What does a WhatsApp number look like - briefly?
A WhatsApp number is essentially the same as any other phone number and follows the international format. It typically includes the country code followed by the subscriber's number.
What does a WhatsApp number look like - in detail?
A WhatsApp number is essentially a standard international phone number that users can utilize to create an account on the platform. This number serves as a unique identifier for each user, enabling them to communicate with others on WhatsApp. To provide a detailed understanding of what a WhatsApp number looks like, it's important to break down its components and structure.
Firstly, a WhatsApp number adheres to the international phone numbering plan, which is governed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This means that every WhatsApp number is structured in accordance with the E.164 standard, which specifies the format for global telephone numbers. According to this standard, a valid WhatsApp number consists of:
- A Plus Sign (+): This symbol signifies that the number is in international format. It is followed by the country code.
- Country Code: This is a one-digit, two-digit, or three-digit code that represents the country where the phone number originates. For example, +1 is for the United States and Canada, while +44 is for the United Kingdom.
- National Destination Code (NDC): This is a part of the number that comes after the country code and before the subscriber number. It indicates the region or city within the country. The length of the NDC varies by country.
- Subscriber Number: This is the remaining part of the phone number that is unique to each individual user within the specified area.
For instance, a WhatsApp number for a user in London might look like this: +44 20 1234 5678. Here, '+44' is the country code for the United Kingdom, '20' is the national destination code for London, and '1234 5678' is the subscriber number unique to that user.
It is crucial to note that WhatsApp numbers must be in international format, meaning they should start with a plus sign (+) followed by the country code and then the rest of the number without any leading zeros or other special characters. This standardization ensures that calls and messages can be routed correctly across different telecommunication networks worldwide.
Moreover, WhatsApp requires users to have an active SIM card in their phone to receive a verification code during the registration process. This code is sent via SMS to the number provided, ensuring that the user has access to the phone associated with the WhatsApp number. Once verified, this number becomes the user's unique identifier on the platform.
In summary, a WhatsApp number is a standard international phone number formatted according to the E.164 standard. It consists of a plus sign, country code, national destination code, and a subscriber number. This structure facilitates global communication while adhering to universal telecommunication standards.