Verifying codes on WhatsApp is a way to enable certain features or access your account on a new device. When you receive a verification code on WhatsApp, it means WhatsApp is asking you to confirm your identity in order to proceed with an action like registering your phone number, changing settings, or logging in on a new device.
By entering the correct verification code, you prove to WhatsApp that you own the phone number or account associated with that code. This prevents unauthorized access and helps keep your account secure. Verification codes on WhatsApp typically consist of a 6-digit number sent via SMS or an automated call.
Here are some common scenarios when you may need to verify a code on WhatsApp and what happens when you do:
Registering Your Phone Number
When you first install WhatsApp and attempt to create an account, you will be prompted to enter your phone number. WhatsApp will then send a 6-digit verification code to that number via SMS or phone call. By entering this code correctly, you verify ownership of your phone number with WhatsApp.
Once verified, your phone number will be registered with your WhatsApp account. This allows you to access your account on that device and use WhatsApp normally. Your contacts who also have WhatsApp will be notified that you are now active on it.
Changing Important Account Info
If you attempt to change sensitive information for your WhatsApp account, such as your phone number, profile name, or profile photo, you will first need to verify your identity. WhatsApp will send a verification code to confirm it’s really you making the changes.
By correctly entering the latest 6-digit verification code sent to your phone, you confirm your identity and allow the account changes to process. This prevents unauthorized changes to your profile.
Logging In On a New Device
When accessing your WhatsApp account on a new device for the first time, you will be prompted to verify your phone number via a 6-digit code. By entering the verification code, you prove you own the phone number associated with the account.
This allows you to log in and access your existing WhatsApp conversations, contacts, and info on the new device. It prevents others from logging into your account on other devices without your knowledge.
Enabling Two-Step Verification
For extra security, you can enable two-step verification on your WhatsApp account. When enabled, you will need to enter a 6-digit PIN along with the regular verification code to register your number or log in on a new device.
The PIN acts as a second layer of verification. Enabling two-step verification requires verifying a code initially. Once enabled, you will need to enter both the 6-digit verification code and your custom PIN to access your WhatsApp account going forward.
What Happens When You Enter the Code
When you receive a WhatsApp verification code and correctly enter it, one of several things can happen depending on the context:
Your Phone Number is Registered
If you are new to WhatsApp and verifying your number for the first time, entering the correct 6-digit verification code registers your phone number to your account. Your contacts are notified and you can start using WhatsApp.
Account Changes Are Applied
If you request changes to your account like your name, photo, or number, verifying a code confirms your identity and allows the changes to take effect.
Login is Approved on New Device
By verifying your number when logging into a new device, you approve access to your existing WhatsApp account and data on that device.
Two-Step Verification is Enabled
Entering a verification code when prompted allows you to enable two-step verification on your account for extra security going forward.
Session is Extended
If your WhatsApp session is about to expire on your device, verifying your number can extend your session and keep you logged in.
Account is Unblocked
If your account was blocked for suspicious activity, verifying your number may unblock access to your account after a certain period.
Why WhatsApp Uses Verification Codes
WhatsApp has several important reasons for requiring verification codes during the processes outlined above:
Security
Verification codes help ensure only the phone number owner can access the associated WhatsApp account. This prevents unauthorized logins or changes.
Prevent Spam/Abuse
Verification makes it harder for spam accounts to be created and used on WhatsApp. This helps keep conversations secure.
Reliable Identification
Codes verify that a phone number matches a specific WhatsApp account. This allows reliable user identification.
Data Protection
Requiring verification protects personal user data saved in WhatsApp from being accessed by others.
Compliance
Verification codes allow WhatsApp to comply with regulations related to data privacy and security.
| Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| Security | Codes prevent unauthorized account access |
| Prevent Spam/Abuse | Verification makes it harder for spam accounts |
| Reliable Identification | Confirms a number matches an account |
| Data Protection | Verifying protects personal user data |
| Compliance | Allows WhatsApp to comply with regulations |
What To Do If You Don’t Receive the Code
In most cases, the WhatsApp verification code is sent immediately after requesting it. But sometimes issues can prevent you from receiving the code:
Check Your Network Connection
Make sure you have an active internet connection on your device. You’ll need a connection to receive the SMS or call with the code.
Verify the Correct Number
Double check you are requesting the code to be sent to the correct phone number associated with your account.
Contact Your Phone Carrier
There may be an issue with your phone carrier blocking the SMS or call. Contact them to resolve any delivery failures.
Wait a Few Minutes
Network delays could simply cause a brief delay in receiving the SMS or call with the code. Wait a few minutes.
Restart Your Phone
Sometimes restarting your device can resolve any glitches preventing you from receiving texts or calls properly.
Update Your WhatsApp App
Make sure you’re running the latest version of WhatsApp. An outdated version could cause issues with verification.
Request a New Code
You can request WhatsApp to send a new verification code if needed. There is a limit to how many new codes can be requested.
Contact WhatsApp Support
If you’ve tried the other troubleshooting tips and still cannot receive a verification code, you will need to reach out to WhatsApp directly for help resolving the issue.
Risks of Verifying Unknown Codes
While WhatsApp codes help verify your identity and secure your account, there are risks associated with blindly verifying codes from unknown sources:
Phishing Attacks
Scammers may attempt to trick you into verifying a code they send in order to hijack your account. Only verify codes you have explicitly requested from WhatsApp.
SIM Swapping
Criminals could potentially steal your phone number by transferring it to a new SIM card, then verify it to steal your WhatsApp account.
Accidental Authentication
Verifying an unexpected code could allow access or changes to your account without your consent if you authenticate thinking the code was from WhatsApp.
Spam Messages
Some spam messages pretend to be from WhatsApp asking you to verify a code. This is a scam designed to steal your personal information.
Violating WhatsApp Policies
Verifying codes from unauthorized third-party apps can violate WhatsApp policies and result in your account being banned.
Best Practices When Verifying
To safely verify WhatsApp codes, follow these best practices:
Only Verify Expected Codes
If you aren’t expecting a code, don’t verify it. Only verify codes you have explicitly requested from WhatsApp yourself.
Use Two-Step Verification
Enable two-step verification for extra account security. This requires both a 6-digit code and your custom PIN.
Don’t Click Code Request Links
Ignore any links claiming to be from WhatsApp asking you to request a verification code. These links are scams.
Watch Out For Typosquatting
Fake websites like “whatzapp.com” purposefully contain typos to trick you into thinking they are legitimate WhatsApp domains for code verification.
Don’t Give Away Codes
Never share or give away a WhatsApp verification code sent to your phone number to anyone else. These codes are private and for your eyes only.
| Best Practice | Details |
|---|---|
| Only Verify Expected Codes | Don’t verify unexpected codes |
| Use Two-Step Verification | Requires a 6-digit code + PIN |
| Don’t Click Code Request Links | Ignore scam code request links |
| Watch Out For Typosquatting | Avoid fake “whatzapp.com” sites |
| Don’t Give Away Codes | Never share your private codes |
Conclusion
Verifying WhatsApp codes helps secure your account and enables important account functions. When you receive a code, enter it only after requesting it directly from WhatsApp yourself. Avoid verifying unexpected codes which could be phishing attempts or scams. Enable two-step verification for enhanced security requiring both a 6-digit verification code and your personal PIN each time. With proper precautions, verifying WhatsApp codes can help safeguard your account from unauthorized access.