WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta, has recently been asking many users to verify their phone numbers. This verification prompt has left some users confused about why it’s happening and concerned about potential privacy or security issues.
What is the verification prompt?
The verification prompt is a message from WhatsApp asking users to verify their phone number. It typically states something like “WhatsApp requires you to verify your phone number” or “Your phone number is awaiting verification.”
The message will include the user’s phone number that needs verification and a confirmation code. Users have to enter this six-digit code to confirm their number and continue using WhatsApp.
Why is WhatsApp requiring verification?
There are a few potential reasons why WhatsApp has been prompting users to verify their numbers recently:
- New privacy policy – In 2021, WhatsApp introduced a new privacy policy that required users to agree to share more data with Meta (formerly Facebook). Users who didn’t accept by a certain date had to verify their numbers again.
- Security enhancements – WhatsApp continually makes security upgrades to better protect user data. Periodic number verification helps ensure continued account security.
- Changing devices – Switching to a new device often triggers the verification prompt as WhatsApp confirms your number on the new phone.
- Suspicious activity – If WhatsApp detects suspicious account activity, it may require re-verification to confirm your identity.
- Expired verification – WhatsApp verifications periodically expire, so it prompts users to re-verify to keep accounts secure.
- Multiple accounts – Using the same number on multiple devices can trigger verification to confirm your number.
Should I be concerned about verifying my number?
In most cases, there is no reason for concern about verifying your number when WhatsApp prompts you to do so. Here are some key points:
- It’s a normal security measure – Periodic number verification helps keep your account secure.
- Your number stays private – WhatsApp does not share your number publicly when you verify.
- No new permissions granted – The verification doesn’t automatically enable any new data access or sharing.
- Account intact – Verifying your number doesn’t delete your account or message history.
However, if you receive an unsolicited or suspicious verification code, it’s best not to verify until you determine where it came from. In some cases, scammers try to verify numbers for compromised accounts.
How to verify your number on WhatsApp
If you receive a legitimate verification prompt from WhatsApp, verifying your number is simple:
- Open the WhatsApp app. Go to your account settings.
- Tap on “Verify number.”
- Enter the 6-digit verification code WhatsApp sent you.
- Tap “OK” to complete the verification.
You may have the option to receive the code via an automated call. Tap “Call me” and follow the verbal prompts to verify.
What happens if you don’t verify?
Here’s what may occur if you don’t verify your number when prompted by WhatsApp:
- Reminders – WhatsApp will send regular reminders asking you to complete the verification.
- Partial or limited functionality – Some features may stop working until you verify your number.
- Account logout – After a period of not verifying (usually a few weeks or months), WhatsApp may log your account out until you complete the verification.
- Account delete – If your account remains unverified for an extended time, WhatsApp may delete your account permanently.
To avoid losing access, it’s recommended to verify when prompted. But you can often continue using WhatsApp normally for a period without verifying.
How to change your number on WhatsApp
If you need to change or update the phone number linked to your WhatsApp account, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Account > Change Number.
- Enter your new phone number and tap “Next.”
- Enter the verification code sent to your new number and tap “OK.”
- Go back to WhatsApp and tap “Next.” Your contacts will be notified about your number change.
Your chat history and groups will remain intact when you change your number. However, your WhatsApp calls history cannot be transferred over.
Troubleshooting WhatsApp verification issues
Here are some tips for troubleshooting common verification issues:
- Not receiving code – Make sure your number is entered correctly in WhatsApp. Check spam folders. Contact your carrier if issues persist.
- Duplicate accounts – Delete any old or duplicate accounts linked to your number.
- Invalid code – Double check you are entering the 6-digit code correctly without any typos.
- Banned accounts – You may need to create a new account if your account was banned for policy violations.
- Stolen/hacked account – If your account was compromised, contact WhatsApp to recover it.
- Switching SIM cards – Don’t verify with a different SIM than your account is registered under.
You can also contact WhatsApp directly through the app for help verifying your number if needed.
Key takeaways
- WhatsApp regularly prompts users to verify their numbers as a security measure.
- Verification involves entering a 6-digit code sent to your phone.
- It’s safe to verify when prompted by WhatsApp and helps keep your account secure.
- You may lose account functionality if you don’t verify your number when asked.
- Changing your number requires re-verifying through your new number.
Number verification is an important part of keeping your WhatsApp account and conversations protected. While it may seem repetitive, it’s generally quick and easy to complete when WhatsApp requests it.
| Reason for Verification | Risk Level | User Impact |
|---|---|---|
| New Privacy Policy | Low | Must agree to new terms to continue using WhatsApp |
| Security Enhancement | Low | Inconvenience of re-verifying number |
| Changing Devices | Low | Need to transfer number verification to new device |
| Suspicious Activity | Moderate | Temporary loss of account access |
| Expired Verification | Low | Prompt to re-verify number |
| Multiple Accounts | Low | Manage duplicate accounts |
This table summarizes the potential reasons WhatsApp may require number verification, the security risk level, and impact on users for each scenario.
Other WhatsApp security features
In addition to number verification, WhatsApp offers other security capabilities to help protect user accounts and information, including:
- Two-step verification – Adds an optional PIN for extra account security.
- End-to-end encryption – Encrypts chat messages end-to-end so only the sender and recipient can read them.
- Blocking contacts – Prevents unwanted contacts from messaging you or seeing info about you.
- Reporting spam – Allows users to report spam or abusive messages to WhatsApp.
- Biometric authentication – Use face or fingerprint unlock on compatible devices as an added safeguard.
Enabling these features along with verifying your number helps keep your WhatsApp account and conversations secure.
Frequently asked questions
Why is WhatsApp suddenly asking me to verify my number?
This is most likely due to a periodic expiration of your verification, a security update by WhatsApp, or changing to a new device recently. WhatsApp regularly prompts users to re-verify numbers as a security measure.
Is WhatsApp verification safe?
Yes, the verification process is safe and recommended to keep your account secure. WhatsApp does not share your number publicly during verification.
What happens if I don’t verify my number on WhatsApp?
You may lose access to certain features or be logged out after an extended time. Eventually your account could be deleted if left unverified.
Can I change my number on WhatsApp easily?
Yes, you can change your linked number through WhatsApp settings. Your chat history will remain intact. However, you’ll have to re-verify via the new number.
I’m not receiving the verification code. What should I do?
First double check your number entered in WhatsApp. Contact your carrier if issues persist. You can also reach out to WhatsApp support.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s number verification prompts are a routine security measure to protect user accounts. While verifying may be temporarily inconvenient, it helps prevent unauthorized access. Make sure to verify your number when prompted to avoid losing access to your account.
Enabling WhatsApp’s security features like two-step verification and end-to-end encryption provide additional protection for your messages and data. Combined with verifying your number, these precautions help keep your conversations private on WhatsApp.