If you are not receiving the SMS code from WhatsApp when trying to verify your phone number, there are a few potential reasons why this might be happening.
Your Phone Number is Not Correctly Registered
The most common reason for not receiving the SMS code is that WhatsApp does not have your correct phone number registered. When you first set up WhatsApp, you enter your phone number which WhatsApp then verifies by sending an SMS code to that number. If the number you entered is inaccurate or formatted incorrectly, you will not receive the verification code.
To fix this:
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Account > Verify phone number.
- Make sure your full phone number is entered correctly, including the country code.
- Use the international format, e.g. +1xxxxxxxxxx for a US number.
- If your number contains an extension, omit this. WhatsApp does not recognize extensions.
- Tap the “Via SMS” button to have the verification code resent to your number.
You should now receive the SMS code as long as the phone number is properly formatted.
You Have the Wrong SIM Card Installed
Another possibility is that your phone has the incorrect SIM card installed for the number you registered. WhatsApp sends the SMS code to the phone number associated with the SIM card in your device at the time of registration.
If you have changed your SIM card since registering your account, you will stop receiving SMS codes on that device. The verification code is instead sent to the new phone number associated with your old SIM.
To fix this, either:
- Put your original SIM card back in the phone.
- Connect to WhatsApp on a different phone which has your original SIM card.
- Change your registered WhatsApp number to match your new SIM card.
You Have SMS Blocking Active
Some users activate SMS blocking options which prevent automated verification messages from reaching your device. This includes blocking all texts from short codes or unknown senders.
Since the WhatsApp verification code comes from an automated short code number, your blocking settings may be preventing it from being delivered.
To fix this:
- Check your phone’s SMS filter/block settings and turn off any options related to blocking short codes or unknown numbers.
- Try disabling spam filters temporarily to see if that allows the SMS code through.
- Add the WhatsApp short code to your contacts whitelist so it is not blocked.
You Have a Poor Cell Signal
In order to receive SMS messages, you need to have an active cellular connection with decent signal strength. If you are in an area with poor network coverage, you may not get the WhatsApp verification code sent to your device.
To fix this:
- Move to an area with better signal such as outdoors or nearer to a window.
- Temporarily enable Wi-Fi calling or network extenders to boost signal.
- Switch cellular networks if available (e.g. use T-Mobile instead of AT&T).
- Wait until you are in an area with better reception.
Your Phone’s SMS Storage is Full
Most cell phones can only store a limited number of text messages in its internal storage. If your SMS inbox is completely full, new incoming messages cannot be delivered.
To fix this:
- Open your phone’s SMS app and delete old/unwanted conversations.
- Most phones let you mass delete messages to free up space.
- Try clearing the app cache and data which may free up additional space.
Once there is room in your storage, SMS messages can be delivered again including the WhatsApp code.
You Need to Request a New Code
Each SMS verification code from WhatsApp is only valid for a short period of time. If too much time passes before you enter the code, it will expire and no longer work.
If you encounter an expired code, the solution is simple. Just request a brand new code from WhatsApp:
- In WhatsApp, go back to the verify screen.
- Tap the “Didn’t receive code?” link.
- Choose to have the code resent via SMS.
- WhatsApp will send a new text with a fresh code.
Be sure to enter this new code into WhatsApp within a few minutes before it also expires.
You Need to Contact Your Carrier
In rare cases, there may be an issue with your cell provider blocking the WhatsApp verification code SMS. This can happen if there are problems with the short code number that WhatsApp uses.
If you’ve tried all other troubleshooting steps and still cannot get the code, contact your cell phone carrier such as Verizon or AT&T. Explain the situation and have them look into why the WhatsApp SMS is not coming through.
The carrier can resolve any short code blocking on their end and request that the messages be retransmitted to your device.
Your Phone Number is Banned by WhatsApp
In extreme cases, your phone number may be banned by WhatsApp entirely. This can occur if your number has been reported for spam or illegal usage.
A banned number will be unable to receive SMS codes from WhatsApp. You will have to acquire a new phone number that is not banned in order to use WhatsApp again.
Conclusion
Not receiving SMS verification codes from WhatsApp is a frustrating problem, but the cause is usually one of the issues above. Double check your phone number formatting, change SIM cards if needed, adjust SMS blocking settings, move to an area with better signal, and clear out your message storage. If the code still doesn’t come through, request a fresh one from WhatsApp. For persistent issues, you may need help from your cell carrier or a new phone number not banned by WhatsApp.
| Reason | Solution |
|---|---|
| Incorrect phone number | Verify number format and resend code |
| Wrong SIM card | Put original SIM back in phone |
| SMS blocking | Disable blocking settings |
| Poor signal | Move to area with better reception |
| Full message storage | Delete old messages to free up space |
| Expired code | Request new SMS code from WhatsApp |
| Carrier blocking | Contact carrier to resolve issue |
| Banned number | Acquire new phone number |
Related Questions
Why is my WhatsApp verification SMS delayed?
Delayed or late verification codes are usually due to wireless network congestion. During times of heavy traffic, SMS delivery may be slowed down. Try requesting the code again when networks are less busy. Make sure you have good signal. Switching cellular networks can also help if one carrier is overloaded.
What do I do if someone else has my WhatsApp number?
If someone else has registered your phone number on WhatsApp, contact WhatsApp support to recover the account. Provide proof you own the number like a photo of your SIM card. WhatsApp should be able to ban the other account and let you register your number again. You may need to get a new SIM card issued as well.
Why does WhatsApp need to verify my number?
WhatsApp verifies numbers to ensure each account is unique and prevent duplicate accounts using the same number. This helps maintain the integrity of the messaging system and reduces spam/abuse. Linking accounts to real phone numbers that can be verified helps confirm legitimate users.
Can I use WhatsApp without verifying my number?
You cannot fully use WhatsApp without verifying your phone number. The verification is required during registration. Without it, you cannot access your contacts or messages. Some third-party apps claim to bypass verification but violate WhatsApp’s terms and often do not work reliably.
I keep getting SMS codes from WhatsApp, why?
Getting repeated WhatsApp verification codes is generally caused by another device attempting to register your number. This could be a glitch, but may also indicate your phone number is compromised. Reset your password and enable two-factor authentication for extra security.
How do I recover my WhatsApp account if I lost my number?
If you no longer have access to the phone number associated with your WhatsApp account, you unfortunately cannot recover the account. You will need to register a new account using your new phone number. Your chat history cannot be transferred.