WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users. When you first set up WhatsApp on a new device, you need to verify your phone number via a 6-digit verification code sent to you via SMS or phone call. This verification code allows WhatsApp to confirm your phone number and activate your account on the new device. But how long is this WhatsApp verification code valid for before it expires? Let’s take a closer look.
The WhatsApp Verification Code Explained
The WhatsApp verification code is a 6-digit numerical code that is randomly generated when you register for a new WhatsApp account or when you re-verify your phone number on WhatsApp. This code is sent via SMS or automated phone call to the phone number you provided. Once you receive it, you need to enter this code into WhatsApp within a certain timeframe to activate your account.
This verification code adds an extra layer of security to your WhatsApp account and ensures that your phone number is legitimate. It prevents others from verifying and using your number without your consent. The code basically proves you own or have access to the phone number.
Validity Period of the WhatsApp Verification Code
The WhatsApp verification code is valid for 24 hours from the time it is generated and sent to your phone number. This means you have a 24 hour window to enter the correct verification code into WhatsApp and verify your account before the code expires.
Once 24 hours have elapsed, the old verification code expires and is no longer valid. If you haven’t verified your number within 24 hours, you will have to request a new verification code from WhatsApp to reactivate your account. WhatsApp will send a new 6-digit code via SMS or call which will be valid for another 24 hours.
Why 24 Hours Validity Period?
There are a few key reasons why WhatsApp only keeps verification codes valid for 24 hours:
- Security – The 24 hour validity restricts the window of opportunity for others to misuse the code and verify your number without authorization.
- User Convenience – Most users are able to verify within 24 hours. And it’s easy to get a new code if needed after expiry.
- Reduced Valid Code Database – WhatsApp doesn’t have to store valid codes for very long periods.
What Happens When the Code Expires?
Here is what happens when the 24 hour time limit runs out on your WhatsApp verification code:
- The 6-digit verification code expires and is no longer valid.
- You will be unable to verify your phone number and activate your WhatsApp account.
- When trying to verify, WhatsApp will prompt you to request a new verification code.
- A new SMS or call will be sent containing a new 6-digit code that is valid for 24 hours.
- You need to input the new code within 24 hours to verify your number and access your account.
So in summary, you simply need to request a fresh code from WhatsApp by selecting the “Get a new code” option when your old code expires. The new code will let you reverify your number to gain access to your account.
When Does the WhatsApp Code Expire?
The 24 hour validity window starts as soon as the SMS or call containing the WhatsApp verification code is sent to your phone number. The expiry is based on when the code is generated and delivered.
For example:
- Code sent at 1PM on Monday – Expires at 1PM on Tuesday
- Code sent at 8:30AM on Wednesday – Expires at 8:30AM on Thursday
So even if you don’t see the code until hours later, the 24 hour clock starts ticking from the send time. This highlights the importance of promptly entering the code as soon as you receive it to maximize the validity period.
Does the Timer Reset If I Request a New Code?
No, the 24 hour timer does not reset or extend if you request a new WhatsApp verification code. For example:
- First code sent at 1PM Monday, expires 1PM Tuesday
- Second code requested at 5PM Monday, expires 5PM Tuesday
As you can see, each code is valid for 24 hours from the time it is generated. The timer does not reset based on when past codes were sent. So be sure to enter new codes promptly before they expire.
How Many Verification Codes Can I Request?
There is no explicit limit on how many verification codes you can request from WhatsApp. As long as you have an active phone number, you can request new 6-digit codes indefinitely until you successfully verify your account.
However, take note that WhatsApp may block or ban your number if it detects suspicious behavior such as requesting an abnormally high number of codes. The block is usually temporary though.
To avoid issues, be sure to enter codes carefully and accurately within the 24 hour validity period. Only request a new code when you genuinely need to reverify your number or activate your account.
Can I Extend the Validity Period of a Code?
Unfortunately, there is no way to directly extend the validity period once a WhatsApp verification code has been sent. The code will definitely expire 24 hours after being issued.
If you need more time to enter your code, you will have to request a new 6-digit code which will start a fresh 24 hour timer. Make sure to enter the new code within the new validity period.
On Android, you may be able to restore an expired SMS verification code using SMS backup apps to gain a little more time. But this does not work indefinitely as old codes are eventually deleted.
Tips to Avoid Expiring Codes
Here are some tips to make sure you verify within the 24 hour WhatsApp code validity window:
- Request the verification code only when ready to verify your number
- If using SMS verification, keep your phone handy to receive the code SMS
- For call verification, be prepared to take the call and note down code
- Enter the code into WhatsApp immediately after receiving it
- Double check the entered code carefully before hitting verify
- If you miss the code, request a new one promptly
Verifying Without Needing New Codes
If you are struggling to enter the SMS or call verification code in time before expiry, there are a couple of alternative options to verify your number without needing a new code:
- SMS Retriever API – Automatically copies one-time codes like WhatsApp’s to your clipboard to easily paste into the app.
- WhatsApp Web/Desktop – Sync your phone to link the account and verify.
These methods allow you to verify your WhatsApp account without the need to receive and manually enter another verification code, provided you have already received at least one code on your phone number previously.
How to Recover Your Account After Losing Codes
If you are unable to activate your WhatsApp account because you have lost access to verification codes sent to your number, WhatsApp provides a few account recovery options:
- Request account info via registered email if enabled
- Upload an ID document to verify ownership of the number
- Receive a call from WhatsApp support to confirm identity
Through these methods, you can regain access to your WhatsApp account even if you can no longer receive or use verification codes. But next time, be sure to enter codes before they expire!
Conclusion
In summary, WhatsApp’s verification codes used when activating new accounts on devices have a limited validity of 24 hours. The timer starts as soon as the automated SMS or call containing the code is sent by WhatsApp. You need to promptly enter the 6-digit code within this 24 hour timeframe to successfully verify your phone number and access your account. If the code expires before you use it, you’ll have to request a new one to reverify your number. Following the tips above and entering codes quickly can help avoid the hassle of dealing with expired codes.