WhatsApp code not arriving? Usually the number was typed wrong, the phone can't get SMS right now, or you asked for too many codes. Here are 9 fixes in order.
Most failed WhatsApp verifications come down to one of those three things, and each takes a minute to fix. Below is a 30-second check, what each WhatsApp message actually means, the fixes in order, and what to do if your own number simply won't work.
Check these first (30 seconds)
- Country and number. Pick the country from the list, then type the number without the leading 0 or the country code again. A US number is entered as 10 digits, for example 212 555 0123.
- Signal and SMS. The phone that owns the number needs mobile signal and must be able to receive normal texts. Airplane mode, a weak signal or Wi-Fi-only use all stop the code.
- The timer. WhatsApp shows a countdown under "Didn't receive code?". Wait for it to finish before asking again; every early retry makes the next wait longer.
- Spam and blocked texts. Look in your SMS app's spam, "unknown senders" or "filtered" folder. Codes often land there.
What WhatsApp's message means
| What you see | What it means | What to do |
|---|
| Countdown under "Didn't receive code?" | A code is on its way or you must wait before asking again. | Wait for the timer, then try "Resend SMS" once, then "Call me". |
| "Try again in X hours" | Too many code requests or wrong guesses for this number. | Stop retrying. Wait the full time shown; retrying earlier resets it. |
| "We couldn't send an SMS to your number" | WhatsApp could not deliver to that number at all. | Check the country and digits, then use "Call me" or another number. |
| "Invalid phone number" / "Not a valid number" | The format is wrong, or WhatsApp does not accept that type of line. | Remove the leading 0 and the repeated country code. If it still fails, the line type is the problem (see below). |
| Asks for a 6-digit PIN | That is your two-step verification PIN, not the SMS code. | Enter the PIN you set earlier, or tap "Forgot PIN?". |
| "This account is not allowed to use WhatsApp" | The number is banned. A new code will not help. | Use WhatsApp's "Request a review" in the app. |
9 fixes, in order
- Correct the number. Tap "Wrong number?" (or the edit link above the code boxes), choose the country again and re-enter the number in the format above. A single wrong digit sends the code to someone else.
- Wait for the countdown, then tap "Resend SMS" once. Codes can take a few minutes on a busy network. Don't tap repeatedly; WhatsApp counts every request.
- Use "Call me". When the timer ends, WhatsApp offers a voice call that reads the 6-digit code out loud. This works when texts are filtered or the number can take calls but not short-code SMS.
- Restart the phone and check signal. Turn airplane mode on and off, or restart. If you are abroad, make sure roaming is on and your plan allows incoming texts while roaming.
- Turn off SMS blockers. Spam filters, "silence unknown senders", Do Not Disturb, and third-party call or SMS blockers can hide or delete the code. Pause them during sign-up.
- Make sure the SIM is in the phone that should get the code. If you are setting up WhatsApp on a new phone or a tablet, the code still goes to the SIM. Keep that phone nearby and switched on.
- Update WhatsApp. Install the latest version from the App Store or Google Play. Old versions sometimes fail at the verification step.
- Wait out a block instead of fighting it. If you see "try again in X hours", every attempt during the wait can extend it. Close the app, wait the full time, then do one clean try with "Call me" ready.
- Try a different number. If your carrier, a prepaid plan or a business line never receives WhatsApp codes, the number itself is the problem. A second number is the fastest way out (see the next section).
When your own number just won't work
Some lines rarely get WhatsApp codes: many internet-based (VoIP) numbers, some prepaid and business plans, and numbers that were recycled from a previous owner. WhatsApp treats these numbers with more suspicion, so the code is never sent or the number is refused straight away.
In that case a non-VoIP number is the practical fix. These are real mobile-carrier numbers, which is what WhatsApp expects. On SMS Pin Verify you can pick a USA number for WhatsApp and the code appears on screen in your account:
- One-time number: held for you for 15 minutes to receive one code. If no code arrives, you are not charged. Good for a single sign-up.
- Rental number: the same number for several days or longer. Pick this if you will keep the account, because WhatsApp asks for a new code when you move to another phone or reinstall, and a one-time number will be gone by then.
Two honest limits: a code is never guaranteed, because WhatsApp decides whether to send it; and a number may have been used on WhatsApp before you, so skip any offer to restore a backup and start a fresh account. More on choosing a number: how to get a WhatsApp number without a new SIM.
Keep your account after you get in
- Turn on two-step verification (Settings → Account → Two-step verification) and give it a recovery email, so a stolen code alone can't open your account.
- Add an email to your account (Settings → Account → Email address) if your version offers it. WhatsApp can then send a login code by email when SMS isn't possible.
- Changing numbers? Use Settings → Account → Change number while the old number still works. Doing it after you lose the old number is much harder.
- Never share the 6-digit code. WhatsApp support will never ask for it. Messages asking you to "send back the code we sent by mistake" are an account-theft trick.
FAQ
How long does the WhatsApp verification code take?
Usually seconds, sometimes a few minutes on a slow network. If nothing arrives when the countdown ends, use "Resend SMS" once and then "Call me".
Why does WhatsApp say "try again in X hours"?
You asked for too many codes or entered wrong codes too often. Wait the full time without retrying; trying early can make the wait longer.
Can I get the WhatsApp code by call instead of SMS?
Yes. When the timer under "Didn't receive code?" runs out, tap "Call me" and an automated call reads the code to you.
Is the 6-digit PIN the same as the verification code?
No. The code comes by SMS or call each time you register. The PIN is something you chose for two-step verification. If you forgot it, tap "Forgot PIN?" to reset it by email.
Does WhatsApp work with a virtual number?
Often not with free or VoIP numbers, which WhatsApp tends to refuse. Non-VoIP mobile numbers work much more often. Use a rental number if you plan to keep the account.
I got a WhatsApp code I didn't ask for. What now?
Someone typed your number, by mistake or on purpose. Don't share the code with anyone, and turn on two-step verification so the code alone can't take over your account.
Related: running two WhatsApp accounts on one phone · SMS codes not arriving in general.
