WhatsApp messaging doesn’t necessarily need a mobile number to work, at least for this variant of the app. We’re talking about the WhatsApp for Business version. In order to connect with local stores, which may or may not have a mobile phone number, WhatsApp Business app allows them to register using a landline number.
Let’s make one thing clear, the option to use landline number to sign up for WhatsApp is only available on Whatsapp for Business app and not the regular app that consumers use.
The use of landline for WhatsApp is different from connecting via a smartphone or even a feature phone, both of which have a screen. But unlike the regular app, WhatsApp for Business has been provided with the option to support landline numbers in the country.
For this, users need to download the WhatsApp for Business app or a smartphone or tablet, and feed their landline number. Make sure to use the state code as well, like 11 for Delhi, 120 for Noida and 20 for Pune.
Post that, WhatsApp will try to verify the number first by SMS. When that fails you can select the ‘Call me’ option to get the six-digit one time password (OTP) to start using the platform.
For those asking why doesn’t WhatsApp offer this feature for regular users, recent figures have shown that the number of mobile users in the country are far more than landline subscribers. With falling data rates, free SIM and voice calls, the difference is only going to become wider.
WhatsApp for Business was first launched for Android. Earlier this month, Apple announced that iOS users can also get their businesses signed up on the Facebook-owned messaging platform.
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