WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users. When you first set up WhatsApp on your phone, you need to verify your phone number with a 6 digit authentication code. This extra security step helps ensure that your account remains secure. Here are the steps to get a 6 digit authentication code for WhatsApp:
Requesting the Code
The first step is to request the 6 digit code from WhatsApp:
1. Open WhatsApp on your phone.
2. You will be prompted to enter your phone number. Enter your full phone number including the country code. For example, a US number would be entered as +1xxxxxxxxxx.
3. Tap the “Request code” button. WhatsApp will send the authentication code via SMS to the phone number you entered.
Receiving the Code
Once you request the code in WhatsApp, you will receive a text message containing the 6 digit code. This text will come from WhatsApp, it won’t say it’s from WhatsApp. Here are some things to note about receiving the code:
– The code is 6 digits long and contains only numbers 0-9.
– The message with the code may arrive within a few minutes after requesting it. If you don’t receive it right away, wait a few minutes before requesting a new code.
– The message will be sent to the phone number you entered in WhatsApp. If you requested the code on a different phone, make sure you have access to the messages on that phone number.
– If you use dual SIM, make sure the phone number you used is set to receive messages. The code will be sent to the SIM set as default for messaging.
– If you don’t receive the text message, check your network connectivity and ensure your phone has signal. You need mobile network signal to receive SMS messages with the code.
– The code is only valid for a short time. If unused for too long, it will expire and you’ll have to request a new one.
– If you request multiple codes within a short time, WhatsApp may limit additional attempts as a security precaution.
Entering the Code in WhatsApp
Once you receive the 6 digit authentication code via text message, you need to enter it in the WhatsApp app to verify your number:
1. In WhatsApp, go to the screen where it is asking for the 6 digit code.
2. Carefully enter the code you received via text message.
3. Double check that you enter the code correctly. The digits can only be entered once.
4. Tap Submit or Verify once you’ve entered the complete code.
5. WhatsApp will now verify your phone number with the code.
6. You should get a confirmation that your number has been verified.
7. Your WhatsApp account is now activated and ready to use!
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some troubleshooting tips if you are having issues getting or entering the 6 digit WhatsApp authentication code:
If You Haven’t Received the Code
– Check your mobile network connectivity. Disable wifi and use your mobile data or cellular network.
– Try restarting your phone – this refreshes the mobile network connection.
– Make sure your phone has signal where you are located. Move to an area with better signal.
– Contact your mobile carrier and ensure there are no issues on their network.
– Request a new code and wait a few minutes. The messages sometimes get delayed.
– Use a different phone number on a different mobile network if issues persist.
If Code Entry Isn’t Working
– Double check that you are entering the code correctly, character by character.
– Try re-typing the code slowly and carefully. It’s easy to mistakenly enter a similar looking digit.
– Copy-paste the code from the text message into WhatsApp if you can, to avoid manual typing errors.
– Make sure your clock and date/time on your phone are set correctly. Incorrect device time can cause issues.
– Request a fresh new code and try again. Previous codes expire quickly.
– For continued issues, uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp to try again from scratch. Backup chats first.
If You’re Using the Wrong Number
– Confirm that the number you are entering the code for matches the number you requested the code with.
– Do not request a code on one phone number and then try to verify on a different number. The numbers must match.
– If you no longer have access to a number, you won’t be able to activate WhatsApp without SMS verification.
If Your Number is Banned
– WhatsApp occasionally bans numbers involved in spam and abuse. Banned numbers cannot activate new accounts.
– Try registering your number for WhatsApp on a different device and network. This may work around a false ban.
– Switch to a new number not previously banned if your number seems to permanently banned.
Using Alternative Verification Methods
In some cases, you can activate WhatsApp without an SMS verified code:
Voice Call Verification
– Request a voice call instead of SMS verification when you enter your phone number.
– WhatsApp will call your phone with a 6 digit code spoken out loud.
– This works if you can’t receive text messages for verification.
Email Verification
– You can request email verification instead.
– An email is sent containing a verification link to activate your account.
– Click the link in the email to verify your number.
– Email verification works if you can’t receive calls or texts.
Verifying in a Different Country
– When traveling abroad, you can enter a local number to get a code by SMS.
– Alternatively, use WiFi calling to receive verification texts from your home country.
– Switch your home SIM card to a local SIM when traveling to avoid roaming fees for verification.
Using Third-Party Apps
Some third party apps like TextNow and Talkatone can help you get SMS codes:
TextNow
– Download the TextNow app and create an account.
– TextNow provides you with a virtual phone number.
– Request WhatsApp code via that TextNow number.
– Open the TextNow app to view the code received and enter it in WhatsApp.
Talkatone
– Download Talkatone app and sign up.
– You’ll get a virtual phone number.
– Request WhatsApp code using the Talkatone number.
– The SMS code will be received in the Talkatone app.
– Useful if your own number can’t get texts.
Using WhatsApp on Multiple Devices
Once your account is verified on your phone, you can link WhatsApp to use on multiple devices without additional SMS verification:
Linking to a Tablet
– Download WhatsApp on your tablet from the app store.
– On your phone, go to WhatsApp Settings – Linked Devices.
– Tap “Link a Device” and scan the code on your tablet.
– Your WhatsApp will be activated on your tablet without additional SMS verification.
Linking to a Computer
– Install WhatsApp Desktop app on your computer.
– On your phone, go to WhatsApp Settings – Linked Devices.
– Tap “Link a Device” and scan the code on your computer screen.
– This links your computer so you can use WhatsApp Web without further SMS verification.
Using WhatsApp on a New Phone
When you get a new phone, you’ll have to verify your number again via SMS as you did initially:
Transferring Your Chats
– First, on your old phone backup your chats via WhatsApp Settings – Chats – Chat Backup.
– On your new phone, install WhatsApp and enter your number.
– After getting the SMS code and verifying, restore your backup during setup.
Activation on a New Phone
– Even though you restored your chats, you still need to verify activation on the new device.
– When prompted, enter your number again and request a new 6 digit SMS code.
– Enter the new code on your new phone to verify your number and activate WhatsApp.
Using Same Number on Multiple Phones
– WhatsApp can only be active on one phone at a time with the same number.
– Once you activate on the new phone, it will show as disconnected on your old phone.
– Repeat the SMS verification process if you switch back to your old phone.
Conclusion
Getting a 6 digit authentication code by SMS is necessary when first setting up WhatsApp on your mobile phone. Make sure to enter the code carefully and accurately in the app to successfully verify your number. If you encounter issues receiving or entering the code, try the troubleshooting suggestions provided. Alternative verification methods are also available in some situations. Once initially set up, you can link WhatsApp to additional devices or transfer your account to a new phone without having to get SMS codes each time. With over 2 billion users, WhatsApp’s SMS verification provides an extra layer of security to help keep your account protected.
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