WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide, with over 2 billion active users. One of the things that makes WhatsApp so convenient is the ability to verify your account automatically through a missed call, rather than having to receive an SMS code.
What is WhatsApp account verification?
When you first sign up for WhatsApp, you are required to verify your phone number. This proves that you own the number and helps prevent spam and abuse. There are two main ways to verify your number on WhatsApp:
- SMS code – WhatsApp sends you a 6-digit code through SMS that you need to enter in the app.
- Missed call – WhatsApp will call your phone and disconnect automatically. You just need to tap “Call me” in the app.
The missed call method is often faster and more convenient, as it doesn’t require manually entering a code. Many users prefer it over SMS verification. But how does it work behind the scenes?
How missed call verification works
Here is a step-by-step overview of how WhatsApp’s missed call verification feature works:
- When you provide your phone number to WhatsApp, it sends a request to your mobile carrier to connect a call to your number.
- The mobile carrier connects the call, which rings your phone a single time before disconnecting.
- Your phone sends a signal back to the carrier that the call was missed.
- The carrier passes this information back to WhatsApp’s servers.
- WhatsApp receives confirmation that you received a missed call and that the number is correct.
- Your account is now verified! You can now tap “Call me” in WhatsApp to complete the process.
This automated verification process takes just seconds and doesn’t require you to do anything other than tap a button in the app. It takes the hassle out of SMS verification.
Why does WhatsApp use missed calls for verification?
WhatsApp chose to offer missed call verification for a few key reasons:
- No typed input required – Missed calls are more convenient than entering a 6-digit code, especially for users who don’t like typing on their phones.
- Works offline – SMS codes require cellular data or WiFi to receive them. Missed calls use your basic GSM phone signal instead.
- International compatibility – Users in some countries either aren’t able to receive SMS reliably or have to pay per message. Missed calls work anywhere with cell service.
- Cost – WhatsApp saves on SMS fees by using missed calls for verification.
Is missed call verification safe and secure?
Yes, WhatsApp’s missed call verification is safe and does not compromise your security or privacy. Here’s why:
- The call is extremely quick, only ringing your phone once before disconnecting. WhatsApp does not keep your phone line open or listen in on your calls.
- Your phone number is not revealed to anyone else during the process. The communication happens directly between WhatsApp’s servers and your mobile carrier.
- No personal information gets transmitted over the call aside from confirming your phone number.
- The call itself comes directly from WhatsApp through your mobile carrier. There is no risk of it coming from a spammer or scammer.
WhatsApp also does not store your call history or any other personal data related to the verification call. They simply use the missed call mechanism to confirm your number quickly and securely.
Does missed call verification work on landlines?
Unfortunately, no. WhatsApp’s missed call verification only works with mobile numbers and does not support landlines at this time. This is because the process relies on communication between WhatsApp, mobile carriers, and mobile phones specifically.
Some key reasons why it doesn’t work for landlines:
- Landlines do not have the same capability to relay back missed call information to the carrier.
- Landlines may be shared across households, so a missed call cannot verify a single user.
- It is less straightforward for WhatsApp to connect directly to landline carriers.
For these reasons, you need a mobile phone number to use WhatsApp’s convenient missed call verification feature. There are no plans to expand support to landlines in the future.
Can you use missed call verification on multiple devices?
Missed call verification will only work on one mobile device at a time linked to your phone number. However, once your account is verified you can use WhatsApp on up to 4 additional devices through WhatsApp’s multi-device capability.
To use WhatsApp on multiple devices:
- Verify your account on your main mobile phone using either SMS or missed call verification.
- Open WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices.
- Tap “Add Device” and scan the QR code with your secondary device.
- You’re all set! You can now use WhatsApp on both your main phone and linked device.
The missed call goes to your main mobile number, but once verified you can access your account from other devices. Just keep in mind the verification call will disconnect any existing sessions.
Can you get a verification missed call more than once?
If your initial verification missed call expires before you complete setup, you may request another missed call up to two more times. Here are the steps:
- If the verification call expires, tap “Call me” again in WhatsApp.
- A new missed call will be sent to your number.
- You can request up to 2 more missed calls within 24 hours if needed.
- If you still haven’t verified successfully by then, you’ll have to wait 24 hours before requesting another missed call.
To prevent abuse, WhatsApp limits missed call verifications to 3 attempts per number in 24 hours. This still gives you flexibility if you happen to miss the call.
Can you request a WhatsApp verification call from desktop?
Unfortunately, you cannot currently request a WhatsApp verification missed call from the desktop app or web browser. The “Call Me” button only appears in the mobile apps for iOS and Android.
This limitation exists because the WhatsApp desktop app does not have a connection to your mobile carrier to place the call. The call has to originate from WhatsApp’s mobile apps which are tied directly to your phone number.
However, once you have verified your account on mobile, you can activate WhatsApp on desktop by scanning the QR code. So you can use WhatsApp on desktop as long as you complete the initial verification on your phone.
Troubleshooting tips for missed call verification
If you’re having trouble with the missed call verification, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Make sure your phone has cellular reception and try requesting the call again.
- Check that your phone number matches what you entered in WhatsApp.
- Open your phone’s call history to confirm you received a call from WhatsApp.
- Ensure your phone is not on Do Not Disturb mode which could block the call.
- Manually check for any pending updates to the WhatsApp app.
- Force quit and relaunch the WhatsApp app to refresh the connection.
- Try toggling Airplane mode on and off to get a new mobile network connection.
Following these tips should help get missed call verification working properly again in most cases. Be sure to also check WhatsApp’s help site for any known issues.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s missed call verification provides a simple and secure way to activate your account without the hassle of SMS codes. It works by briefly calling your number in the background and detecting the call was missed. This automates confirmation of your phone number with your mobile carrier.
While limited solely to mobile numbers, missed call verification is fast, private, and works internationally. Combined with WhatsApp’s multi-device support, it makes the platform easily accessible. Follow the steps above to get set up with this convenient feature and stay connected through WhatsApp wherever you are.