Yes. WhatsApp needs your phone number only for the one-time verification. After that it runs on an internet connection, so it keeps working on Saily data with your usual number, even if you turn off or remove your home SIM.
The catch: Saily data plans don’t come with a phone number, so regular calls and texts still go to your home SIM, which may roam.
A big worry before switching to a travel eSIM is losing WhatsApp. You won’t. Saily’s help centre explains why WhatsApp and iMessage keep working, and how to set your phone up so they run on Saily data instead of roaming.
Why WhatsApp works with Saily eSIM
WhatsApp uses your phone number once, to verify the account. From then on it only needs an internet connection. That’s why, as Saily puts it, you can remove or change the SIM card in your phone and still use the WhatsApp account you created with your old number.
So when Saily data is on, your chats, voice notes and WhatsApp calls all go through it, under your usual number.
How to set up WhatsApp on Saily data
- Install your Saily eSIM before you travel and turn on data roaming for it.
- Set the Saily eSIM as your mobile data line (on iPhone: Settings → Mobile Service → Mobile Data; on Android: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Mobile data).
- Turn off your home SIM, or at least its data roaming, so your carrier doesn’t charge you.
- Turn off mobile data switching so the phone sticks to Saily.
- Open WhatsApp as usual. Nothing changes inside the app.
If you’re not online yet, see how to install Saily eSIM.
Keep your home number for calls and texts
On a dual-SIM phone, you can keep your home SIM switched on for calls while Saily handles data. Saily’s help centre says your primary number can still receive calls if your phone supports a physical SIM and an eSIM active at the same time (Dual SIM Dual Standby). Check your phone’s manual for support.
Your home carrier may charge roaming for calls on your primary line. Ask them about fees before you travel.
On a dual-SIM phone, it’s enough to turn off data roaming on the home SIM. On a single-SIM phone, turn the home SIM off entirely and keep only Saily active.
Does iMessage work too?
Yes. iMessage runs over the internet, and you can use the email address linked to your Apple ID instead of a phone number. If it stops working:
- Go to Settings → Messages and check that iMessage is on.
- Tap Send & Receive.
- Make sure your Apple ID email is checked and the phone number is unchecked.
- If it still fails, restart the iPhone.
Need a number that works abroad?
Saily sells an optional phone number add-on: a US-based number for calls and SMS, used alongside your data eSIM. WhatsApp is on Saily’s list of apps commonly reported to receive verification codes on it. Most travellers don’t need it for WhatsApp, but it helps if you want to call regular phones. More in does Saily eSIM have a phone number and how to make calls with Saily eSIM.
FAQ
Will WhatsApp work if I remove my SIM card?
Yes. WhatsApp needs the number only for one-time verification, then it works over any internet connection, including Saily data.
Do I need to change my WhatsApp number to use Saily?
No. You keep your usual WhatsApp number and account.
Can I get calls on my normal number while using Saily?
Yes, if your phone can run a physical SIM and an eSIM at the same time. Your carrier may charge roaming for those calls.
Does WhatsApp calling use my Saily data?
When you’re on mobile data, yes. WhatsApp runs over the internet, so on Wi-Fi it uses the Wi-Fi instead.
Saily data plans from $3.99, with 15% off through our link. Prices checked on saily.com on 24 Oct 2026.