Yalla SMS Verification

Join the voice chat rooms of the Arabic-speaking world: clear the Yalla SMS verification with a virtual number and keep your personal number to yourself.

Yalla is the voice-centric group chat app of Yalla Group, a Dubai-based company listed on the New York Stock Exchange that focuses on the Middle East and North Africa. Rooms sorted by topic and interest, the option to open your own room and virtual gifts bring the traditional majlis gathering online. Phone verification helps limit fake and spam accounts.

With a virtual number you enter the temporary number on Yalla's login screen and type in the code it receives. It suits learners who want to practise Arabic, people chatting with friends and family in the region, and anyone who prefers not to tie a social app to their personal number. The group's Yalla Ludo game is a separate app.

In voice rooms, never share your address, workplace or phone number with strangers. Set a spending limit before buying virtual gifts, and ignore anyone promising money or followers in return for gifts. Link an e-mail or another login method if the app offers one, because a temporary number may not help when you are asked to verify again.