WhatsApp uses phone number verification as a way to confirm your identity and secure your account. Here are the key steps to get your phone number verified on WhatsApp:
- Make sure you have an active SIM card in your phone with your number
- Download and install the latest version of WhatsApp
- Open WhatsApp and agree to the Terms of Service
- Enter your full phone number in the format country code-area code-local number
- Tap ‘OK’ or ‘Continue’ to send a verification code to your number
- Once received, enter the 6-digit verification code in WhatsApp
Verifying your phone number links your account to your mobile device and enables important security features like two-factor authentication. It also allows you to use WhatsApp on multiple devices through the same number.
The verification process typically only takes a few minutes when done correctly. However, sometimes issues come up that prevent successful verification.
Why is WhatsApp not verifying my phone number?
Here are some common reasons why WhatsApp may not be able to verify your phone number:
Incorrect number entered
Double check that you entered your full phone number correctly with the country code and area code included. For example, a US number would be entered as +1XXX5555555. Entering the wrong digits is a common mistake that will prevent verification.
Weak mobile signal
You need a stable internet connection and strong mobile signal for WhatsApp to send the SMS verification message. Switch to a different network or move location if you are struggling to get SMS messages.
Wrong SIM card used
The phone number you enter in WhatsApp must match the SIM card number in your device. Using a different SIM than the number you are trying to verify will result in errors.
SIM card not supported
WhatsApp may not work properly with some prepaid, virtual, or VoIP phone numbers. Use a standard mobile SIM from a major carrier for best results.
SMS blocked
Make sure your mobile carrier is not blocking short code SMS messages needed for verification. Contact them to whitelist the WhatsApp SMS code if needed.
Too many attempts
After several failed verification attempts, WhatsApp will temporarily lock out your number as an anti-spam measure. Wait a few hours and verify with correct info.
Banned account
If your account was previously banned by WhatsApp, you will be unable to verify your number again using the same device and SIM. Create a new account with a different number instead.
How to fix WhatsApp phone number verification issues
If WhatsApp is stuck on ‘verifying’ or you cannot receive the SMS code, try these troubleshooting steps:
Restart your phone
Restarting your device resets the mobile connection and often fixes issues receiving SMS or connecting to WhatsApp servers.
Update WhatsApp
Download the latest version of WhatsApp in case a bug in the old version is preventing verification. Keep auto-updates enabled.
Toggle airplane mode
Turn on airplane mode for 30 seconds before turning it off again. This forces the device to reconnect to the mobile network.
Remove and reinsert SIM
Take out your SIM card and insert it again after a minute. This refreshes the mobile connection and registration.
Contact your carrier
Ask your mobile carrier to make sure SMS messages are not being blocked. Also check for network outages in your area.
Use Wi-Fi calling
Enable Wi-Fi calling through your carrier to route SMS over Wi-Fi. This can help if you have poor mobile signal.
Change SMS app
Set WhatsApp as default SMS app or try verification through a different app like Android Messages.
Verify later or on a different device
Persistent issues may require verifying your number on another phone entirely or waiting and trying again later.
Delete and reinstall WhatsApp
As a last resort, uninstall WhatsApp completely, reboot your device, and install it again before trying to verify.
What to do if you cannot request a new verification code
If the ‘Verify via SMS’ option is missing in WhatsApp, here are some things to try:
- Open WhatsApp settings – Accounts – Verification and make sure your number is entered correctly.
- Force close and clear cache of the WhatsApp app then reopen it.
- Uninstall and reinstall the latest version of WhatsApp.
- Try registering your number again being careful to enter country code.
- Use a different Wi-Fi or cellular data connection.
- Verify your number on another device like a friend’s phone.
The option to request a new verification code will only appear after some failed verification attempts. If it remains missing, your number may be banned or under review. Contact WhatsApp support for help regaining access to your account.
How to contact WhatsApp for support
If you cannot resolve WhatsApp verification problems through regular troubleshooting, here are ways to get help from WhatsApp:
- Open WhatsApp > Settings > Help > Contact Us to start an email chat with support
- Visit the WhatsApp FAQ page for answers to common questions
- Tweet @WhatsAppSupport on Twitter for help from mods
- Submit an appeal if your account was banned – WhatsApp cannot assist with banned accounts
Be prepared to provide your full phone number and details of the verification issue when contacting WhatsApp support. Note that it may take up to 24 hours to receive a reply back from them.
Useful WhatsApp support resources
Here are some additional resources that can help with WhatsApp verification problems:
WhatsApp Status
Check https://status.whatsapp.com/ for any known issues with WhatsApp servers that may be preventing verification.
WhatsApp FAQ
The WhatsApp FAQ page covers common verification issues: https://faq.whatsapp.com/
WhatsApp Help Center
Search the WhatsApp Help Center for troubleshooting and how-to articles: https://faq.whatsapp.com/
WhatsApp Community Forum
Post your specific problem to get help from other WhatsApp users: https://faq.whatsapp.com/general/community
WhatsApp on Social Media
Follow WhatsApp on Facebook and Twitter for updates on service issues:
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhatsApp/
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhatsApp
Top WhatsApp verification troubleshooting tips
Here is a summary of the key troubleshooting steps for fixing WhatsApp verification problems:
- Make sure your number is entered correctly with country code
- Use a strong mobile data or Wi-Fi connection
- Restart your device and WhatsApp app
- Ensure SMS messages are not blocked by your carrier
- Toggle airplane mode on and off to refresh connection
- Try re-inserting your SIM card to get new registration
- Attempt verification on another phone if issues persist
- Contact WhatsApp support if you cannot request a new code
Following these tips should help successfully verify your phone number in most cases. Being persistent and methodical in your troubleshooting is key to overcoming WhatsApp verification problems.
Conclusion
Verifying your phone number is an essential step in securing your WhatsApp account and enabling full functionality. While it typically only takes a few minutes, you may run into issues like not receiving the SMS code or being stuck in a loop. By troubleshooting your mobile connection, app install, and SMS settings, you can usually resolve verification problems. For persistent issues, reach out to WhatsApp support through email or their help center. With the right combination of patience and troubleshooting, you can get your number successfully verified on WhatsApp.