How to Verify a Phone Number on WhatsApp: iPhone & Android

PDF download Download Article
Receive a verification code for WhatsApp on iPhone or Android
PDF download Download Article

Are you registering a new phone number with WhatsApp? This is easily done when you first sign up for an account. However, if you're not receiving the unique code, there are quick ways to troubleshoot the app. Here's how to verify a phone number on WhatsApp using your iPhone or Android device.

Getting Your WhatsApp Verification

When you sign up for WhatsApp, you'll be asked to verify your account with the phone number used for registration. A unique code is sent to this phone number via phone call or SMS.

Section 1 of 3:

Using iPhone or iPad

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's a green app with a white phone icon inside a white chat bubble.
    • You can download WhatsApp from the App Store .
    • The phone number used to sign up for an account will be used for verification. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's at the bottom of the screen.
    • If it's the first time using WhatsApp on your device, you will be prompted to grant WhatsApp access to your device's camera, microphone, contacts, etc. Tap Allow .
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The country in which your phone number was issued should appear just above the phone number field.
    • If the listed country is incorrect, tap the country name that appears, then tap the correct country in the list.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This must be a valid phone number. Numbers from services such as Google Voice will not work.
    • Do not enter any zeroes before your number.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's in the upper-right corner of the screen.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This confirms your number and sends an SMS message with an activation code to your phone number.
    • To receive an automated phone call from WhatsApp with the activation code, do nothing when this dialog box appears.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Look for the one containing a six-digit activation code.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This verifies your phone number and activates your phone on WhatsApp.
    9. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Using Android

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-9-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-9-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-9-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-9-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's a green app with a white phone icon inside a white chat bubble.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's at the bottom of the screen.
    • If it's the first time using WhatsApp on your device, you will be prompted to grant WhatsApp access to your device's camera, microphone, contacts, etc. Tap Allow .
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The country in which your phone number was issued should appear just above the phone number field.
    • If the listed country is incorrect, tap the country name that appears, then tap the correct country in the list.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-12-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-12-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-12-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-12-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This must be a valid phone number. Numbers from services such as Google Voice will not work.
    • Do not enter any zeroes before your number.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-13-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-13-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c6\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-13-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-13-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's just below the phone number field.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-14-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-14-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-14-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-14-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This confirms your number and sends an SMS message with an activation code to your phone number.
    • If prompted, and you'd like WhatsApp to automatically detect your confirmation code and enter it for you, tap CONTINUE . Otherwise, tap NOT NOW .
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-15-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-15-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-15-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-15-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Look for the one containing a six-digit activation code.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-16-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-16-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-16-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-16-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This verifies your phone number and activates your phone on WhatsApp.
    • If you can't receive text messages, tap Call me to receive an automated phone call from WhatsApp with your 6-digit code.
    9. Advertisement
Section 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-17-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-17-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-17-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-17-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Updates have the latest bug fixes. If you don't already have automatic updates enabled, open the App Store or Google Play Store, search for WhatsApp , and tap Update .
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-18.jpg\/v4-460px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-18.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-18.jpg\/v4-728px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-18.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Keeping your phone up-to-date can help prevent software issues. Update your Android or update your iPhone in the Settings app.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-19.jpg\/v4-460px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-19.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-19.jpg\/v4-728px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-19.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll need to have a cellular connection available to receive SMS texts. If you're connected, make sure cellular data is enabled on your device.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-20.jpg\/v4-460px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-20.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-20.jpg\/v4-728px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-20.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    WhatsApp is only available on iPhone and Android devices.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-21.jpg\/v4-460px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-21.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/97\/Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-21.jpg\/v4-728px-Verify-a-Phone-Number-on-WhatsApp-Step-21.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Some users reported that verifying a new number through WhatsApp business helped verify through regular WhatsApp.
    • To do this, download the WhatsApp Business app and sign up using your new phone number. Verify the number with the unique code, and then return to regular WhatsApp. Select the Change option. This should confirm the new number without a verification code.
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      • Do not try to guess the verification code. Doing so will lock you out of the verification process for a lengthy period of time.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 4
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      Easy Ways to Know Someone Blocked You on WhatsApp
      How to
      Use WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp on Your Computer
      4 Ways to Use Two WhatsApp Accounts on One Phone
      How to
      Access Someone Else's WhatsApp Account
      Simple Ways to Get a Fake Number for WhatsApp
      How to
      Know Who Has Viewed Your Status on WhatsApp
      How to
      Activate WhatsApp Without a Verification Code
      How to
      Hide Your Phone Number on WhatsApp
      How to
      Sign Up for WhatsApp Without a Phone Number
      Downloading and Installing WhatsApp to Your Android Device
      Why Do People Use WhatsApp? Everything You Need to Know
      2 Easy Ways to Share Your Live Location on WhatsApp
      How to
      Know if Someone Has Your Number on WhatsApp
      How to
      Impress a Girl on WhatsApp
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/729321962119902

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 57,054 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement