. (I'm going to Guatemala and
    I think she would really get a kick out of video calls.)

    https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/how-to-use-whatsapp-without-a-phone-number-2345514-2023-03-12

    It looks easy, except maybe the last two of the last 3 steps:

    When you input a number into WhatsApp, it will ask you if it is accurate. Verify the number, then click OK.

    You will now receive a verification code from the app in an attempt. You'll need to wait a long time, then press ‘Call Me’ because your landline won't be able to receive it.

    If you wait a long time, will "Call me" appear? (If you don't know the answer, see below. Or even if you do.)

    Have a look at the verification code after picking up your landline

    But this is what really attracted my attention. When you pick up your landline, what can you look at? The wall? Is it different in India,
    where this webpage originates?

    OTOH, Whatsapp itself says
    https://faq.whatsapp.com/1199905020946636
    They are talking about traveling abroad, but they say:
    "The verification code is used to verify that you own the phone number.
    You must be able to verify your phone number via SMS or voice call. We
    can’t send the code through email." (I bet you they can, they just
    don't want to!)

    A voice call would be fine. She wouldn't have to look at anything.

    It goes on: "If you can check your voicemail while traveling, you may
    be able to successfully verify. Our automated system should leave you a voicemail with your code on it if you choose the "Call me" option after
    the 5 minute count-down. Otherwise, you should consider using a local
    phone number that you are able to receive a call or SMS with. "

    So it is a long time. It's 5 minutes. No wonder most of us don't know
    about it. --- And if you can consider using a local number to receive
    a call, shouldn't you be able to do that in the USA too? Unless their
    computer looks at country code and won't call the USA. Why would the
    USA be an exception? How would the computer know she's not Swedish but traveling in the USA. Is Whatsapp an American or americacentric
    company? Does it have special rules about the USA?

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Carlos E.R.@21:1/5 to micky on Fri Dec 22 02:53:09 2023
    On 2023-12-22 00:16, micky wrote:
    How to use WhatsApp without a phone number

    I'm still trying to get whatsapp for my friend, who uses, with
    permission, her next door neighbor's wifi. (I'm going to Guatemala and
    I think she would really get a kick out of video calls.)

    https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/how-to-use-whatsapp-without-a-phone-number-2345514-2023-03-12

    It looks easy, except maybe the last two of the last 3 steps:

    When you input a number into WhatsApp, it will ask you if it is accurate. Verify the number, then click OK.

    You will now receive a verification code from the app in an attempt. You'll need to wait a long time, then press ‘Call Me’ because your landline won't be able to receive it.

    If you wait a long time, will "Call me" appear? (If you don't know the answer, see below. Or even if you do.)

    Have a look at the verification code after picking up your landline

    But this is what really attracted my attention. When you pick up your landline, what can you look at? The wall? Is it different in India,
    where this webpage originates?

    Translation issue, probably. Just listen to the phone and write down
    whatever code they give you.



    OTOH, Whatsapp itself says
    https://faq.whatsapp.com/1199905020946636
    They are talking about traveling abroad, but they say:
    "The verification code is used to verify that you own the phone number.
    You must be able to verify your phone number via SMS or voice call. We can’t send the code through email." (I bet you they can, they just
    don't want to!)

    No, they really can't.

    Think.

    They need proof that you can get the *phone* call. What would prove an
    email?


    A voice call would be fine. She wouldn't have to look at anything.

    It goes on: "If you can check your voicemail while traveling, you may
    be able to successfully verify. Our automated system should leave you a voicemail with your code on it if you choose the "Call me" option after
    the 5 minute count-down. Otherwise, you should consider using a local
    phone number that you are able to receive a call or SMS with. "

    So it is a long time. It's 5 minutes. No wonder most of us don't know
    about it. --- And if you can consider using a local number to receive
    a call, shouldn't you be able to do that in the USA too? Unless their computer looks at country code and won't call the USA. Why would the
    USA be an exception? How would the computer know she's not Swedish but traveling in the USA. Is Whatsapp an American or americacentric
    company? Does it have special rules about the USA?

    --
    Cheers, Carlos.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Frank Slootweg@21:1/5 to All on Fri Dec 22 14:40:57 2023
    micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

    [About using WhatsApp with a landline number, instead of a mobile number:]

    This used to work, but now WhatsApp says/implies it does not work
    anymore, so you'll just have to try it.

    See

    <https://faq.whatsapp.com/684051319521343/?helpref=hc_fnav&cms_platform=android>

    In the left pane: Registration -> How to register your phone number:

    "Registration requirements
    ...
    * You'll need to use a supported phone number. Unsupported phone numbers
    can't be registered on WhatsApp and include:
    ...
    * Landlines
    Note: Landlines are only supported on the WhatsApp Business app."

    So a landline (number) is unsupported. Whether "unsupported" means it
    does not work, will have to be tested, by you.

