WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users. However, some users find that their phone number is not allowed to create a WhatsApp account or verify their existing account. There are a few potential reasons why WhatsApp may not accept your number.
You Have an Invalid Number Format
WhatsApp requires users to register with a valid mobile phone number. This includes the country code and a 10-12 digit local number. For example, a valid US phone number would be +1 555-123-4567. If you try to register with an invalid number format like 555-123-4567 without the country code, WhatsApp will not accept it.
Make sure you are entering your full phone number in international format when creating your WhatsApp account. If your number already has the account registered, update it to the proper international format. This may resolve the issue if an invalid format is the reason.
Your Number is Registered to Another Account
A WhatsApp account can only be associated with one number at a time. If you try to verify an account using a number already tied to another account, WhatsApp will reject the verification request.
This often happens when recycling old phone numbers. The previous owner may still have that number tied to a WhatsApp account. You will have to ask them to delete their account before you can create yours with the recycled number.
If you own multiple SIM cards, make sure none of them already have active WhatsApp accounts. Delete any existing accounts before trying to verify your main number.
You Have Been Banned by WhatsApp
WhatsApp has the right to ban users who violate their Terms of Service. Common reasons for bans include:
- Sending spam messages
- Impersonating others
- Spreading misinformation or illegal content
- Using unauthorized third-party apps
- Creating multiple accounts with the same number
If WhatsApp has banned your number, they will reject any attempt to verify an account with that number. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to get unbanned once you are blocked.
You will have to appeal the ban directly to WhatsApp by emailing [email protected] from the email tied to your account. Explain why you should be unbanned and promise not to violate policies again. However, there is no guarantee your ban will be reversed.
Your Number is New and Not Yet Active
WhatsApp needs to send an SMS verification code during the account creation process. Therefore, your phone number must be active and able to receive texts.
If you just got a new number that is not fully set up and connected yet, WhatsApp verification will fail. Wait until your cell provider has activated the number and SMS capabilities before attempting to verify a WhatsApp account with it.
You Have the Wrong Region Settings
WhatsApp uses different regional servers to manage accounts based on users’ locations. Your app settings need to match the region your number is assigned to. If these do not align, WhatsApp may reject your number.
For example, if you have a US number but your WhatsApp region is incorrectly set to India, verification will fail. Update your WhatsApp region to match your number’s origin in Settings > Help > FAQ.
Your Device is Banned
In some cases, WhatsApp may ban specific devices from their service instead of numbers. This can happen if your device previously had an account banned for policy violations.
Trying to verify any number on a banned device will fail. The only fix is to obtain a new device and try verifying your number from it. Performing a factory reset on a banned device will not lift the restriction.
You Have Reached the Account Limit
To prevent abuse, WhatsApp limits users to no more than one account per number at the same time. You can only have a single active account linked to your number.
If you already have an existing WhatsApp account with your number, you cannot create a second one. Try using a different number if you need additional accounts.
There Are Connection Issues
Network errors and connectivity problems can also prevent WhatsApp verification. Issues like these could be the culprit:
- No cellular data or internet connection
- Poor signal strength/coverage
- ISP or cell network outages
- Incorrect APN settings on Android
- SIM card not properly inserted
- Outdated app version with bugs
Check that you have a stable internet connection on both your phone and WiFi. Move to an area with better cell reception. Make sure your SIM card is inserted correctly. Update to the latest WhatsApp version. Retry verifying once connectivity improves.
You Have a Compatibility Issue
Although WhatsApp supports most modern smartphones, some device limitations can block verification:
- Incompatible operating system
- Phone lacks SMS capabilities
- App not available on your phone platform
- Too old OS version that WhatsApp dropped support for
- Rooted or jailbroken device
- Custom or beta OS firmware
Check WhatsApp’s system requirements and upgrade your device OS or firmware if needed. Use a different phone that is fully compatible if these options do not resolve your issue.
You Have a Temporary Block or Ban
If you enter the verification code incorrectly multiple times, WhatsApp may temporarily block any verification attempts from your device or number as an anti-spam measure.
This ban usually lasts around 24 hours. All you can do is wait for the time period to elapse before retrying verification. Make sure to enter the correct verification code carefully when you do.
Your Phone’s Clock is Incorrect
WhatsApp codes have a short valid timeframe. If your device’s clock settings are inaccurate, this could cause verification codes to expire too quickly before you can enter them.
Go into your phone’s Date & Time settings and make sure Automatic Network Time is enabled to sync to the correct time. Manually adjust if needed and then retry WhatsApp verification.
How to Fix WhatsApp Number Not Allowed Issue
If you are running into the “Your phone number is banned from using WhatsApp” error, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Make sure you have an active SIM card inserted in your phone.
- Check your internet connection and confirm you have a strong WiFi or cellular data signal.
- Force close and clear cache of the WhatsApp app, then re-open it.
- Update WhatsApp to the latest version from your phone’s app store.
- Try verification again using mobile data instead of WiFi or vice versa.
- Manually set your correct region in WhatsApp Settings > Help > FAQ.
- Restart your smartphone and router if connected by WiFi.
- Try verifying your number on a different device like a friend’s phone.
- Contact your cell carrier and confirm your SIM card is properly activated.
- Wait 24 hours in case there is a temporary block on your number.
If you have attempted all troubleshooting steps and your number is still not allowed to verify on WhatsApp, you will need to contact WhatsApp support for further assistance.
Conclusion
Being unable to use WhatsApp due to an invalid or banned number can be inconvenient. However, in most cases the issue can be resolved by troubleshooting connectivity problems, adjusting app settings, switching devices, or waiting out temporary blocks on your account.
If you follow the steps outlined here and still cannot get your number to work with WhatsApp, you will need to reach out to their customer support team to investigate why your account is restricted from their service and what options may be available for you.