WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users. It allows you to easily communicate with friends, family and coworkers through text, voice notes, video calls and more. One of the first things you’ll need to do when setting up WhatsApp is enter your phone number, which is required for creating your account and for others to be able to contact you. This article will explain in detail the steps for entering your phone number in WhatsApp on both iPhone and Android devices.
Prerequisites for Entering Your Number in WhatsApp
Before entering your phone number in WhatsApp, there are a couple requirements you’ll need:
A Mobile Phone Number
First, you’ll need an active mobile phone number you can use for WhatsApp. This mobile number will become your username on WhatsApp. You can use your existing personal number or you can purchase a new SIM card with a dedicated number just for WhatsApp if you prefer to keep it separate from your personal number. Just make sure whatever number you use, you have access to it on your mobile device.
Mobile Data or WiFi Connection
You’ll also need an internet connection – either mobile data or WiFi. This is necessary for verifying your number and registering your WhatsApp account. The app will send a verification code as an SMS message to your phone when you enter your number, so you need data connectivity.
Steps to Enter Your Phone Number in WhatsApp on iPhone
Here are the steps to enter your phone number when setting up WhatsApp on an iPhone:
1. Download the WhatsApp App
If you don’t already have WhatsApp, download the WhatsApp app from the App Store on your iPhone. Search for ‘WhatsApp’ and look for the icon with the white telephone receiver inside a green speech bubble.
2. Open WhatsApp and Accept the Terms of Service
Once WhatsApp finishes installing, open the app. You’ll be presented with WhatsApp’s Terms of Service. Read through them and tap ‘Agree and Continue’ to accept them. This allows you to move forward with entering your phone number.
3. Enter Your Phone Number
On the next screen, WhatsApp will ask for your phone number. Enter your full phone number, including the country code. Make sure to use the proper country code – for example, +1 for a US phone number. Tap ‘Next’ when you’ve entered your phone number correctly.
4. Verify Your Number via SMS
WhatsApp will now verify your phone number using an SMS message. You’ll see a screen with your number entered and a note that a 6-digit verification code has been sent to your phone. Open the SMS app on your iPhone and look for a new message from WhatsApp with the 6-digit code.
5. Enter the 6-digit Verification Code
Go back to WhatsApp and enter the 6-digit verification code you received via SMS. This links your device to your phone number. Tap ‘OK’ or ‘Continue’ once you’ve successfully entered the code.
6. Name Your WhatsApp Account
You’ll now have the option to enter a name for your WhatsApp account. This name is what your WhatsApp contacts will see when messaging you. Enter your first and last name or whatever name you wish to display. Tap ‘OK’ when finished.
7. Allow WhatsApp Notifications
WhatsApp will ask if you want to allow notifications. This will let you receive notification sounds/banners when you get new WhatsApp messages, even when the app is closed. We recommend allowing notifications, then tap ‘OK’.
8. Start Using WhatsApp
That’s it! Your phone number is now registered with your WhatsApp account. You’ll see the WhatsApp main screen with options to view your contacts, recent chats, profile info and more. Start searching and messaging your contacts.
Steps to Enter Your Phone Number in WhatsApp on Android
The process for entering your phone number in WhatsApp for Android is very similar:
1. Download the WhatsApp App
First, download WhatsApp from the Google Play store on your Android device. Search for ‘WhatsApp’ and look for the same icon with the white phone receiver in a green chat bubble.
2. Open WhatsApp and Accept the Terms
Open WhatsApp and tap ‘AGREE AND CONTINUE’ on the Terms of Service page. This indicates you agree with WhatsApp’s terms in order to create an account.
3. Enter Your Phone Number
You’ll then be prompted to enter your phone number. Be sure to include your country code just like on iPhone. Enter your complete phone number and tap ‘Next’.
4. Verify Your Number via SMS
WhatsApp will send a 6-digit verification code to your phone number via SMS. When prompted, open the Messages app to view the SMS with the code, then go back to WhatsApp to enter it.
5. Enter the 6-digit Verification Code
Type in the 6-digit verification code you received in the SMS message and tap ‘Next’. This verifies your device is linked to your number.
6. Name Your WhatsApp Account
Now you can enter a name for your WhatsApp account. Enter your first and last name or a display name of your choice.
7. Allow WhatsApp Notifications
Opt to allow WhatsApp notifications so you’ll be alerted when receiving new messages. Tap ‘Next’ to enable notifications.
8. Start Using WhatsApp
You’re all set! Your phone number is registered with your WhatsApp account. Explore WhatsApp’s options and start chatting with your contacts.
Troubleshooting When Entering Your Phone Number in WhatsApp
In some cases, you may encounter issues when attempting to enter your phone number in WhatsApp. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
Can’t Receive SMS Verification Code
If WhatsApp is unable to send the SMS verification message to your phone number, first make sure you have cellular data or WiFi enabled on your device. You’ll need an internet connection to receive the SMS. If you still don’t receive it, verify your number is entered correctly with the right country code. Restarting your device can also help.
Incorrect Verification Code
Double check that you’re entering the full 6-digit verification code exactly as it appears in the SMS message. Note that SMS verification codes expire within a certain timeframe, so if too much time has passed, you may need WhatsApp to resend a new code.
Already Using Number for Different Account
If your number is tied to another WhatsApp account, you’ll need to log out of that account first before using it for a new one. This prevents duplicate accounts with the same number.
Banned or Unauthorized Number
In rare cases, a number may be banned from WhatsApp if it violated their Terms of Service. You’ll need to contact WhatsApp Support if your number seems to be unauthorized.
Can’t Receive Calls / Texts on Number
To use your phone number for WhatsApp, it needs to be an active number capable of making calls and sending/receiving texts. Make sure your mobile plan and settings allow for SMS and phone service.
Using WhatsApp on Multiple Devices
While your phone number can only be registered to one WhatsApp account at a time, the app does provide options for using WhatsApp on multiple devices:
WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp Web allows you to access your WhatsApp messages and account on your computer by syncing with your mobile device’s WhatsApp. Just scan a QR code from your computer using your mobile WhatsApp to link them.
Linked Devices
You can link up to 4 additional devices to your WhatsApp account, such as more phones, tablets or computers. Linked devices can access your WhatsApp without needing your main device to be connected.
Multi-device Beta
This optional beta from WhatsApp uses your phone number to sync your account across unlimited devices including phones, tablets, and computers. Your main device doesn’t always need to be online.
Changing Your WhatsApp Number
If you ever need to change the phone number associated with your WhatsApp account, it’s a simple process:
iOS Instructions to Change Number
On iPhone, open WhatsApp > Settings > Account > Change Number. Enter your new number and tap ‘Next’. Confirm the change when prompted.
Android Instructions to Change Number
On Android devices, tap More options > Settings > Account > Change number. Type your new number, tap ‘Next’ then confirm you want to change numbers.
Your contacts will see your updated number automatically when you change it. You can also manually notify contacts about your new number through WhatsApp messages or group chats.
Conclusion
Entering your phone number is easy when setting up WhatsApp for the first time. Just be sure to use your country code, verify your number with the 6-digit code, and enter your name. Troubleshoot issues like missing SMS codes or banned numbers as needed, and you’ll have your account up and running. Remember you can access WhatsApp across multiple devices, and change your associated number at any time. Now start chatting!
| Platform | Steps to Enter Number |
|---|---|
| iPhone |
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| Android |
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