WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app worldwide, with over 2 billion active users. A key feature of WhatsApp is its end-to-end encryption, which helps keep conversations secure and private. To set up WhatsApp on a new device, the app sends a 6-digit verification code to verify your phone number. However, sometimes this verification code may not come through due to various reasons. In this article, we will discuss the common reasons why WhatsApp verification codes may not be sending and solutions to fix the problem.
Why is My WhatsApp Verification Code Not Sending?
Here are some of the common reasons why you may not be receiving the WhatsApp verification code:
Incorrect Phone Number
The most obvious reason is that you have entered an incorrect phone number while setting up WhatsApp. WhatsApp sends the 6-digit code to the phone number provided during initial set up. So if there is a typo in the number, you will not receive the verification code. Double check that you have entered your number correctly, including the country code.
Weak Internet Connection
For the verification code to deliver, your phone needs to have an active internet connection. If you are in an area with poor network coverage, it can prevent the SMS from going through. Make sure your phone can access the internet when you are trying to receive the code. Try moving to an area with better reception. You can also connect to a stable Wi-Fi network.
Wrongly Typed Verification Code
Another possibility is that you received the 6-digit verification code correctly but typed it wrongly when prompted by WhatsApp. As a result, WhatsApp is unable to verify your number. When you request a new code, the previous one becomes invalid. So type the next code carefully without any typos.
Issues with Phone Number
Sometimes there may be issues with your phone number that prevents WhatsApp verification codes from sending:
- You recently changed your phone number – It takes a few days for your new number to be updated across all systems. So WhatsApp may not recognize your new number immediately.
- You have ported your number from one carrier to another – Similar to above, it takes some time for all systems to reflect the ported number. Just wait a few days before trying again.
- You have a new SIM card – If you are setting up WhatsApp with a brand new SIM that has no prior usage history, the verification code may not work immediately. Use the SIM for a day or two before setting up WhatsApp.
Banned WhatsApp Account
In rare cases, your WhatsApp account may be banned or blocked, preventing verification codes from being sent. This can happen if WhatsApp detects suspicious activity or violations of their Terms of Service. You will need to directly contact WhatsApp support to resolve account ban issues.
Outdated WhatsApp Version
Having an outdated version of WhatsApp can also disrupt services like receiving the verification code. Make sure you are running the latest version of WhatsApp by checking your app store for any available updates. Install the most recent update and then try again.
Do Not Disturb Mode Active
If you have enabled Do Not Disturb mode on your phone, you will not get any notifications, including the WhatsApp verification SMS. Turn off DND mode and retry. You can also check your notification settings to ensure WhatsApp notifications are enabled.
Wrong Notification Settings
Along similar lines as above, your notification settings may be blocking the verification code SMS. Open notification settings on your phone and make sure notifications from WhatsApp as well as your SMS/messaging app are enabled. Disable any battery optimization rules that may prevent notifications from coming through.
Phone Storage Full
In some instances, a phone with insufficient storage space can also interfere with verification codes being received. Clear up some space on your phone and try again. You may need at least 500MB free space for WhatsApp to work correctly.
Incorrect Date/Time on Phone
WhatsApp relies on your phone’s date and time setting to deliver codes and messages. If your phone’s date/time is too inaccurate, it can affect WhatsApp services. Ensure your phone’s date and time are set correctly using automatic network time. Manually set date/time if needed.
Outdated Phone Software
An outdated version of your phone’s operating system can also prevent WhatsApp verification from working properly. Make sure your phone is updated to the latest OS version available. On Android go to Settings > System > System Update. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update.
Other Apps Intercepting SMS
Some third-party apps request access to read your SMS which may interfere with verification codes. Temporarily disable any apps that have SMS permissions before trying to receive the WhatsApp code. Revoke SMS access if needed.
Phone Number Previously Used on WhatsApp
If the phone number you are trying to register on WhatsApp was previously used by another WhatsApp account, it can lead to issues receiving the verification code. This happens when recycling/reassigning old phone numbers. You may need to contact WhatsApp support to resolve this.
Network Provider Issues
In rare cases, there may be temporary technical issues with your mobile network provider that disrupt SMS services for verification codes. Trying again later often resolves it. You can also contact your provider if the issue persists.
