Can You Use WhatsApp on a New Phone Without Verification?

You cannot register WhatsApp on a new phone without a code. But you can link a second phone as a companion device, which needs a QR code, not a text.

Moving your account

Registering on a new phone always needs the 6-digit code sent to your number, plus your two-step PIN if you set one. If you no longer have the number, you cannot register that account on a new phone.

Linking a phone instead

1. On the new phone, open WhatsApp and choose to link it as a companion device (the option appears on the set-up screen).
2. On your main phone, go to Settings › Linked devices › Link a device.
3. Scan the QR code shown on the new phone.

Linked devices keep working while your main phone is off for a while, but your main phone must check in regularly, or the links log out.

Lost the old number?

• Get the number back from your carrier, often with a replacement SIM.
• Or start a new account on a new number; your old chats stay on the old account.
• Keep a chat backup so you can restore it later on the same number.

Before switching phones, read moving to a new phone.

Tablets and computers

WhatsApp on a computer or tablet is always a linked device: you scan a QR code from your main phone, and no new code is sent. This is the right way to use WhatsApp on extra screens without moving your main account away from your phone.

FAQ

Can I use WhatsApp on a new phone without the code?

Not as your main phone. You can link it as a companion device using a QR code.

Can I verify WhatsApp without my old SIM?

You need to receive the code on that number, so ask your carrier for a replacement SIM.

Will I lose my chats on a new phone?

Not if you back up and restore on the same number.

Related: codes on a new phone · WhatsApp 6-digit code · does WhatsApp need a SIM.