WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging platforms in the world, with over 2 billion active users. A key feature of WhatsApp is the ability to verify your phone number, which links your account and chat history to your specific mobile device. However, many users encounter problems when trying to verify their numbers on WhatsApp. There are a few common reasons why you may be unable to verify your number on WhatsApp.
Your Number is Registered to Another Account
One of the most common reasons for being unable to verify your number is that it is already registered to another WhatsApp account. WhatsApp only allows one account per phone number, so if your number is already tied to another account, you will not be able to verify it again. This usually happens when you get a new phone number that was previously used by someone else on WhatsApp. The app detects that your number is taken and will not let you verify it again. To fix this, you will need to deregister the number from the previous account.
How to Fix
If you no longer have access to the account your number is registered to, contact WhatsApp support through the app or website and request deregistration. You will need to provide proof that you are the legitimate owner of the phone number. Once deregistered, you can attempt to verify your number again on your new account.
You Entered the Wrong Number
Another simple mistake that can prevent number verification is entering the wrong phone number by accident. Even a small typo or wrong digit when entering your number during signup can cause issues during verification. WhatsApp’s verification codes are tied directly to the specific mobile number you provide. If the number you entered is incorrect, the verification texts will not reach you.
How to Fix
If you suspect you entered your number incorrectly, open WhatsApp Settings > Account > Change Number. Enter your full, correct number here and tap Next. WhatsApp will send a confirmation code to your accurate number which you can use to verify your account.
Your SIM Card Changed
If you recently switched mobile networks or changed your SIM card, this can sometimes cause verification issues on WhatsApp. Your app still recognizes your old SIM number, while your verification code is being sent to your new SIM number. This desync prevents you from receiving the verification text messages.
How to Fix
In this case, you simply need to update your number in WhatsApp’s settings. Go to Settings > Account > Change Number. Enter your new, correct SIM number here. WhatsApp will now send verification texts to your new SIM number, allowing you to verify normally.
You Have the Wrong Regional Code
International users sometimes encounter verification problems if they enter the wrong country or regional code. WhatsApp requires you to enter your full number, including the international code (e.g. +1 for USA or Canada) at the start. If you register with the wrong regional code, the verification texts will not match your actual number.
How to Fix
To fix this, you need to change your number in WhatsApp’s settings using the proper international code for your region. Go to Settings > Account > Change Number. Enter the full number, including the correct country code at the start. This ensures WhatsApp matches your number to the proper region.
Your Phone Has Dual SIM Support
On Android phones with dual SIM support, you may have issues if WhatsApp is trying to verify the wrong SIM number. For phones with two SIM cards, make sure WhatsApp is registered and set to verify with the primary SIM. If it’s tied to the secondary SIM instead, you will not receive the verification texts.
How to Fix
Go into your Android dual SIM settings and make sure the primary SIM is set as the mobile data/default number. Then go into WhatsApp > Settings > Account > Change Number. Enter the primary SIM number and tap Next to re-verify using the proper SIM card.
You Haveconnectivity Issues
Network connectivity problems or being in an area with poor signal can also prevent receiving WhatsApp’s verification texts. If you do not have strong mobile data or WiFi connectivity, the verification texts may not be delivered properly.
How to Fix
Try moving to an area with better network coverage or connect to stable WiFi in order to receive WhatsApp verification texts. You can also manually request another verification text from WhatsApp if you are not receiving them. This will resend the code when you have better connectivity.
Your Phone’s Clock is Inaccurate
WhatsApp’s verification codes expire after a short period of time. If your phone’s clock settings are incorrect, this can cause the verification texts to expire before you actually receive them. Any significant desync between your phone’s time and actual time will impact verification.
How to Fix
Go into your phone’s Date & Time settings and make sure automatic network time is enabled, or manually adjust time to match standard time in your timezone. Once your clock is corrected, request a new WhatsApp verification text which will now be in sync.
Your Phone Number is Blocked
In some cases, if your phone number has been flagged for violating WhatsApp’s terms of service, your number may be banned or blocked from the app. This blocks you from being able to verify your account normally. You will need to appeal the ban in order to use WhatsApp with that number again.
How to Fix
If your number is banned, open WhatsApp Settings > Account > Banned Accounts. Follow the instructions to submit an appeal requesting your number be unbanned. In the appeal, you will need to explain the situation and agree not to violate terms of service again. After a review, WhatsApp may lift the ban so you can verify normally.
You Have an Incompatible Phone
WhatsApp drops support for older operating systems and versions of Android/iOS over time. If you are using a very outdated smartphone model and outdated OS, it may no longer be compatible with verifying your number. You will need a phone with a supported OS to verify your number.
How to Fix
Check WhatsApp’s help site to see the minimum OS version needed for your Android or iPhone. If your phone is too outdated to meet requirements, you will need to upgrade your device to a newer model with a supported operating system in order to verify your number.
Your Phone Lacks VoLTE Support
To complete verification on WhatsApp, VoLTE (Voice over LTE) support is required on your smartphone model. VoLTE allows simultaneous calling and data use, enabling you to receive calls/texts while using mobile data. If your device lacks VoLTE capabilities, you may be unable to obtain verification texts.
How to Fix
First, check if your phone actually supports VoLTE but just needs it enabled, which is required for verification. If your phone completely lacks VoLTE support, you will need to upgrade to a newer device that has VoLTE capabilities in order to verify your WhatsApp account.
You Have Restricted Notifications
If you have disabled notifications for WhatsApp entirely, turned off background data usage, or restricted its permissions, this can block you from receiving the SMS verification texts. WhatsApp needs to be allowed to send notifications through background data.
How to Fix
Go into your phone’s app settings and make sure WhatsApp has permissions enabled to send notifications and use background data. On Android, enable “Allow Notifications” and “Background Data.” On iPhone, enable “Notifications” and “Background App Refresh.” This will allow verification texts to come through.
Your Phone’s Default Messaging App Changed
On Android, if your default SMS/messaging app got changed from your phone’s default, this can prevent WhatsApp from delivering verification texts properly. The texts may not be visible outside the default messenger app.
How to Fix
Go into your Android settings > Apps > Default Apps > SMS App. Make sure your phone’s default messaging app is selected here, rather than a 3rd party app. This will allow WhatsApp verification codes to be received normally.
You Have an Invalid Number Format
WhatsApp requires numbers to be entered in a valid phone number format. If you accidentally entered your number in a wrong or non-standard format, it may fail verification. Make sure to follow the proper country code + local number format.
How to Fix
Re-enter your full phone number in Settings > Account > Change Number, following the valid format of [country code][area code][local number]. For example, a valid US number would be: +1 555 555 5555. This will validate your number for verification.
Your Service Provider Blocked WhatsApp
In some countries, certain mobile carriers or service providers block WhatsApp usage and messaging capabilities. This prevents verification texts from being received. You will need to switch to a provider that allows WhatsApp.
How to Fix
Contact your mobile carrier to ask if they restrict WhatsApp or SMS verification messages. Switch to a network provider that fully supports WhatsApp and its verification process. Once on an allowed network, you can complete number verification.
Conclusion
Being unable to verify your number on WhatsApp can be frustrating, but the issue typically boils down to one of these common causes. In most cases, the fixes involve adjusting your WhatsApp number, checking network connections, enabling proper permissions/notifications, or updating incompatible devices. If you continue having trouble verifying after trying these steps, contact WhatsApp support for additional help getting your account resolved.