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As the largest chat app in the Netherlands, WhatsApp has the advantage that almost everyone is present on the app. From your aunt to your colleagues: they are all within reach in your WhatsApp contact list. The disadvantage? The chat app cannot be used anonymously. Your phone number is not only needed to register, but also to contact other WhatsApp users. And that is not always desirable.
Suppose you want to follow all the rules of safe dating, then you might consider keeping your phone number secret for as long as possible. You never know who you are dealing with. You also do not want to chat on the dating app forever. In these situations, the problem arises that you want to get off the dating app , but do not want to exchange phone numbers. For this reason – and more reasons – various chat apps offer the possibility to have contacts without your phone number. We will tell you more about it.
Why a chat app without a phone number?
For most people, a chat app without a phone number offers one big advantage. That advantage is anonymity. They can have contact with others without being identified by their phone number. And that is not only useful for criminals, but also for people who want to remain relatively anonymous for their own safety.
Anonymous chatting can have a number of benefits, such as improving communication and getting information or advice from strangers. Also, anonymous chatting can offer privacy protection, which can be especially useful if you want to have discussions about sensitive topics. Furthermore, it offers the opportunity to express yourself freely without worrying about judgments or judgements.
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6 Popular Chat Apps Without Phone Number
Chatting without a phone number is one of the best ways to stay anonymous. Several chat apps allow this and here are the six most popular ones.
1. Telegram
A second app that allows you to chat without a phone number is Telegram. This app quickly became famous when Facebook announced it would acquire WhatsApp. Many users were looking for an alternative and ended up with Telegram, an app known for its better privacy settings. For example, Telegram allows you to add someone without knowing their phone number. In the Telegram app, you can search for someone based on their username. You only need your phone number when registering your account, but otherwise your number is hidden in the app.
2. Messenger
Of all the apps you can use to chat without a phone number, Facebook Messenger is perhaps the most well-known. An addition to the social media apps Facebook and Instagram, Messenger is a handy app for chatting with fellow users of those apps. Despite the fact that you probably use your full name on Facebook or Instagram, you don’t have to share your phone number to use Messenger.
With Messenger you can also talk to people whose phone number you do not have. The only disadvantage is that the other person must have a Facebook account. Since most of the Netherlands has an account with the social network, there is a good chance that the person you want to contact can also be reached via Messenger. With this chat app you can also send a message to people you are not friends with.
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3. Lexa
In addition to the regular chat apps that are meant to keep in touch with your current acquaintances, there are also apps that put you in touch with people you don’t know yet. And some of these apps don’t ask for your phone number. Although it is possible to add your phone number, signing up can often also be done with another form of verification, such as a Facebook login or your email address. Lexa is such a chat app where you can sign up with your email address.
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4. Skype
Skype is another app where you can chat without a phone number. Although you are asked for a phone number when you register, you can create an account with just an email address and use all the services. What’s more, Skype itself can be used as a guest – so without an account.
Microsoft made Skype even easier to use a few years ago to eliminate the need for an account. All the features for text, audio and video calling can be used without an account. Those who do have an account can create a special conversation link that can be shared with anyone, all for free and without an account.
5. Kik Messenger
The first option if you are looking for a chat app without a phone number is Kik Messenger. Although the chat app has been available in the Netherlands for a long time, it is still growing steadily. Worldwide, the app for anonymous chatting has been downloaded more than 40 million times. The big advantage: you do not have to give your phone number to anyone if you want to chat.
You can chat with the other, share videos and photos, but also send sketches to each other. Privacy is a top priority and that is why your phone number is shielded from other members. You can choose your own username with which others can find you in the app.
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6. Signal
Signal is a popular instant messaging app with the difference that it is not owned by a commercial party. It is not managed and exploited by a tech giant like Apple, Meta or Microsoft. Signal is an open source app developed by a non-profit organization. Because money is not the motivation of the creators of the app, the focus is mainly on privacy.
Signal itself can’t read your messages or listen to your calls. Everything is sent with end-to-end encryption, there are no ads and your privacy is a top priority. And if even Edward Snowden says he uses Signal every day, you know what it’s like with your privacy. Signal is also free for everyone. The only downside is that a phone number is required for registration, which is why Signal is at the bottom of this list.
By not requiring users to register with a phone number, a chat app without a phone number can help you maintain your privacy. Without the need to provide a phone number, the chat app can also be used by a wider audience, including those who do not have a phone number.
So why is it often necessary to use a phone number? First of all, the need for a phone number is a measure to reduce spam. For the chat apps, there is otherwise no real way to check whether the ‘person’ really exists. The app can also be vulnerable to hackers, because there are no additional security measures such as phone numbers to verify that someone is who they say they are. And since a phone number is often used to identify other users of the app, it is difficult to reach others with the app.
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