buhuA second number for work – private stays private
Clients should never see your private number. With a separate work number, family, friends and work stay apart – and you can mute the work number any time.
The options
| Option | How it works | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Dual SIM or eSIM | A second SIM or eSIM in the same phone. Private: WhatsApp, work: WhatsApp Business. | Most newer phones support two numbers. One device, two separate apps. |
| Second account in WhatsApp | On Android: “Add account” in WhatsApp. | Still needs a second number that can receive SMS. |
| Second phone | An old phone with its own SIM, only for work. | The clearest separation – but two devices to charge and carry. |
| Virtual number | A number from the internet, no SIM. | WhatsApp rejects many of them. If it expires, the account is gone. |
| Number from buhu | Take over a ready-to-use WhatsApp or Telegram number with one tap in the buhu app. | Free while available – no SIM, no second phone. The number belongs to buhu. |
Our recommendation
A real SIM or eSIM as your work number – in the same phone (dual SIM) or in a second phone. That way WhatsApp and Telegram work reliably, and the number belongs to you.
Set up a second WhatsApp number – iPhone and Android
- Get a second number: a prepaid SIM or eSIM that can receive SMS.
- Android: WhatsApp → Settings → arrow next to your name → “Add account”. Or install WhatsApp Business as a second app.
- iPhone: since June 2026 “Add account” is coming here too – not to every phone yet. Otherwise use WhatsApp Business from the App Store for the work number.
- Sign in: enter the work number, confirm the SMS code – done. Private and work stay separate.
Privacy on the work number
- A separate profile picture and name just for work
- Turn off “Last seen” and “Online” in the privacy settings
- On Telegram hide your number and use a username – see Hide your Telegram number
No SIM card: a number from buhu
Don't want to buy a SIM card? With buhu you can take over a ready-to-use WhatsApp or Telegram number for free – while available. One tap in your app, and buhu answers on that number right away. You put it in your ads. The number belongs to buhu: if you stop, it goes back.
And buhu?
buhu connects to your work number – like WhatsApp Web, no extra phone. Clients write to the work number as usual, and buhu replies there. Your private number stays out of it.