Quick overview
Here are some quick solutions to try if you are not receiving the WhatsApp verification code on your iPhone:
- Check your internet connection and try resending the code
- Make sure your phone number is correct in WhatsApp
- Restart your iPhone
- Update to the latest version of WhatsApp
- Check if Do Not Disturb is enabled and disable it
- Check your notifications settings and make sure WhatsApp can send notifications
- Disable VPN or firewall if you are using them
- Remove and reinsert your SIM card
- Contact your mobile carrier if all else fails
Detailed steps to fix WhatsApp verification code issues
If you are unable to receive the 6-digit verification code on your iPhone when registering your phone number with WhatsApp, try the following solutions:
1. Check your internet connection
The most common reason for not getting the WhatsApp verification code is poor internet connectivity. WhatsApp needs an active internet connection to send the code to your phone.
Follow these steps to check your connection:
- Enable Wi-Fi on your iPhone if disabled.
- Make sure you are connected to a working Wi-Fi network or your mobile data is turned on.
- Try loading a website on Safari to confirm you have internet access.
- If websites aren’t loading, disconnect and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network or turn Airplane mode on, wait 30 seconds and turn it off.
- You can also try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
Once you have an active internet connection, request a new 6-digit verification code from WhatsApp. This should resolve the issue if it was due to no internet access.
2. Verify your phone number
An incorrect or incomplete phone number can also prevent you from receiving the verification code.
Follow these steps to check your phone number on WhatsApp:
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
- Tap on your profile name at the top.
- Check that your full phone number is entered correctly including the country code.
- Tap the phone number and edit it if required.
- Enter your full number in international format e.g. +1xxxxxxxxxx.
- Save the changes.
This ensures WhatsApp has your complete phone number. Now request a new 6-digit verification code, it should come through.
3. Restart your iPhone
If you have already verified your phone number and internet connection, try restarting your iPhone. A simple device restart can resolve many issues including fixes for software bugs preventing verification code delivery.
Follow these steps to restart your iPhone:
- Press and hold the Side button and either Volume button.
- Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
- After 30 seconds, press and hold the Side button again to turn on your iPhone.
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
Give it a few minutes after the reboot for all apps and services to load. Try requesting a new WhatsApp verification text, it should come through.
4. Update WhatsApp to the latest version
Having an outdated version of WhatsApp installed can also cause issues with receiving the verification code. WhatsApp frequently releases updates to fix bugs and improve performance.
Follow these steps to update WhatsApp on your iPhone:
- Go to the App Store on your iPhone.
- Tap your profile icon on the top right.
- Scroll down and tap Updates if available.
- If WhatsApp update is pending, tap Update next to it.
- Enter your App Store password and tap OK to start the update.
The latest version of WhatsApp will now be installed. Open WhatsApp and check if the verification code issue is resolved.
5. Disable Do Not Disturb
If Do Not Disturb mode is enabled on your iPhone, you will not get any notifications including the WhatsApp verification code.
To disable Do Not Disturb:
- Swipe down from the top right corner to access Control Center.
- Make sure Do Not Disturb is off (icon should be gray).
This will ensure your iPhone can receive notifications from WhatsApp. Request a new 6-digit code, it should now be delivered successfully.
6. Check notification settings
You also need to make sure WhatsApp has the permission to send notifications. If notifications are disabled, you won’t receive the verification code.
Follow these steps:
- Go to iPhone Settings > Notifications.
- Scroll down and tap WhatsApp.
- Make sure Allow Notifications is enabled.
- Double check Show in Notification Center is also turned on.
With notifications enabled for WhatsApp, you should start receiving verification texts and other messages without issues.
7. Disable VPN or firewall
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or firewall apps can block WhatsApp verification codes and other notifications from reaching your device.
If you have any such apps installed, try disabling them temporarily and see if it fixes the issue. You may need to configure them to allow WhatsApp notifications if disabling is not possible.
8. Remove and reinsert SIM card
As a last resort, you can try removing and reinserting the SIM card in your iPhone. This refreshes the cellular connection which may resolve any WhatsApp verification issues.
Follow these instructions to remove SIM card:
- Locate the SIM card slot on the right side of your iPhone.
- Insert the SIM eject tool into the tiny hole next to the SIM slot.
