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Getting a WhatsApp verification code via email instead of SMS can be useful in certain situations, but it’s not natively supported by WhatsApp. The short answer is no, WhatsApp does not allow verifying your number via email. However, there are some workaround methods you can try to receive your WhatsApp verification code or confirm your number via email.
What is the WhatsApp Verification Code?
The WhatsApp verification code is a 6-digit numerical code that is sent to you when you are registering for a new WhatsApp account. This code is sent via SMS text message to the phone number you provided.
Entering this code correctly verifies that you own the phone number and completes the signup process. The verification code allows WhatsApp to confirm your identity and activate your account.
Why is the WhatsApp Verification Code Sent by SMS?
WhatsApp uses SMS verification for a few key reasons:
- Reliability – SMS is a reliable universal communication method that works on all mobile phones.
- Security – Sending the code directly to your phone via SMS helps confirm your device’s ownership.
- No account required – Users don’t need an email address or separate account to use WhatsApp.
- Ease of use – SMS verification is quick and easy for the user.
By relying on SMS text messages for verification, WhatsApp can maximize reliability and security. This comes at the expense of flexibility – users who want email verification are out of luck.
Why Would You Want Verification by Email?
There are a few scenarios where getting the WhatsApp verification code through email could be useful:
- You don’t have mobile service – If you need to activate WhatsApp but your phone doesn’t have service or SMS capabilities at the moment, email could be helpful.
- Using a desktop/web login – When linking your WhatsApp account to WhatsApp Web or Desktop, having email verification would be convenient if you can’t access your phone.
- Switching SIM cards – If you’re switching SIMs in your device, email verification would allow you to confirm your number without having the old SIM.
- Minor using parent’s device – A child with a phone shared by parents may want email verification to avoid using the parent’s personal number.
Unfortunately, WhatsApp currently does not accommodate any of these scenarios natively. The verification code must be sent to the user’s phone number via SMS text message.
Can You Get Your WhatsApp Verification Code Via Email?
Based on WhatsApp’s current functionality, there is no direct way to receive your verification code via email instead of SMS text message. WhatsApp does not provide any settings or options to enable email verification.
When you enter your phone number to sign up for WhatsApp, it will automatically send a 6-digit verification code to that number via SMS.
Some users have contacted WhatsApp customer support asking specifically for email verification when unable to receive SMS, but WhatsApp does not make exceptions to send the code via email.
So in summary – no, WhatsApp itself does not allow users to get their verification code by email.
Workaround Methods
While not directly supported, there are some workaround methods users have found to receive WhatsApp verification codes through email:
SMS Forwarding Services
Some mobile providers offer services that can forward incoming SMS messages to a verified email address. So when the WhatsApp verification text is sent, you receive it in your email as well.
This option is carrier-dependent and may not be available in all countries. There could also be a delay in receiving the forwarded email vs SMS.
SIM Card Cloning
It’s possible to use specialty SIM cloning services that copy your SIM card’s data and behavior to a SIM card tied to an email-enabled device like a tablet. This would allow receiving the WhatsApp verification SMS on a device capable of email verification.
However, this option involves using specialty hardware/services and risks breaching WhatsApp terms around cloning authentication data. Use at your own risk.
VoIP Phone Numbers
There are services like Google Voice that provide virtual phone numbers capable of SMS/calls over VoIP. Some may allow forwarding verification codes received on their VoIP number to your email.
Reliability may be an issue, and policies frequently change, so this isn’t guaranteed to work for WhatsApp.
Other Workarounds
Some other workaround options include:
– Having verification code auto-read aloud over a voice call
– Using MAC address spoofing apps on desktop
– Enabling developer options to intercept auto-fill verification code
However, these options involve technical work and may breach WhatsApp’s terms around circumventing their authentication system. They are not endorsed methods, so caution is advised.
Why Doesn’t WhatsApp Allow Email Verification?
WhatsApp is strict about only allowing SMS text message verification in order to maximize security and prevent abuse of their service. Some key reasons why email verification is not allowed:
- Higher risk of spam/abuse – Email addresses can be more easily spoofed or created in bulk.
- Reduced reliability – Email delivers slower and less reliably than automated SMS services.
- Less universal – Not everyone has an email address, but most WhatsApp users have a mobile number.
- Verification of phone ownership – SMS to phone number proves you own the device.
Additionally, the WhatsApp user experience is designed to be simple and only require a phone number to get started. Adding optional email verification would take extra steps.
Overall, while inconvenient for some use cases, WhatsApp’s SMS-only verification policy is designed to maximize security and prevent abuse at scale across their multi-billion user base.
Conclusion
To summarize:
The official WhatsApp mobile apps do not provide any method for getting your verification code by email when activating your account.
Email verification is not supported or allowed – codes are sent via automated SMS text message only.
It is impossible to enable email verification directly within WhatsApp’s apps and settings.
Some workaround methods exist using external services, but are unreliable and breach WhatsApp’s policies.
WhatsApp avoids email verification to maximize security, prevent spam, and keep the user experience simple.
Unless WhatsApp decides to add support for optional email verification in the future, users will have to rely on SMS text messages for account verification codes.
Summary Table
| Can I get my WhatsApp verification code by email? | No |
|---|---|
| Official WhatsApp support for email verification? | None currently |
| Workaround methods? | SMS forwarding, SIM cloning, virtual numbers |
| Why SMS-only verification? | Security, reliability, simplicity |
| Will WhatsApp ever allow email verification? | Unlikely, but possible in the future |