Why would you want to send a WhatsApp message anonymously?
These days, you probably mainly talk to your friends, family, colleagues, or even your boss, through the familiar green WhatsApp icon on your phone.
But sometimes you might want to send anonymous messages through WhatsApp. For example, to pull an April Fool's joke or send a romantic message. Even sending a message as Santa can be arranged.
What options do you have to remain under the radar on WhatsApp?
Sending anonymous WhatsApp messages
WhatsApp offers certain privacy options, but it's still difficult to remain truly anonymous. It's possible, but you'll have to do it using creative methods and workarounds.
This is because WhatsApp requires you to provide a phone number to use the app, which means you can always be traced based on that number.
Anonymous messaging on WhatsApp? Two options
There are two ways to send anonymous messages via WhatsApp. What are these options? Well, you can use a prepaid SIM card or a virtual phone number. We will explain how each option works!
Option 1: buy a prepaid SIM card
The first option for anonymous WhatsApp messaging is to use a prepaid SIM card. Unlike a phone subscription, a prepaid SIM card cannot be traced back to you as an individual. So the first step is to get a prepaid SIM card from a drugstore or supermarket around the corner.
Next, you install WhatsApp on your phone, sign up in the app with the new phone number, and you're good to go. You now have a number with which you can send messages on WhatsApp completely anonymously.
Anonymous WhatsApp message with your phone
If you don't want to buy a separate phone or spend extra money, you can also insert the prepaid SIM card into your current phone, uninstall WhatsApp, and reinstall it with the prepaid number.
From that moment on, you can keep switching SIM cards and WhatsApp will continue to send messages using your prepaid number. However, this process can be tiresome.
Dual sim is very convenient
Even easier is if you have a dual SIM phone. You can insert 2 SIM cards in your phone: one for sending anonymous WhatsApp messages and one for your regular use.
Just make sure you always stay alert and don't accidentally use the wrong number. Otherwise, all the effort will be in vain.
Whether you choose to use a separate phone or a prepaid SIM card in your phone, sending an anonymous message on WhatsApp is possible using these methods.
Option 2: use a virtual phone number
We have another option for you: you can anonymously use WhatsApp by creating a virtual phone number. Sounds fancy, right? It kind of is.
You can create a virtual phone number using the TextNow and Next+ apps, and then link it to WhatsApp. The only downside is that you often have to pay for such a subscription. But you simply get to send anonymous WhatsApp messages in return.
If you don't want to deal with two SIM cards or create a virtual phone number, you can always send an anonymous SMS.
Just don't forget to think carefully about why you want to anonymously message someone and what the potential risks are.
Risks of anonymous WhatsApp: what should you be aware of?
Buying a prepaid card or using a virtual phone number are useful ways to message anonymously, but it is important to consider why you want to do so. There are of course risks involved.
Below, we have listed the most important points to consider when using anonymous messaging.
Possible association with criminal activities
The use of an anonymous number can be associated with criminal activities by some people, which may lead to your messages being marked as spam or even blocked. It is also not allowed to message anonymously if you are breaking the law in doing so.
Ethical aspects
Before deciding to use anonymous messaging, it is important to ask yourself why you want to do it.
Is it because you have something to hide, or do you simply feel safer when your number is not displayed?
It is important to consider the ethical aspects of anonymous messaging. For example, if you want to pull a prank, that is a very different situation from anonymously harassing or spamming someone via WhatsApp.
You are never completely anonymous
Remember that you are never completely anonymous on the internet, even if you use a virtual number. Your identity can almost always be traced if someone really tries.
Anonymous messaging may seem unreliable
Sending anonymous messages can be seen as unreliable, for example when applying for a job or chatting with a potential romantic partner. This can damage their trust in you.
When are anonymous WhatsApp messages useful?
Nevertheless, there are situations in which anonymous messaging or anonymous SMS can be useful. In one of the following situations, for example.
- Online sales: if you want to buy or sell something online and protect your identity, or if you do not fully trust the buyer/seller, using anonymous WhatsApp with a separate or virtual phone number can protect your privacy.
- Safety: if you are in a situation of abuse, bullying, or intimidation, it is logical that you want to remain anonymous. For example, situations in which you want to share information with authorities or organizations.
- Online dating: on dating apps like Tinder, it is often tempting to share your phone number during the chat and move the conversation to WhatsApp. Are you apprehensive about this? Here, too, the two options for anonymous messaging come in handy.
- Counseling: if you seek psychological help and want to chat with a counselor anonymously, this is also an understandable situation in which you do not want to reveal your number.
- Investigative journalism: another situation in which anonymous WhatsApp is important, is for journalists to communicate anonymously. This way, journalists can share information and maintain contact without being easily traced.
Our advice? Weigh the pros and cons of sending anonymous WhatsApp messages carefully before you start. And if you do decide to go anonymous, be aware of the possible risks and keep them in mind.