How to Create a WhatsApp Account Without Facebook or Instagram

There’s no shortage of reasons to stay off the Meta ecosystem, which includes Facebook and Instagram. However, WhatsApp remains a primary form of text-based communication in many regions. The app serves as an excellent alternative to SMS, offering end-to-end encryption and allowing users to send uncompressed photos and videos between iPhone and Android devices before Apple adopted RCS. Although Facebook, which later rebranded to Meta, acquired WhatsApp in 2014, it is not necessary to have a Facebook or Instagram account to use WhatsApp; all you need is a working phone number.

How to Create a WhatsApp Account Without Facebook or Instagram

To begin, download WhatsApp on your smartphone. Once you open the app, initiate the registration process by entering a valid phone number. After entering your phone number, you will receive a unique six-digit code that completes the registration process. Following this, you can browse through your contacts on your smartphone to build your WhatsApp network, without needing to involve Facebook or Instagram at any stage.

Alternatively, you can opt to receive a voice call to obtain the code instead. Regardless of the method you choose, once you complete the registration process, you will have a WhatsApp account that is not linked to a Facebook or Instagram account.

How to Link WhatsApp to Other Meta Accounts

If you decide later that you want to integrate your Meta apps, you can do so through the app’s Settings panel. In Settings, locate the Accounts Center option, which features the Meta badge. Upon selecting it, you will see options to “Add Facebook account” and “Add Instagram account.” Linking these accounts allows Meta to provide a more personalized experience across its platforms by interconnecting personal data.

You can also remove your WhatsApp account from Meta’s Account Center by returning to the same Settings panel. However, any previously combined information will remain linked, although Meta will cease to combine any personal data after you remove the account.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/how-to-set-up-a-whatsapp-account-without-facebook-or-instagram-210024705.html?src=rss