If you received a notification that your WhatsApp account is being registered on another device, it likely means someone else is trying to access your account. There are a few potential reasons this could happen:
You logged into WhatsApp from a new device
The most common reason for getting this message is if you recently logged into your WhatsApp account on a new device. WhatsApp sends the “registered on another device” notification as a security measure to inform you that your account was accessed from an unrecognized device.
So if you recently got a new phone, tablet, or computer and signed into WhatsApp using your account, this message is normal and expected. It’s just WhatsApp’s way of letting you know your account was logged into elsewhere in case it wasn’t you who accessed it.
Someone is trying to hack your account
Unfortunately, sometimes this message means someone else is trying to access your WhatsApp account without your permission. If you did not recently register your account on a new device yourself, it’s possible someone else got ahold of your phone number and is trying to verify your account on their own device.
Hackers may try to take over WhatsApp accounts to access private conversations and contacts. Or they may try to use your account to spread malicious links or messages to your contacts in a phishing scam.
Ways your account could be compromised
There are a few common ways hackers can get access to your phone number and WhatsApp account:
- Guessing or brute forcing your SMS verification code
- SIM swapping your phone number to a new SIM card
- Malware or spyware on your device
- Phishing scams that trick you into giving out your phone number
- Third-party WhatsApp tools that require your phone number
Steps to secure your account
If you think someone may have unauthorized access to your WhatsApp account, here are some steps to secure it:
- Log out of Web/Desktop – Open WhatsApp on your phone > Settings > Linked Devices > Log Out of All Devices. This signs any hackers out.
- Change your password – Go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable. This adds extra password protection.
- Revoke account access – Head to WhatsApp > Settings > Account > Privacy and disable “Allow other apps to use your WhatsApp account.” This prevents third-party apps from accessing your account.
- Enable 2-step verification – Turn on two-step verification in Settings > Account > Two-step verification for an extra layer of security when logging in.
- Scan device for malware – Install antivirus software and scan your device to remove any potential spyware allowing others to access your account.
- Change associated phone number – If your phone number is compromised, change your number with your wireless carrier.
You recently changed devices or numbers
Another possibility is you may have recently changed your device or phone number associated with your WhatsApp account. For example:
- You got a new phone number from your wireless carrier.
- You switched from Android to iPhone or vice versa.
- You inserted a new SIM card into your current phone.
In these cases, when you re-register your account on WhatsApp using your new device or number, the “registered on another device” message can sometimes show up. This is because from WhatsApp’s perspective, your account is being accessed from a previously unknown device and number.
As long as you were the one who switched devices or numbers, this is nothing to worry about. But if you did not make any changes, it could mean your old number is compromised and linked to a new device.
Steps if you changed devices/numbers
If you intentionally switched devices or numbers and then received the registration message, follow these steps:
- Make sure you have the latest WhatsApp version installed.
- Log out of your account on your old device or number.
- Carefully reregister your account on your new device/number and verify it’s you accessing it.
- Set up two-step verification for added security.
Your phone was recently restored
Restoring your phone to factory settings or restoring it from a backup can also trigger the “registered on another device” notice in WhatsApp.
When you reset your phone, it deletes all the device-specific registration and security keys associated with your WhatsApp account. So when you enter your number again to re-register WhatsApp, it doesn’t recognize your device and sends the new registration alert.
As long as you’re the one who reset the phone and are simply reactivating your number on the same device, there is no threat. But if you did not reset your phone, it could mean:
- Someone else restored your phone in order to access your WhatsApp account.
- Your phone number was hacked and added to a new device after a reset.
Steps if you reset your phone
If you intentionally restored your device and then got the WhatsApp registration message, do the following:
- Reregister your number and account in WhatsApp.
- Use SMS/call verification to confirm it’s your device.
- Check your list of linked devices in Settings to confirm unauthorized devices are logged out.
- Add two-step verification for extra security on your account.