- Press firmly and push the tool straight in until the SIM tray pops out.
- Gently pull out the SIM tray and remove your SIM card from it.
To reinsert:
- Place the SIM card in the SIM tray correctly with contacts facing down.
- Slide the SIM tray back into the SIM card slot.
- Push the tray in completely until it clicks into place.
Restart your iPhone once done and try requesting a new WhatsApp verification code. Most connectivity issues should be resolved after reinserting the SIM.
9. Contact your mobile carrier
In rare cases, there may be an issue with your mobile carrier blocking WhatsApp verification texts. If you have tried all other troubleshooting steps and still cannot receive the code, contact your carrier support.
Explain the issue to them and they will check and resolve any problems from their end. Certain carriers have been known to block WhatsApp messages so do contact them if you cannot find the cause of the verification code issue.
What to do when someone else is using your number
If you cannot receive the WhatsApp verification code on your number because someone else is using it, follow these steps:
- First, make sure the number showing in your WhatsApp is correct and matches your SIM.
- Immediately contact your mobile carrier and report the issue.
- They will block the SIM to prevent further misuse.
- Request your carrier to issue you a new SIM with the same number.
- Once you get it, insert the new SIM in your device.
- Verify your number again in WhatsApp using the new SIM.
This will ensure only you can access WhatsApp with your number. Enable two-step verification in WhatsApp for added security.
Use alternative number for WhatsApp
If the above troubleshooting steps don’t work and you urgently need WhatsApp access, try using an alternative number temporarily:
- Insert a different SIM card into your iPhone.
- Verify the new number in WhatsApp to create your account.
- Use WhatsApp as normal with the new number.
- To recover your old number, keep contacting carrier support.
While not ideal, this allows you to access WhatsApp till your original number can be recovered and verification fixed. Notify your contacts about the change to avoid confusion.
Prevent future verification code issues
To avoid WhatsApp verification problems in the future, follow these tips:
- Always maintain a stable internet connection on your iPhone.
- Do not block WhatsApp notifications on your device.
- Keep WhatsApp updated to the latest version.
- Do not use unsupported mods like WhatsApp Plus.
- Setup two-step verification for added security.
- Contact support if your number stops working.
Following these best practices will prevent most issues with receiving WhatsApp verification codes on your iPhone.
What if these steps don’t work?
In rare instances, the WhatsApp verification code may still not work after trying all troubleshooting steps. In that case:
- Try requesting the 6-digit code again after some time.
- Verify your number on WhatsApp Web instead.
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
- Try a different phone number.
- Factory reset your iPhone.
For persistent issues, you can contact WhatsApp support directly through the app. Explain the problem and they can further investigate and fix any account or server-side errors.
As a last resort, consider switching to alternative messaging apps like Telegram or Signal if WhatsApp verification cannot be resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I not getting the WhatsApp verification code on my iPhone?
Common reasons for not getting WhatsApp verification code on iPhone include poor internet connection, incorrect phone number in WhatsApp, notifications blocked for WhatsApp, using unsupported version of WhatsApp, iPhone software bug.
How long does it take to receive WhatsApp verification code?
The WhatsApp verification code usually arrives within seconds after requesting it. If you don’t receive it for over 5 minutes, there is likely an issue that needs troubleshooting.
Can I get WhatsApp code from email instead of text?
No, WhatsApp does not send the verification code through email. It is only sent as an SMS text message to the phone number you are registering.
I reinstalled WhatsApp but still no verification code – why?
If a reinstall didn’t help, the issue is likely with your internet connectivity or SIM card. Try rebooting your iPhone, enable mobile data/Wi-Fi and check if you can receive regular text messages. Contact carrier if needed.
What happens if I don’t get the WhatsApp verification code?
Without entering the 6-digit WhatsApp verification code, you cannot complete the signup process and will not be able to use WhatsApp. Try all troubleshooting steps or use an alternative number temporarily.
Conclusion
WhatsApp verification code issues can prevent accessing WhatsApp, but are often easy to troubleshoot. Start with checking your internet connection, enabling notifications, updating WhatsApp, and making sure the correct number is entered. For persistent issues, reboot your iPhone, reinsert the SIM or contact carrier support. With the right troubleshooting, you can get WhatsApp working again quickly.