WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users. However, many users face issues when trying to verify their phone number with WhatsApp. Common WhatsApp verification problems include getting stuck on “Waiting for SMS” during registration, not receiving the verification code SMS, and seeing the “SMS Verification code expired” error message.
Don’t worry – in most cases, WhatsApp verification issues can be easily fixed. Here are the top solutions to try if you are having problems verifying your phone number with WhatsApp.
Restart your phone
One of the simplest fixes is to restart your phone. Here’s how:
- Close WhatsApp completely if it is open.
- Turn your phone off completely by holding the power button down for a few seconds until the power off slider appears. Slide it to turn off.
- Wait 30 seconds, then turn your phone back on.
- Once your phone has restarted, open WhatsApp and try registering your number again.
Restarting your device essentially gives WhatsApp a “clean slate” to work with. This can resolve any software glitches that may be preventing verification codes from coming through correctly.
Check your internet connection
WhatsApp needs an active internet connection to send and receive the verification SMS. Here are some things to check:
- Make sure you have cellular data turned on if you are not on WiFi.
- Try toggling Airplane mode on and off to reset your network settings.
- If you are on WiFi, disconnect and reconnect to the network.
- Run a speed test to confirm your network connection is working properly.
An unstable internet connection is one of the most common reasons for WhatsApp verification failures. After double checking your internet settings, try registering your number with WhatsApp again.
Allow notifications and background app refresh
In order for WhatsApp to receive messages in the background, you need to allow notifications and background app refresh:
- Go to your phone Settings > Notifications.
- Make sure WhatsApp notifications are turned on.
- Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
- Confirm Background App Refresh is enabled.
- Check that WhatsApp is allowed to refresh in the background.
If notifications or background updates are disabled, WhatsApp can’t receive the verification SMS behind the scenes. After adjusting these settings, the verification code should come through.
Update to the latest WhatsApp version
An outdated version of WhatsApp may be the reason verification is failing. Here’s how to update WhatsApp:
- On iPhone – Go to the App Store > Updates > Check for any pending WhatsApp updates.
- On Android – Open the Play Store > Menu > My Apps & Games > Check for WhatsApp updates.
Install the latest WhatsApp version available. The developers constantly improve stability and fix bugs with updates. Updating to the newest version can often resolve verification problems.
Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp
If all else fails, uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp may do the trick:
- On your phone, find WhatsApp in your app list and select Uninstall.
- After WhatsApp has been uninstalled, restart your device.
- Go to the App Store or Play Store and install the latest version of WhatsApp.
- Register your number with WhatsApp again.
Uninstalling erases any corrupted data that could be interfering with WhatsApp’s ability to verify your number. After a clean reinstall, the SMS verification should work.
Use WhatsApp Web/Desktop
If your phone has issues receiving SMS, try using WhatsApp Web or Desktop to verify your number:
- On your computer, go to web.whatsapp.com or download WhatsApp Desktop.
- Use the QR code scanner to link your WhatsApp account.
- When prompted, click the “Verify by SMS” option.
- The verification code will be sent to your computer instead of your phone.
This method avoids any SMS issues on your smartphone that may be blocking verification. Complete registration on your computer first before going back to your phone.
Contact your cell provider
In some cases, short codes for verification SMS messages may be blocked by your cell provider:
- Contact your cell provider’s customer support.
- Ask them to allow short code messages from the WhatsApp SMS verification number in your country.
- Also check if you have any SMS or text message blocking settings enabled that could prevent verification codes.
Cell providers can accidentally block WhatsApp’s verification traffic. Having them remove any blocks or enable short codes allows the SMS to be delivered.
Use someone else’s phone number
If your primary phone number absolutely will not work, you can temporarily use someone else’s number to verify your WhatsApp account:
- Add the other person’s phone number to your phone’s SIM card or use their SIM card.
- Receive the SMS verification code on that alternate number.
- After your WhatsApp account is verified, go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Change Number.
- Change your number back to your primary phone number.
