What are some common reasons for being locked out of WhatsApp?
There are a few main reasons why you may find yourself locked out of your WhatsApp account:
- You entered the wrong verification code too many times when registering your number with WhatsApp.
- Your phone number was banned by WhatsApp for violating their terms of service.
- Your phone number changed and you have not updated it in WhatsApp.
- You uninstalled and reinstalled WhatsApp without backing up your chat history.
- Your phone was stolen and the thief tried unsuccessfully logging into your WhatsApp.
Being locked out can be frustrating, but in most cases it can be easily resolved. The next few sections will provide more details on the various causes and solutions for regaining access to your account.
I entered the wrong verification code too many times
When you first install WhatsApp on your phone, it sends an SMS with a 6-digit verification code to confirm your number. You only get 5 chances to enter this code correctly before your access is temporarily blocked.
If you accidentally typed the wrong code 5 times, your account will be locked for a few hours. The exact waiting period depends on how long your number has been registered with WhatsApp:
| Account Age | Waiting Period |
|---|---|
| 0-6 months | 12 hours |
| 6-12 months | 1 week |
| 1-2 years | 2 weeks |
| 2+ years | 4 weeks |
The best thing to do is be patient and wait for the allotted time to pass. You should gain access to your account again automatically once the waiting period is over. Do not try guessing the code repeatedly as it may increase your waiting time.
If you don’t get back in after the waiting time is over, you can request a new verification code from WhatsApp through one of the following methods:
- Ask a friend to request a voice call from your WhatsApp number
- Message your number through WhatsApp’s “Message Yourself” feature
- Request a new code through WhatsApp’s registration email
This will send a new 6-digit code that you can enter correctly to regain access. Be careful when typing it!
My phone number was banned by WhatsApp
Having your phone number completely banned by WhatsApp is rare, but can happen if you violate their terms of service. Some of the reasons your account may get banned include:
- Sending spam frequently through WhatsApp
- Making illegal transactions through WhatsApp
- Using unauthorized 3rd party WhatsApp mods
- Automating WhatsApp activities using unauthorized bots or tools
- Spreading misinformation, hate speech, harassment, etc.
If you think you may have been banned for one of these reasons, here are some steps to resolve it:
- Try registering your number again after a few months have passed. Bans are often temporary.
- Appeal the ban through WhatsApp’s support team, explaining your situation.
- Use a new phone number on WhatsApp. Your old number will remain banned.
Avoid repeating any behaviors that led to your initial ban, or your new account can also get banned. Keep in mind WhatsApp bans are tied to your mobile number, not your specific device or SIM card.
My phone number changed
WhatsApp accounts are tied to your phone number. If you stop using your number, either by switching mobile networks or getting a new number, WhatsApp will no longer recognize your account.
To avoid getting locked out after changing your number, be sure to update your number within WhatsApp first:
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Account > Change Number
- Enter your old and new number
- Verify the change through an SMS code or call to your new number
This will migrate your account safely to the new phone number. All your chats and data will remain intact.
If you failed to change your number before switching, your account will be locked to your old number. You can regain access through the following steps:
- Install WhatsApp on your phone and enter your new number
- Request a 6 digit SMS code and verify your new number
- When prompted, register your account with your old number
- You will receive an SMS on your old number containing a 6 digit confirmation code
- Enter the confirmation code to migrate your account and data to your new number
This process links your new phone number to your existing WhatsApp account. Do not simply verify your new number as this will overwrite your account and history.
I uninstalled/reinstalled WhatsApp without backing up
Reinstalling WhatsApp without properly backing up will cause you to lose your chat history. If you also did not verify your number again, your account can become inaccessible.
To recover your account, you will need to verify your number through SMS again:
- When prompted, enter your phone number to send a 6 digit verification code
- Enter the SMS code to confirm your device
- You will get a notice saying your chat history is missing. Tap Restore to retrieve your backup.
- Select the most recent backup to restore your chat history and media.
If you do not have any existing backups, unfortunately your chat history is lost permanently. In the future, remember to regularly create backups to avoid this mistake.
WhatsApp provides multiple backup options:
- Google Drive backup – Auto backup to Google Drive storage
- Local storage backup – Manual backup to phone storage
- iCloud backup – Auto backup for iPhone users
Enabling any of these backups will help preserve your chats if you ever need to reinstall WhatsApp.
My phone was stolen
Having your phone lost or stolen can enable others to access your WhatsApp account. If the thief unsuccessfully tries to verify your number multiple times, it will trigger your account to be temporarily banned or locked as an anti-spam measure.
To regain access after your phone is stolen:
- Obtain a new SIM card with your number and install WhatsApp
- When prompted, register your number which will send an SMS
- Enter the 6 digit code and your account should unlock
- You can also request a SMS through WhatsApp’s email confirmation method
Be sure to immediately enable two-step verification once you’re back in to add extra security. You should also alert your contacts in case the thief messaged unknown people from your account.
If your device is still missing, report it to your local police and mobile carrier as soon as possible so they can blacklist the device and prevent further misuse.
Conclusion
Being unexpectedly locked out of WhatsApp can be inconvenient and frustrating. However, in most cases you can recover access once you identify the exact cause and follow the appropriate steps.
To prevent issues, always update your phone number directly in WhatsApp before it changes. Enable backups regularly to avoid losing your chat history. Use safe verification practices, don’t violate WhatsApp’s policies, and enable two-factor authentication to keep your account secure.
With the right precautions, you can minimize situations where you might get locked out. If you do get blocked for any reason, carefully work through the verification process again to regain access so you can continue using WhatsApp.
Summary of Main Lockout Reasons and Solutions
| Reason | Solution |
|---|---|
| Entered wrong code too many times | Wait out the temporary ban period. Request new SMS code. |
| Number banned for Terms violation | Appeal ban or use new number. Avoid same violations. |
| Phone number changed | Update number in WhatsApp first before changing it. |
| Reinstalled without backup | Verify number again. Restore backup. |
| Phone stolen | Get new SIM with same number. Enable two-factor authentication. |
Prevention Tips
- Always backup chats to prevent losing history
- Update phone number directly within WhatsApp before changing it
- Use secure verification practices when logging in
- Don’t violate WhatsApp policies to avoid bans
- Enable two-factor authentication for extra security