WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users. When you first set up WhatsApp on a new device, you need to verify your phone number through an authentication code sent via SMS. This WhatsApp verification code is a 6-digit number that is randomly generated and allows WhatsApp to confirm your identity and activate your account.
Getting your WhatsApp verification code is usually a quick and straightforward process. However, there are times when you may encounter issues receiving the authentication code due to problems with your phone number, network, or the WhatsApp servers. Knowing the common reasons why you may not be getting the WhatsApp verification SMS and the different troubleshooting methods can help you resolve the problem and successfully activate your WhatsApp account.
Common Reasons for Not Receiving the WhatsApp Verification Code
Here are some of the most common reasons why you may not be receiving the SMS with the WhatsApp verification code:
Incorrect or Unregistered Phone Number
One of the most common reasons for not getting the WhatsApp verification code is that you entered an incorrect phone number when signing up for WhatsApp. WhatsApp sends the 6-digit authentication code to the phone number you provided during initial registration. If there is a typo or error in the phone number, the SMS won’t reach you.
Similarly, if you try to verify a phone number that is not registered on WhatsApp, you won’t receive a verification code. WhatsApp has no way of sending the SMS to an unregistered number. Make sure you are requesting the verification code for the exact same phone number tied to your WhatsApp account.
Network and Connectivity Issues
Network problems and connectivity issues are another major reason why the WhatsApp verification SMS may not be reaching you. Poor signal strength, switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data, network outages, and similar issues can prevent the SMS from being delivered properly.
If you are facing network problems, try moving to an area with better reception and switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if the WhatsApp verification code SMS comes through. Cellular network issues are usually temporary, so waiting for some time often resolves the problem.
Wrong Country Code
When you first install WhatsApp, it will automatically detect your country code based on your phone settings and location services. If your phone has the wrong country code set, the verification code SMS will be sent to an invalid number.
For example, if your phone is set to the wrong country code +65 instead of your actual country code +1, WhatsApp will send the verification code to a random +65 number where you won’t receive it. Make sure your phone is set to the proper country code for your phone number.
Phone Number Verification Limit
WhatsApp has a verification limit on how many times an authentication code can be sent to a particular phone number. This is done to prevent spam and abuse.
If you have requested the WhatsApp verification code too many times without successfully verifying your number, you may hit the verification limit. In this case, you have to wait for several hours before you can get a new WhatsApp verification code for that number.
Banned WhatsApp Account
In extreme cases, not receiving a WhatsApp verification code could indicate your account was banned by WhatsApp. Accounts that violate WhatsApp’s terms of service through illegal or abusive behavior may be banned.
Banned accounts are blocked from accessing WhatsApp’s services, including the ability to verify a phone number. If you think your account was wrongly banned, you need to directly contact WhatsApp support to resolve the issue.
Expired WhatsApp Code
The WhatsApp verification code sent via SMS is valid only for a short time. In most cases, the 6-digit authentication code expires after a few minutes if not used.
If you take too long to enter the verification code into WhatsApp, it will no longer work and you’ll have to request a new one. Make sure to enter the code immediately after receiving the SMS for best results.
Phone Not Supporting SMS
In very rare cases, an issue with your phone itself may prevent receiving the WhatsApp verification SMS. For example, an old phone model that doesn’t support modern SMS messaging standards won’t be able to get the verification code. The solution is to switch to a newer phone that properly supports all SMS capabilities.
Wrong Phone Language Settings
The SMS containing the WhatsApp verification code is sent in the language set on your phone. If your phone language is incorrectly set or changed to an unsupported language, the verification code SMS will appear garbled and unintelligible.
Check your phone’s language settings and make sure your preferred language is selected to receive a understandable verification code.
Out of Cellular Coverage
If you are in an area with no cellular coverage, such as in airplane mode or a region with no signal, you won’t be able to receive the SMS with your WhatsApp verification code. Wait until you are back in an area with proper mobile network coverage before attempting to verify your WhatsApp account.