Your messaging settings changed
In some cases, simply updating your messaging settings in WhatsApp can prompt the registration message to show up.
For example, if you:
- Disable or re-enable WhatsApp’s SMS verification setting.
- Change your visibility settings to “Nobody” or back to “Everybody.”
- Toggle your Show Security Notifications on or off.
These types of changes reset your registration keys and make your device appear new to WhatsApp again. As a result, it sends the account registration notice even though you’re accessing it from your regular phone.
As long as you intentionally altered your own account settings, the message is nothing to be concerned about. But if you didn’t change these settings yourself, it could mean someone else is accessing your account and modifying settings without your knowledge.
Steps if you altered WhatsApp settings
If you made messaging changes in WhatsApp and then received the registration notice, follow these steps:
- Review your settings to check if any were modified without your knowledge.
- Carefully re-register WhatsApp on your device.
- Check linked devices to confirm unauthorized ones are logged out.
- Enable two-step verification for extra protection.
Your phone number was recycled
In rare cases, receiving the WhatsApp registration message could indicate your old phone number was recycled and given to someone else.
Wireless carriers will sometimes reassign inactive phone numbers to new customers after a certain time period. If this happens to your number, the new owner could install WhatsApp and register the recycled number, triggering the notice on your end.
This scenario is less likely but possible if:
- You haven’t used your phone number in many months.
- Your wireless account became inactive or was closed for nonpayment.
- You did not port your number to a new carrier.
If you suspect your old number may have been recycled, immediately contact your phone carrier to confirm. You’ll also need to reset your WhatsApp account with a new number to maintain security.
Steps if your number was recycled
Here are the steps to take if your phone number was potentially reassigned to someone else:
- Contact your wireless carrier to confirm the status of your old number.
- Secure your WhatsApp account by logging out of linked devices.
- Change to a new phone number with your carrier.
- Update your WhatsApp number to your new active number.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your account.
You have a cloned SIM card
In rare instances, receiving this WhatsApp message could mean you have been SIM swapped and your SIM card has been cloned.
SIM swapping is when scammers pose as you and get your phone carrier to port your number to a new SIM card that they control. They then install WhatsApp on a device using your cloned SIM to access your account.
This allows hackers to:
- Receive your WhatsApp verification codes.
- Intercept your incoming calls and messages.
- Reset your WhatsApp password.
- Access your private WhatsApp conversations, groups, and contacts.
If you did not request a new SIM from your carrier but suddenly cannot receive calls or messages, your SIM card may be cloned.
Steps if your SIM is cloned
Here are important steps if you think your SIM card has been swapped:
- Immediately contact your mobile carrier and report the fraudulent SIM swap.
- Have your carrier block the cloned SIM to prevent further access.
- Reset your WhatsApp password and enable two-factor authentication.
- File a police report about the unauthorized SIM swap.
Conclusion
Receiving a notice in WhatsApp that your account is being registered on another device usually just means you or someone you know logged into your account from a new phone, tablet, or computer.
However, it could also indicate your account was compromised and you should take steps to secure it. Enable two-factor authentication, change your password, check linked devices, and confirm unauthorized changes were not made.
With the right security precautions, you can safely dismiss the WhatsApp registration message if you know it was just from adding a new device. But be sure to investigate any unexpected notifications about your account being accessed from unrecognized devices.
| Reason | What it means | Steps to take |
|---|---|---|
| Logged in on new device | Normal if you added a new device | Verify it was you who logged in |
| Hacking attempt | Someone may be trying to access your account | Secure account, change password, enable 2FA |
| Changed device/number | Your number is registering on a new device | Confirm changes were made by you |
| Reset phone | Resetting makes your device appear new | Reregister number, check linked devices |
| Changed WhatsApp settings | Updating settings resets registration | Review settings changes |
| Number recycled | Your old number may be reassigned | Get new number, secure account |
| SIM swap | Your SIM card may be cloned | Report fraudulent SIM swap |