WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps across the world, with over 2 billion active users. A key feature that has contributed to WhatsApp’s success is its ease of use and onboarding process. Users can simply verify their phone number via an SMS-based one-time password (OTP) to register and start using WhatsApp.
However, sometimes users face issues with receiving the OTP on WhatsApp during registration. If you are facing a similar problem and WhatsApp is not receiving the OTP, don’t worry. There could be several reasons for this problem and in most cases, it can be easily resolved.
Common Reasons Why WhatsApp is Not Receiving OTP
Here are some of the most common reasons why you may not be receiving the OTP on WhatsApp:
- Incorrect phone number entered
- Poor network connectivity or no network
- SMS inbox is full
- Spam filters blocking the OTP message
- Issues with your SIM card
- Restrictions from your phone carrier
- Issues with your phone settings or device
Let’s look at each of these reasons in more detail:
1. Incorrect Phone Number Entered
One of the most obvious reasons for not receiving the WhatsApp OTP is that you’ve entered an incorrect phone number while signing up. WhatsApp sends the OTP to the phone number you provided during registration. So if there is a typo or error in the number, you will not receive it.
For instance, you may have accidentally entered an extra digit or two. Or missed out on the country code or area code while entering your phone number. As a result, the OTP gets sent to a wrong number.
To fix this, carefully enter your phone number again and request for a new OTP. Make sure your country code and area code are correct before proceeding.
2. Poor Network Connectivity
For you to receive the WhatsApp OTP on your phone, having a good internet connection and mobile network signal is essential. If you are in an area with poor network connectivity or no network at all, you will likely face issues in receiving the OTP.
Switching your phone to airplane mode or turning mobile data off can also impact SMS and OTP delivery. Similarly, having limited or erratic signals due to network issues will interrupt the OTP message.
Move to an area with good signal reception and turn your mobile data back on. You can also try toggling airplane mode on and off to get new signals. Now request for a fresh OTP, you should be able to receive it.
3. SMS Inbox is Full
In some cases, a full or overloaded SMS inbox can also prevent the WhatsApp OTP SMS from coming through. Most mobile inboxes have a limit of around 100-200 messages.
If your inbox has hit full capacity, new incoming messages will get blocked, including the WhatsApp verification SMS. The OTP may still get sent but will not show up in your inbox until space is created.
Check your SMS inbox and delete old, redundant messages. You can also clear up entire conversations to free up space. After this, request for a new OTP code – you should be able to receive it without issues.
4. Spam Filters are Blocking OTP
Mobile network providers and smartphones have advanced filters today to block spam SMS messages. These filters match certain criteria such as sender IDs, links, and keywords to detect and block potential spam.
Unfortunately, these filters may sometimes also inadvertently block legitimate OTP messages like the WhatsApp verification code. So check your spam or blocked message folders to see if the missing OTP is in there.
You can report the WhatsApp OTP as “Not Spam” to your mobile operator to allow it through. Also try disabling any third party spam apps or plugins that may be active on your device.
5. Issues with Your SIM Card
Technical issues with your SIM card can also lead to problems in receiving OTP on WhatsApp. For instance, if your SIM card has malfunctioned, is damaged, or not inserted properly into your device, SMS and OTP messages may not go through.
Try removing your SIM card and reinserting it to make sure it is sitting properly in the SIM slot. Examine the card carefully for any visible signs of damage. You can even try cleaning the SIM card gently with a soft cloth.
If the problem persists, contact your mobile operator and get your SIM card checked. You may need to eventually get it replaced if the damage is irreparable.
6. Restrictions from Phone Carrier
Some mobile network providers implement restrictions on receiving OTP SMS messages. This is done to minimize fraudulent activities like SIM hacking.
As a result, you may not be able to receive more than a certain number of SMS OTPs in a day or specific time period. Try requesting the OTP after some time instead of doing it repeatedly.
You can also check with your mobile operator if any such limits have been set on your number. Having them remove the restrictions or whitelist the WhatsApp SMS sender ID may help resolve the issue.
7. Issues with Your Phone Settings
Specific settings configured on your phone can also sometimes obstruct the WhatsApp verification SMS. For instance, you may have accidentally:
- Turned off all notifications
- Blocked SMS permissions
- Enabled Do Not Disturb mode
- Turned off auto-retrieve for SMS
Go through your phone settings thoroughly and make sure none of the above options are enabled. Re-enable SMS notifications, auto retrieval, and background data as needed. Also check that Do Not Disturb is not on or scheduled during OTP request times.