Third-party App Issues
Some third-party apps like TextNow, Talkatone, etc which provide virtual numbers may face incompatibility issues with WhatsApp’s verification process. Consider using your actual phone number instead.
Tips to Fix WhatsApp Verification Not Sending
If you are unable to receive the WhatsApp verification code due to any of the reasons above, here are some tips that can help fix the problem:
Restart Your Phone
Restarting your phone resets all network connections and services, which can help resolve any glitches preventing verification code delivery. Simply power off your phone completely and turn it back on after a minute. Then re-request the verification code.
Turn Airplane Mode On/Off
Similarly, toggling Airplane mode off and back on re-establishes network connectivity. Open Quick Settings and enable Airplane Mode for 10-15 seconds before turning it off. Then check if the SMS verification comes through.
Check Network Coverage
As discussed before, weak mobile network signal can interfere with verification codes. Check if you have adequate cellular reception in the current location. Move near a window or step outside to catch better signal. Alternatively connect to a stable Wi-Fi network before requesting the new code.
Update WhatsApp
Updating to the latest version of WhatsApp from your phone’s app store will fix any known bugs that may be preventing verification SMS from sending. This will also ensure you are running the most optimized version of WhatsApp.
Update Your Phone’s OS
Similarly, having the newest operating system on your phone provides performance improvements and bug fixes for messaging services. Update your phone OS to resolve any OS-level issues disturbing WhatsApp verification.
Disable Third-Party Apps
As mentioned earlier, some third-party apps that have SMS permission may cause conflicts with WhatsApp verification process. Temporarily disable or uninstall such apps before requesting a new 6-digit code.
Check Date/Time Settings
Make sure the date and time on your phone are accurate. Incorrect date/time can affect WhatsApp. Enable ‘Automatic date & time’ and/or ‘Automatic time zone’. Manually set correct time if needed.
Clear WhatsApp Cache/Data
Accumulated cache and app data can sometimes disrupt WhatsApp functions. Open WhatsApp Settings > Storage Usage > Clear Cache. You can also Clear Data which will logout your WhatsApp account – so use cautiously.
Update Your SIM Card
If you are using an older SIM card, updating to a newer SIM may help resolve verification issues, especially if you changed your number recently. Contact your carrier for a SIM replacement.
Factory Reset Your Phone
As a last resort, backup your data and perform a factory reset to erase any problematic software bugs disrupting WhatsApp. Make sure to reset network settings after. Set up WhatsApp again on the reset phone.
Contact WhatsApp Support
If the above steps don’t work, directly contact WhatsApp technical support for further assistance on your verification issue. They can check specific details about your account and troubleshoot solutions.
Use Alternative Number for WhatsApp Verification
If your primary number is unable to receive WhatsApp verification codes, you can set up WhatsApp using an alternate number:
- Try your second SIM if you have dual SIM phone
- Use your home landline number for receiving the SMS
- Borrow a friend’s or family member’s phone number temporarily
- Use a free online receiving service to get the verification code
- Purchase a secondary prepaid SIM card
Once WhatsApp is set up, you can revert back to using your primary number. This is a handy workaround when your main number has issues receiving SMS codes.
Set Up WhatsApp Without Phone Number
Recent versions of WhatsApp provide the option to sign up without a phone number using just your email address. Here are the steps:
- Download the latest WhatsApp version on your phone
- Open WhatsApp > Click Agree and Continue > Choose ‘Sign up with email’ option
- Enter your email address and confirm
- Open the confirmation email and click the link to activate your account
- Once activated, open WhatsApp and scan the QR code shown on screen using another device that already has WhatsApp activated.
This will link your email-based WhatsApp account across the two devices. You can then chat without needing a phone number verification.
Conclusion
WhatsApp verification codes are necessary to register your phone number securely on the app. But if you are unable to receive the SMS verification, don’t worry. In most cases, the issue can be easily fixed by troubleshooting steps like updating your phone software, changing SIM card, enabling proper notification settings, disabling third-party apps, switching to better network, or contacting WhatsApp support if needed. Stick to the solutions discussed above to successfully fix WhatsApp verification not sending problem.