There are a few common reasons why WhatsApp may fail to verify your number:
You entered the wrong phone number
When signing up for WhatsApp, you need to enter your correct phone number, including the country code. For example, if your number is 123-456-7890, you would enter +11234567890 when prompted for your phone number in WhatsApp.
If you accidentally enter the wrong number, WhatsApp will fail to verify your account. Double check that you entered your phone number correctly when signing up.
Your phone number is already associated with another WhatsApp account
WhatsApp only allows one account per phone number. If your number is already tied to another WhatsApp account, you will be unable to verify it again.
This usually happens when trying to use the same number across different devices. For example, if you already have WhatsApp on your iPhone with a particular number, you cannot verify that same number on an Android phone.
If this is the case, you will need to use a different phone number for your new device that hasn’t been registered with WhatsApp before. Alternatively, you can delete your WhatsApp account on the old device first before verifying it on the new one.
You are using a landline or VOIP number
WhatsApp verification only works with valid mobile numbers. It does not support landline phone numbers or VOIP numbers provided by apps and services.
So if you are trying to verify a home phone number or virtual phone number, WhatsApp will be unable to send a confirmation code. You will need to use a real mobile number that can receive SMS messages.
Your phone has connectivity issues
In order to receive the verification SMS from WhatsApp, your phone needs to have an active mobile connection. If you are facing network issues or your phone is not connected to cellular data or WiFi, you won’t get the confirmation code needed to verify your account.
Try toggling your cellular data on and off or connecting to a stable WiFi network before attempting to verify your number again. This allows the SMS message to be delivered properly.
Your phone number is inactive
WhatsApp needs to send an SMS to your number containing the verification code. If your phone number is inactive, this SMS won’t go through and verification will fail.
Make sure your phone plan is active and that your number is connected to the mobile network before trying to verify your WhatsApp account. Reach out to your carrier if you are having issues with your number.
Your phone’s SMS capabilities are limited
Certain carriers and mobile plans have limits on how many SMS text messages you can send and receive. If you’ve reached your carrier’s SMS limit, the WhatsApp verification code won’t be delivered.
Check your current SMS limits and consider upgrading your plan if needed. You can also try switching to WiFi and requesting the WhatsApp verification code again.
Your phone number is blacklisted
In some cases, WhatsApp may blacklist certain phone numbers suspected of spam and illegal activity. If your number ends up blacklisted, you’ll be unable to verify your account.
Unfortunately, there is no easy way to get your number removed from the blacklist. You’ll need to acquire a new phone number not associated with previous WhatsApp accounts to use the app.
Troubleshooting Steps
If WhatsApp won’t verify your number, try the following troubleshooting steps:
1. Make sure you entered the correct phone number
Double and triple check that the phone number you entered matches your actual mobile number. Include your country code and area code as needed.
2. Try disabling cellular data or WiFi
Turn off your WiFi and cellular data connections, then try requesting a new verification code from WhatsApp. This ensures your SMS capabilities aren’t limited by the mobile network.
3. Restart your phone
Restart your device completely and launch WhatsApp again. This refreshes the app and cell network connections.
4. Update your phone software and WhatsApp
Outdated software can sometimes disrupt verification. Make sure your OS and WhatsApp app are updated to the latest versions.
5. Delete and reinstall WhatsApp
If all else fails, delete and reinstall WhatsApp. Before doing this, make sure to back up your chat history.
6. Contact your mobile carrier
Touch base with your phone carrier to make sure your network connectivity and SMS capabilities are intact. They can check if your number is being blocked at their end.
7. Use a different phone number
As a last resort, attempt to verify your WhatsApp account with a different phone number. This determines if the issues are tied to your original number.
Why Does WhatsApp Require Number Verification?
WhatsApp introduced the phone number verification requirement for a few important reasons:
To prevent spam and abuse
By tying every account to a valid mobile number, WhatsApp reduces spam accounts and bots on its platform. This helps maintain privacy and security for genuine users.
To limit account fakes and impersonators
Verification makes it harder to create fake and impersonator accounts, helping curb account misuse and identity theft.
To enforce their one account per number policy
Number verification allows WhatsApp to limit each number to a single account. This prevents duplicate accounts that can compromise user experience.
To link accounts to real identities
Linking accounts to real phone numbers helps WhatsApp comply with regulations regarding user identities and traceability.
To sync user data across devices
Tying accounts to numbers lets WhatsApp securely sync chat history and user data across different devices. This is essential for their multi-device functionality.
Alternative Ways to Verify Your WhatsApp Account
If you are unable to complete phone number verification, there are some alternative options to verify your WhatsApp account:
Use email address verification
WhatsApp allows you to verify your account via email address instead of phone number during initial setup:
1. On the verification screen, tap ‘Verify by Email’ instead of phone number.
2. Enter and confirm the email address you want to use.
3. WhatsApp will send a confirmation code to your email.
4. Input the 6-digit code to complete email verification.
Verify through vouchers
You can purchase a WhatsApp voucher containing a verification PIN from local retailers in some countries. Here’s how voucher verification works:
1. During WhatsApp registration, select ‘Verify by Voucher’
2. Purchase a WhatsApp voucher from an authorized retailer. Scratch the card to reveal the verification PIN underneath.
3. Carefully enter the 8-digit PIN from the voucher into WhatsApp.
4. The PIN will activate your account without needing phone number verification.
Use WiFi Calling
If your mobile network has issues, try enabling WiFi Calling on your device which routes calls and texts over WiFi:
1. Enable WiFi Calling in your device settings and connect to a WiFi network.
2. Attempt WhatsApp verification again. This may allow the SMS to go through.
3. Make sure to disable WiFi Calling afterwards to avoid excessive data usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does WhatsApp need my number?
WhatsApp uses your phone number to link your account, verify your identity, prevent duplicate accounts, sync data across devices, and comply with regulations. Your actual phone number is not revealed to contacts.
Can I use WhatsApp without verifying my number?
No, WhatsApp requires SMS or call verification of all accounts during setup. Without verification, you cannot use the app.
What happens if I enter the wrong number?
If you enter the incorrect number by mistake, WhatsApp verification will fail. You will need to sign up again with your correct phone number.
Can I verify my WhatsApp account with someone else’s number?
No, you cannot verify using someone else’s number. WhatsApp will detect the number mismatch and prevent verification. You need to use the actual number for the device you are setting up WhatsApp on.
I lost access to my number. How do I recover my WhatsApp account?
If you no longer have access to your original number, you unfortunately cannot recover your account without verification. You will have to sign up with a new number and lose your chat history.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s phone number verification process is important for security and preventing misuse. If you are having trouble verifying your number, double check for typos, try steps like switching networks, or use alternative verification methods. In extreme cases, you may need to change your number or SIM card to successfully complete the verification process and access WhatsApp.