This lets you bypass any carrier or phone issues blocking verification on your own number. Just remember to change back to your primary number after verification.
Wait 24 hours and try again
In rare cases, you may simply need to wait:
- WhatsApp’s servers may be overloaded, delaying verification codes.
- Too many failed verification attempts can temporarily block your number.
If you still can’t verify after 24 hours, the issue may have resolved itself. Be patient and try registering again the next day.
Contact WhatsApp support
If all else fails, reach out to WhatsApp directly for help:
- On WhatsApp, go to Settings > Help > Contact Us.
- Explain your verification issue and any troubleshooting steps you have tried.
- Provide your full phone number.
- A WhatsApp representative can investigate and help resolve stubborn verification problems.
WhatsApp’s own customer service team may be able to identify any problems and enable SMS verification remotely. This should be your last resort after trying all other options.
Conclusion
Stuck in a WhatsApp verification loop? Try restarting your device, checking your internet, updating WhatsApp, using WhatsApp Web, contacting your carrier, or reaching out to customer support. With the right troubleshooting steps, you’ll be messaging again in no time.
Let us know if any of these tips worked to solve your WhatsApp verification woes! If you have any other suggestions based on your own experiences, feel free to share in the comments below.
| Troubleshooting Step | How it Helps |
|---|---|
| Restart your phone | Resets any software glitches disrupting verification |
| Check internet connection | Ensures WhatsApp servers can send verification SMS |
| Enable notifications and background app refresh | Allows WhatsApp to receive SMS verification in background |
| Update to the latest WhatsApp version | Gets any new bug fixes that improve verification |
| Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp | Erases any corrupted data interfering with verification |
| Use WhatsApp Web/Desktop | Avoids phone-specific issues blocking verification SMS |
| Contact cell provider | Ensures short codes for verification are not blocked |
| Use someone else’s number | Bypasses phone/carrier issues on your own number |
| Wait 24 hours and try again | Allows any temporary WhatsApp blocks to clear |
| Contact WhatsApp support | Direct help from WhatsApp to resolve stubborn issues |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my WhatsApp verification code not coming?
Common reasons your WhatsApp verification code may not be coming include poor internet connection, blocked notifications, outdated WhatsApp version, your cell provider blocking short codes, or too many failed verification attempts temporarily blocking your number.
How can I get my WhatsApp verification code via email?
WhatsApp does not offer email verification. The verification code must be sent via SMS text message. However, you can use WhatsApp Web/Desktop to receive the verification code on your computer if your phone is having issues.
I keep getting “Waiting for SMS” but no verification code – what do I do?
This usually means there is an issue with your cell reception or carrier. Try toggling Airplane mode on and off, moving to an area with better signal, updating your WhatsApp version, or contacting your cell provider to allow short code messages.
Why does my WhatsApp verification code keep expiring?
If the verification code expires before inputting it, this typically means your SMS messages are being delayed. Check for any cell signal or internet connection issues. Also make sure WhatsApp notifications and background refreshing are enabled.
I didn’t get any WhatsApp verification SMS – how can I get it again?
Open WhatsApp, tap the three dots menu button, choose WhatsApp Web, and then select “Verify by SMS” again to have it re-sent. If it still doesn’t come through, restart your device and check for connection problems.
Can someone else verify my WhatsApp if I can’t get the verification code?
No, WhatsApp’s verification system is tied directly to your phone number, so only your device can receive the SMS code. If your phone cannot get the code, try using WhatsApp Desktop or change to a different number temporarily.
Conclusion
Trouble verifying your phone number with WhatsApp is frustrating, but the problem can usually be resolved with a few simple troubleshooting tips. Restarting your device, updating WhatsApp, checking your internet connection, enabling notifications, contacting your cell provider, and reaching out to WhatsApp support are the main solutions that will get you messaging again quickly.
Let us know in the comments if you found this guide helpful in overcoming your WhatsApp verification difficulties! Feel free to share any other useful tips based on your experience.