What is WhatsApp Verification?
WhatsApp uses verification codes as part of its registration process to confirm a user’s phone number. When you first install WhatsApp on your iPhone and attempt to create a new account, WhatsApp will send a 6-digit verification code to your phone number via SMS. You need to enter this code in the WhatsApp app to verify ownership of your number.
Verification codes are also used when adding an existing WhatsApp account to a new device. If you are trying to use your WhatsApp account on a new iPhone, you will be prompted to enter the 6-digit verification code sent to your number via SMS. This confirms you are the rightful owner of the account.
Why Am I Not Getting the WhatsApp Verification Code on iPhone?
There are a few common reasons why you may not be receiving the WhatsApp verification code on your iPhone:
Incorrect or Unverified Phone Number
The most obvious reason is that you have entered the wrong phone number when setting up your WhatsApp account. Triple check that the phone number you entered is correct and belongs to your iPhone.
WhatsApp can only send the verification code to a phone number that is active and can receive SMS/texts. Make sure the phone number you are using with WhatsApp is verified and fully set up on your iPhone.
Poor Cellular Reception
Your iPhone needs adequate cellular reception in order to receive the SMS containing the WhatsApp verification code. Check that your iPhone has at least 3G, 4G or Wi-Fi connectivity in the location you are setting up WhatsApp. Move closer to a window or outside if you are struggling to get signal.
Restarting your iPhone can also help refresh the cellular connection. Toggle on and off Airplane mode to force your iPhone to re-establish signal. This may get the SMS to come through.
Waiting Too Long
WhatsApp verification codes expire after a few minutes. If you leave your iPhone sitting for too long after requesting the verification code, it may no longer work when you enter it. Restart the verification process and be ready to enter the latest 6-digit code as soon as it arrives.
Phone Number Change or Porting Issue
If you recently changed your phone number or ported it to a new carrier, there can be delays receiving SMS messages. This impacts receiving WhatsApp verification codes. Allow up to 24 hours for your number change or port to fully finalize across all systems.
Wrong Country Code
When entering your phone number in WhatsApp, make sure to use the correct country code. For example, US numbers should be entered with +1 at the start. Entering the wrong country code will result in the verification code being sent to the wrong number.
Do Not Disturb Enabled
If Do Not Disturb is enabled on your iPhone, you will not receive new SMS notifications, including for WhatsApp codes. Head into Settings > Do Not Disturb and make sure receiving messages is allowed. Turn Do Not Disturb off entirely if issues persist.
Expired SIM Card
Your SIM card has an expiration date set by your mobile carrier. In some instances, an expired or deactivated SIM may no longer be able to send or receive SMS messages, preventing you getting the WhatsApp verification code. Contact your carrier for a new SIM.
SIM Card Not Inserted
There must be an active SIM card inserted in your iPhone to receive the SMS containing the WhatsApp verification code. Make sure your SIM card is correctly inserted and that your iPhone recognizes it under Settings > Cellular.
Wrong Date & Time
An incorrect date and time setting on your iPhone can interfere with SMS delivery. Check that the date and time are correct under iPhone Settings. Enable “Set Automatically” if the option is available.
Out of Storage Space
If your iPhone is completely out of storage space, it may fail to deliver certain messages like SMS text verifications. Clear up storage space by offloading unused apps and files. The verification code should come through once adequate storage is available.
Blocked Contacts
If you have the WhatsApp SMS short code blocked in your iPhone Contacts or in your cellular account, you will not receive verification codes. Unblock the WhatsApp number and retry registering your account.
How to Fix Not Receiving WhatsApp Verification Code on iPhone
Here are some step-by-step troubleshooting tips if you are not getting the WhatsApp verification code on iPhone:
1. Check for Signal Issues
Open the Phone app and make sure your iPhone has adequate cellular signal by checking the bars in the top left. Move closer to a window and toggle Airplane mode on and off to refresh the connection.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi or Use Cellular Data
Having a Wi-Fi or cellular data connection can help if SMS messaging is limited. Turn on Wi-Fi or Cellular Data under Settings then retry getting a new WhatsApp verification code.
3. Update to Latest iOS Version
Outdated system software can cause SMS messaging problems. Install the latest iOS updates under Settings > General > Software Update. Restart your iPhone after updating.
4. Turn Off Do Not Disturb
Disable Do Not Disturb under Settings > Do Not Disturb. Make sure receiving messages is allowed if the feature is enabled.
5. Update WhatsApp
An outdated version of WhatsApp may be unable to request verification codes properly. Update WhatsApp to the latest version from the App Store.
6. Turn iPhone Off and On Again
Restart your iPhone by holding the Power and Home buttons together until you see the Apple logo. Restarting can resolve temporary connection issues.
7. Remove and Reinsert SIM Card
Eject the SIM card tray and remove your SIM card. Check for damage or dust, then reinsert the SIM card properly into the iPhone. Restart and check for new verification codes.
8. Use Cellular Data Instead of Wi-Fi
Sometimes using cellular data instead of Wi-Fi allows messages to go through. Turn on Cellular Data and turn off Wi-Fi, then restart your iPhone. Request a new WhatsApp verification code.
9. Contact Your Mobile Carrier
Get in touch with your mobile carrier’s support team if you continue having SMS issues. They can check your account and ensure your SIM card is activated for delivering messages.
10. Reset Network Settings
Resetting all network settings on your iPhone may get SMS working again. Go to Settings > General > Reset and choose Reset Network Settings. This will not erase data.
Getting a WhatsApp Verification Code Via Call
If you cannot get the SMS verification code to work, WhatsApp also offers making a verification call instead. This automated call will read the 6-digit code out loud.
To get the verification code read via call:
iOS
1. Tap Call Me Instead when you do not receive the SMS code.
2. WhatsApp will place an automated call to your phone number.
3. An automated voice message will read the 6-digit code out loud.
4. Enter the code into WhatsApp to verify your number.
Android
1. Tap CALL ME to have WhatsApp call your phone.
2. Answer the call and listen to the 6-digit code read out loud.
3. Enter the code into the app and tap SUBMIT to verify.
This can help verify your number if you are having issues receiving the verification code SMS. Make sure to request the call as soon as you request the verification code for it to work.
Conclusion
Not getting a WhatsApp verification code on your iPhone can usually be resolved by checking for connection issues, updating software, removing SIM restrictions, or requesting the code via call instead of SMS. Ensure your iPhone has adequate signal and cellular settings are configured properly. Get in touch with your carrier if connection issues persist. With the right troubleshooting steps, you should be able to successfully verify your phone number with WhatsApp.