    N.B. The "How to register your phone number" section also mentions "To register with a phone call", which is so badly explained in your www.indiatoday.in reference.

    The procedure is detailed in the 'How to register your account with a
    missed call' section. No, you can obviously not register with a missed
    call, but that section also describes the method with a 'Voice call',
    which is the method you want/need:

    "Voice call

    This is a call you'll receive from WhatsApp that you do need to answer.
    You don't need to grant any specific permissions.

    To receive a voice call, tap Voice Call on the registration screen in
    WhatsApp. You'll then receive a call from us.

    When you answer, you'll hear an automated message which will read out a
    unique code.

    You'll need to enter this code into WhatsApp on your device when
    prompted to complete registration."

    HTH. Good luck.

    [...]

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From micky@21:1/5 to E.R." on Fri Dec 22 15:35:46 2023
    In comp.mobile.android, on Fri, 22 Dec 2023 02:53:09 +0100, "Carlos
    E.R." <robin_listas@es.invalid> wrote:

    On 2023-12-22 00:16, micky wrote:
    How to use WhatsApp without a phone number

    I'm still trying to get whatsapp for my friend, who uses, with
    permission, her next door neighbor's wifi. (I'm going to Guatemala and
    I think she would really get a kick out of video calls.)

    https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/how-to-use-whatsapp-without-a-phone-number-2345514-2023-03-12

    It looks easy, except maybe the last two of the last 3 steps:

    When you input a number into WhatsApp, it will ask you if it is accurate. Verify the number, then click OK.

    You will now receive a verification code from the app in an attempt. You'll need to wait a long time, then press ‘Call Me’ because your landline won't be able to receive it.

    If you wait a long time, will "Call me" appear? (If you don't know the
    answer, see below. Or even if you do.)

    Have a look at the verification code after picking up your landline

    But this is what really attracted my attention. When you pick up your
    landline, what can you look at? The wall? Is it different in India,
    where this webpage originates?

    Translation issue, probably.

    I suppose, but an awful lot of people in India speak English.

    Just listen to the phone and write down
    whatever code they give you.



    OTOH, Whatsapp itself says
    https://faq.whatsapp.com/1199905020946636
    They are talking about traveling abroad, but they say:
    "The verification code is used to verify that you own the phone number.
    You must be able to verify your phone number via SMS or voice call. We
    can’t send the code through email." (I bet you they can, they just
    don't want to!)

    No, they really can't.

    Think.

    Thursday. I've doen a lot of th inking this week and can't do much more
    until I rest this weekend.

    They need proof that you can get the *phone* call. What would prove an
    email?

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From micky@21:1/5 to this@ddress.is.invalid on Fri Dec 22 15:36:41 2023
    In comp.mobile.android, on 22 Dec 2023 14:40:57 GMT, Frank Slootweg <this@ddress.is.invalid> wrote:

    micky <NONONOmisc07@fmguy.com> wrote:

    [About using WhatsApp with a landline number, instead of a mobile number:]

    This used to work, but now WhatsApp says/implies it does not work
    anymore, so you'll just have to try it.

    Good to "know". Short of a firm no, that's what I planned, but I'm
    really busy now and I dont' want to get her hopes up if it's known to be impossible.

    I read and appreciate the rest.

    See

    <https://faq.whatsapp.com/684051319521343/?helpref=hc_fnav&cms_platform=android>

    In the left pane: Registration -> How to register your phone number:

    "Registration requirements
    ...
    * You'll need to use a supported phone number. Unsupported phone numbers
    can't be registered on WhatsApp and include:
    ...
    * Landlines
    Note: Landlines are only supported on the WhatsApp Business app."

    So a landline (number) is unsupported. Whether "unsupported" means it
    does not work, will have to be tested, by you.

    Uh huh.

    N.B. The "How to register your phone number" section also mentions "To
    register with a phone call", which is so badly explained in your >www.indiatoday.in reference.

    The procedure is detailed in the 'How to register your account with a
    missed call' section. No, you can obviously not register with a missed
    call, but that section also describes the method with a 'Voice call',
    which is the method you want/need:

    "Voice call

    This is a call you'll receive from WhatsApp that you do need to answer.
    You don't need to grant any specific permissions.

    To receive a voice call, tap Voice Call on the registration screen in WhatsApp. You'll then receive a call from us.

    When you answer, you'll hear an automated message which will read out a unique code.

    You'll need to enter this code into WhatsApp on your device when
    prompted to complete registration."

    HTH. Good luck.

    [...]

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Allodoxaphobia@21:1/5 to micky on Sat Dec 23 18:31:15 2023
    On Fri, 22 Dec 2023 15:35:46 -0500, micky wrote:

    I suppose, but an awful lot of people in India speak English.

    The ones that call me at all hours of the day
    speak rapid, squeaky Indlish.

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)