WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app in the world, with over 2 billion active users. Like with any app, sometimes things can go wrong and you may find yourself locked out of your account or unable to access your messages. When this happens, you may need to put WhatsApp into recovery mode to regain access to your account. But what exactly is WhatsApp recovery mode and how do you enable it? In this article, we’ll explain what WhatsApp recovery mode is, when you may need to use it, and step-by-step instructions for activating it on both iPhone and Android devices. We’ll also provide tips for avoiding common issues that may require recovery mode.
What is WhatsApp Recovery Mode?
WhatsApp recovery mode is a built-in troubleshooting feature that allows you to regain access to your account if you are logged out or unable to authenticate. It essentially resets the app and requires reverifying your phone number via SMS code to log back in.
Some common situations where you may need to use WhatsApp recovery mode include:
- You are logged out of your account and cannot log back in
- Your authentication credentials are not working
- You forgot your passcode and are locked out of WhatsApp
- Your account was hacked
- You got a new phone and are unable to verify your number
In any of these cases, recovery mode allows you to automatically log back into your account after reverifying your phone number. It essentially overrides any cached credentials or authentication issues so you can regain access.
When to Use WhatsApp Recovery Mode
Here are some of the most common situations when you may need to enable WhatsApp recovery mode:
You are logged out of your WhatsApp account
If you open WhatsApp and find yourself logged out of your account, recovery mode is the quickest way to get logged back in. This can happen if there was an authentication error or if you have not used the app in a long time.
You changed phone numbers
If you got a new phone number, you will need to reverify it to access your existing WhatsApp account. Recovery mode allows you to do this seamlessly.
You switched devices
When switching to a new device, you may run into verification issues if your old device still has WhatsApp installed. Recovery mode will allow you to reverify your number on the new device.
Your phone was stolen
If your phone containing WhatsApp was lost or stolen, use WhatsApp recovery mode on your new device to regain access to your account and messages. This will automatically log the old device out.
You forgot your passcode
If you are using two-factor authentication with WhatsApp and forgot your passcode, you will be locked out of the app. Recovery mode lets you bypass the passcode and log back in.
Your account was hacked
If someone else gained access to your WhatsApp account, recovery mode will reset the authentication and allow you to log the hacker out while regaining your access.
How to Enable WhatsApp Recovery Mode on iPhone
Enabling recovery mode on an iPhone with WhatsApp is easy and takes just a few steps:
1. Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp
First, open the App Store and uninstall WhatsApp. Then reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store and open it. This resets the app’s cache and data.
2. Attempt to Verify Your Number
When prompted, enter your phone number to send a verification code. In recovery mode, this will fail.
3. Tap ‘Recover Account’
After the verification fails, you will see an option to recover your account. Tap on ‘Recover Account.’
4. Enter Your Phone Number Again
On the recovery screen, re-enter your full phone number and tap ‘Recover Account.’ This triggers the SMS verification process.
5. Enter 6-digit Verification Code
You will receive a 6-digit SMS code from WhatsApp. Enter this code to verify your number.
6. Reset Account Password (Optional)
You may be prompted to reset your account password or passcode. Do this if desired.
7. You’re Done!
Once your number is verified, WhatsApp will finish recovering your account and you will be logged in again as normal. Verify your messages and settings.
How to Enable WhatsApp Recovery on Android
Similarly, it only takes a few quick steps to enable recovery mode on Android:
1. Force Stop WhatsApp
First, open your Android settings and go to Apps. Find WhatsApp and choose Force Stop to force close the app.
2. Clear App Data
Still in App settings, find WhatsApp and clear all app data. This erases the app cache.
3. Uninstall Updates
Optional – From WhatsApp’s app info, choose Uninstall Updates to revert to the base version.
4. Open WhatsApp
Now open WhatsApp normally. It will be like opening for the first time.
5. Enter Phone Number
When asked, enter your full phone number correctly and tap ‘Recover Account.’
6. Verify with SMS Code
Check your SMS messages for the 6-digit verification code and enter it. Tap OK.
7. Reset Account Password
You may be asked to reset your password or passcode if enabled. Do this as desired.
8. You’re All Set!
WhatsApp will finalize the recovery process and you will be logged in again. Check your messages and settings.
Recovery Mode Tips and Warnings
Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when using WhatsApp’s account recovery mode feature:
- Recovery mode logs out all other devices, so use it if your phone was stolen
- On iPhone, you may need to fully delete and reinstall WhatsApp
- Make sure you have an active data connection for SMS verification
- Double check that you enter the correct phone number
- The SMS code expires after 7 days if unused
- You can request a call instead of SMS for verification
- If you don’t receive an SMS code, contact WhatsApp support
- Only recover your own account – recovering someone else’s is illegal
Why Use Recovery Mode Over WhatsApp Web?
Some users may wonder why they can’t just use WhatsApp Web to regain access to their account instead of recovery mode. There are a few reasons for this:
- WhatsApp Web requires you to already be logged in on your phone
- It does not override authentication issues or bypass passcodes
- Web cannot reverify your phone number – only recovery does this
- You may be completely logged out or unable to log in at all
- Recovery is required if your phone was stolen, lost, or damaged
For most situations where you are locked out of your account, WhatsApp Web will not be able to help you regain access, making recovery mode necessary.
Conclusion
WhatsApp recovery mode is an invaluable troubleshooting tool for regaining access to your account if you ever get locked out or encounter authentication problems. It works by resetting the app, erasing cached data, and having you reverify your phone number via SMS code. Enabling recovery mode is easy on both iPhone and Android and allows you to seamlessly log back into your account as long as you have access to your phone number. Keep the steps above in mind in case you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to regain entry into your WhatsApp account.