Troubleshooting Methods to Get the WhatsApp Verification Code
If you are not getting the WhatsApp verification code due to any of the reasons above, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take:
1. Restart Your Phone
Restarting your phone resets all network connections and often fixes issues that may be preventing SMS delivery. Simply power off your phone, wait a minute, and turn it back on. Then re-request the WhatsApp verification code.
2. Toggle Airplane Mode
Turn on airplane mode for a minute or two before turning it off and re-enabling mobile data and Wi-Fi. This forces the phone to re-establish the network connection, which may start working properly.
3. Check Network Coverage
Move to an area with better cellular network coverage and try requesting the WhatsApp verification code again. Change locations to see if you get mobile signal and can receive SMS.
4. Contact Your Mobile Carrier
If restarting and changing locations doesn’t help, contact your mobile carrier and ask them to check for issues from their side. Operators can view SMS logs and verify if the verification text was sent correctly.
5. Update Your Phone Software
An outdated operating system can sometimes disrupt SMS delivery. Make sure your phone software is updated to the latest OS version for best results.
6. Verify Country Code Settings
Double check that your phone’s country code matches your actual location andmobile number. Refer to your phone carrier details if unsure of the correct code.
7. Reset Network Settings
On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings to do a factory reset of all network configurations. Try requesting a new WhatsApp verification code after this.
8. Use a Different Phone Number
Attempt verifying your WhatsApp account with an alternate phone number to check if issues are isolated to just one number. Borrow a friend’s number temporarily.
9. Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp
A clean reinstallation of the WhatsApp app may clear out any glitches preventing SMS verification. Backup chats, uninstall WhatsApp, restart phone, reinstall app, and try again.
10. Contact WhatsApp Support
If the issue persists despite all troubleshooting attempts, get in touch with WhatsApp directly through their support website for additional help.
Using Alternative Verification Methods
If you are absolutely unable to receive the SMS verification code even after troubleshooting, there are some alternative methods to verify your WhatsApp account:
Verification Phone Call
Instead of an SMS, you can request to receive the WhatsApp verification code through an automated phone call. This is available when setting up WhatsApp if you are having SMS issues.
Email Verification Code
WhatsApp also provides the option to get your verification code sent to the email associated with your account instead of via SMS. Click the email option when prompted for verification.
WhatsApp Voice Call
You can receive the 6-digit verification code read out to you over a WhatsApp voice call. This convenient hands-free option works even without SMS connectivity.
Use Verification Code from Different Device
If you have WhatsApp already activated on one device, that device can generate a verification code for activating WhatsApp on a new device. Scan the QR code on the new device from your existing activated WhatsApp to transfer the verification code.
Contact a Friend
As a last resort, you can have a friend with an activated WhatsApp account generate and share their 6-digit verification code with you. Enter this code manually to verify your account.
Getting Future Verification Codes
To avoid struggling to get the WhatsApp verification code every time you need to reverify your account on a new device or number, here are some tips:
– Make sure your phone number, network settings, country code, and mobile plan are correctly configured and active.
– Don’t repeatedly request verification codes unless necessary as it can lead to hitting the verification limit.
– If you received a code but it expired, request a new one right away instead of waiting longer and risking it expiring again.
– Opt for phone call or email verification instead of SMS if you continue having difficulties.
– Set up WhatsApp on all your devices using the QR code method so new codes aren’t required each time.
– Add trusted secondary emails and phone numbers to your WhatsApp account for easy access to verification codes when needed.
Conclusion
Receiving the WhatsApp verification code is necessary for activating and accessing your WhatsApp account. While not getting the SMS with the 6-digit authentication code is frustrating, the problem can usually be resolved through troubleshooting steps like restarting your phone, checking for network issues, reinstalling WhatsApp, and contacting WhatsApp support if necessary. With some persistence, you should be able to obtain the verification code and enjoy using WhatsApp securely.