8. Issues with Your Device
Hardware or software issues with your mobile device can also lead to problems receiving SMS messages including WhatsApp OTP. For instance:
- Outdated operating systems may have bugs affecting SMS
- Faulty antennae may disrupt signal reception
- Glitches with messaging apps can impact SMS deliverability
- Presence of malware or viruses could compromise security
Try updating your device OS and security software to the latest versions. For hardware issues, you may need to contact the device manufacturer or visit a repair center if problems persist.
As a last resort, attempt using a different phone altogether to see if you are able to receive the OTP successfully.
How to Fix WhatsApp Not Receiving OTP Issues
Based on the reasons above, here are some recommended ways to troubleshoot and fix WhatsApp not receiving OTP problems:
Restart Your Phone and Mobile Data
As a first step, restart your phone and turn mobile data off and back on. This will refresh the network connection and re-register the device on the network.
Also remember to take your phone out of airplane mode if it is on. Toggle airplane mode on and off if needed.
Make Sure Correct Phone Number is Entered
Double check that you have entered the proper 10-digit phone number, along with country code and area code.
Also verify that the number matches what is on your SIM card by going to your phone settings.
Check Network Coverage
If your network signal is weak, move near a window or step outside to improve coverage. Changing locations can help get better signal reception.
You can also contact your mobile operator in case there are known network issues in your locality.
Disable Spam Blockers and Filters
Switch off any spam blocker apps or plugins that may be running on your device. Also disable options like “block unknown senders” under SMS settings.
Check spam folders as the OTP may have been blocked and filtered incorrectly as spam. Report the issue or add the WhatsApp sender ID to the allowed list.
Update Your Phone Software
Install all pending OS and security updates on your device. WhatsApp regularly optimizes verification for newer device software.
Updating to the latest version can help resolve bugs that may be preventing OTP deliverability.
Check SIM Card and SIM Slot
Inspect your SIM card for damage and clean it by gently rubbing with a cloth. Also take the SIM card out and reinsert it to make sure it is sitting properly in the SIM slot.
If issues continue, get your SIM card replaced from your mobile operator.
Use WhatsApp SMS Registration
If you have trouble getting OTP even after the steps above, use the SMS-based registration method on WhatsApp.
This automatically verifies your number through an SMS message rather than manual OTP entry. Tap on the “Request SMS” link during WhatsApp registration to use this method.
Contact WhatsApp Support
Reach out to the WhatsApp support center if you still cannot complete verification. They can further troubleshoot and resolve more complex technical issues:
- By email – [email protected]
- On Twitter – @WhatsAppHelpline
- By contacting support directly within WhatsApp
WhatsApp technical teams can check server logs and trace OTP issues more thoroughly to identify any problems.
Why Verifying WhatsApp is Important
It is highly recommended to complete the WhatsApp verification process even if you face OTP issues initially. Here are some key reasons why verifying your number is important:
Enables Access to All Features
Verifying your number with WhatsApp unlocks full access to all features such as messaging, calls, groups, file sharing, payments and more. Non-verified accounts have significant limitations.
Links Your Identity
Verification links your WhatsApp account securely to your mobile number and SIM card. This provides a crucial identity link and prevents impersonation.
Improves Security
The OTP verification adds an additional security layer to your WhatsApp account, making it harder for others to access your account illegally.
Confirms You’re Not a Bot
The verification process confirms there is a real person behind the account. This prevents abuse by automated bots on WhatsApp.
Stops Unauthorized Access
OTP verification establishes your ownership of the phone number. This prevents unauthorized people from registering your number on their devices.
Conclusion
Not receiving OTP on WhatsApp can be annoying but the issue can usually be fixed with some basic troubleshooting. Make sure to enter the correct phone number and be in an area with good network coverage when trying to verify your account.
Also check for disabled notifications, spam blockers, SIM card issues or device software problems that could impact SMS and OTP deliverability. Enabling all messaging options and updating your phone software can help resolve many receipt issues.
In rare cases where problems persist, try WhatsApp’s SMS registration method or get in touch with their support team. With some diligent efforts, you should be able to successfully complete the verification process and access all features on WhatsApp.