When you try to message someone on WhatsApp and get an error saying “This phone number is not registered on WhatsApp”, it can be frustrating and confusing. There are a few potential reasons why you might see this error message.
The person you’re trying to reach doesn’t have WhatsApp
The most straightforward explanation is that the person simply doesn’t have WhatsApp installed on their phone and set up with their phone number. WhatsApp requires a valid mobile phone number to create an account. So if the recipient hasn’t downloaded the app and registered with their number, you won’t be able to connect with them on WhatsApp.
Before concluding the person doesn’t use WhatsApp, double check that you have the correct current phone number entered for them. It’s possible your contact information could be outdated if they changed their number recently. But if you’re positive it’s the right number, they likely just haven’t signed up for WhatsApp.
Their phone number is not eligible for WhatsApp
WhatsApp only works with mobile phone numbers and cannot be accessed with landline numbers. So if the number you entered is a landline, that could explain the error message. You’ll need to obtain the person’s mobile number to connect with them on WhatsApp.
Additionally, WhatsApp only works with phone numbers that are within a country that supports WhatsApp. If the recipient has a number that’s associated with a region where the app is restricted or unavailable, you won’t be able to message them.
Their account is banned or deleted
If someone was banned from WhatsApp for violating the terms of service, their account will be unusable. Trying to message a banned account will produce the “not registered on WhatsApp” error. Accounts can be banned for reasons like spamming others or using unauthorized third-party apps.
It’s also possible the person you’re trying to reach voluntarily deleted their WhatsApp account. This makes the number inaccessible again until they choose to re-register.
Their account lacks an internet connection
WhatsApp requires an active internet connection to send and receive messages. If the person you’re contacting doesn’t have a cellular data or WiFi connection at the moment, communication failures can occur.
Poor connectivity could temporarily cause the “not registered on WhatsApp” error. Once they regain a stable connection, messaging should work normally again. But an ongoing lack of internet access will prevent WhatsApp usage.
Their phone number changed
Sometimes people change or switch phone numbers as their circumstances evolve. If your WhatsApp contact recently got a new number, messages sent to their old number will fail with the number not registered error.
You’ll have to get their updated contact information from the person directly or a mutual connection to continue chatting on WhatsApp.
Their account is temporarily banned
WhatsApp may impose a temporary ban on accounts engaged in suspicious behavior such as:
- Sending bulk or automated messages
- Violating terms of service
- Creating multiple accounts with the same number
- Creating an account with an unauthorized number
This restriction is meant to be short-term while any issues get resolved. Messaging a temporarily banned account will produce the “not registered on WhatsApp” error. Functionality should restore after the timeout period ends.
Their phone number is inactive
Cell phone carriers deactivate numbers that are not in use after a certain time period. Trying to message an inactive number will fail with the not registered error message.
The recipient will need to reactivate their number with their carrier before they can use WhatsApp again with that number.
Their account is locked
WhatsApp automatically locks accounts after multiple invalid verification code attempt when signing up. This prevents unauthorized people from accessing the account. A locked account will show as not registered.
The legitimate account owner will need to unlock the account through automated prompts or contacting WhatsApp support to regain access.
Their security settings block you
WhatsApp users can block specific contacts or enable privacy restrictions that limit messages from unknown accounts. If the person you’re trying to reach has blocked your number or enabled account security to block non-contacts, messaging them will fail.
You won’t receive any notification that you’ve been blocked. The message will simply fail to send and produce the not registered error.
Troubleshooting steps
If you encounter the “This phone number is not registered on WhatsApp” error, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take:
- Double check you entered the correct phone number for your contact
- Verify the number is a mobile number and not a landline number
- Check if the person lives in a country supported by WhatsApp
- Ask the contact directly if they use WhatsApp and have that number
- Find out if the person previously used WhatsApp and may have deleted their account
- Try contacting the person later in case of temporary connection issues
- Ask mutual connections if the person changed phone numbers recently
If the issue persists after verifying the above, they likely do not have an active WhatsApp account associated with that phone number. You’ll have to communicate with them through another messaging platform or get their WhatsApp account information if they decide to join.
Preventing the “not registered on WhatsApp” error
While there’s no surefire way to avoid receiving the “not registered on WhatsApp” error when messaging contacts, there are some preventive habits that can help:
- Regularly confirm contacts’ preferred communication platform
- Ask contacts to inform you if they switch phone numbers
- Clarify whether connections have active WhatsApp accounts
- Save contacts’ phone numbers with international country codes
- Avoid trying to WhatsApp message landline numbers
Staying updated on the best way to reach your connections makes it less likely you’ll waste time trying to WhatsApp someone that doesn’t use it. Proactively communicating also reduces the chances of messaging a wrong or outdated number.
Conclusion
The “This phone number is not registered on WhatsApp” error when trying to message a contact can be annoying and confusing. But in most cases, it simply indicates the person you’re trying to reach doesn’t have an active WhatsApp account set up with that phone number.
Checking for typos in the entered number, verifying the recipient’s country is supported by WhatsApp, and confirming they haven’t deleted their account can help identify the root cause. Troubleshooting connectivity issues or finding updated contact information may also resolve the problem.
While you can’t always prevent this error from occurring, keeping contact details current and clarifying preferred communication methods helps avoid wasted messages to numbers not on WhatsApp. With patience and some detective work, you’ll hopefully be able to unravel the mystery behind why your message didn’t go through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I message someone who isn’t my WhatsApp contact?
No, WhatsApp requires both parties to have each other’s phone numbers saved in their contacts to start a new chat. If you try messaging someone who doesn’t have you saved as a contact, the app will block the message.
Does the “not registered on WhatsApp” error mean I’m blocked?
Not necessarily. While blocking someone would make them appear not registered in the app, there are many other potential reasons for this error message besides being blocked. Don’t assume you’ve been blocked unless you have strong evidence supporting it.
Can I verify if someone has WhatsApp without messaging them?
There’s no definitive way to check if someone uses WhatsApp without sending them a message. That results in the not registered error if they don’t have an account. Your best option is to directly ask the person if they actively use WhatsApp.
What happens if I message an inactive number on WhatsApp?
Trying to message an inactive phone number on WhatsApp will fail with the standard “not registered on WhatsApp” error message. The number can’t be reached until it is reactivated with the wireless carrier.
How long do I have to wait to message a number after it wasn’t registered on WhatsApp?
There is no certain waiting period that will resolve the not registered error. You need to identify why that error is occurring for that number and address the underlying cause. This may involve troubleshooting or contacting the recipient directly to confirm whether they use WhatsApp.
Key Takeaways
- Common reasons for the “not registered on WhatsApp” error include the recipient not having WhatsApp, account bans, deactivated numbers, and blocking.
- Double check you entered the right number and that the recipient’s country supports WhatsApp to start troubleshooting.
- You cannot message WhatsApp users who don’t have you saved in their contacts list.
- Verify someone’s preferred communication methods instead of assuming they use WhatsApp.
- There is no definite waiting period that will resolve the error if the underlying issue is not addressed.