In addition to entering the phone number correctly, it is important to check the network configuration and permissions of WhatsApp on your phone.
Every time you need to log into your WhatsApp account, the app sends you a six-digit SMS code to verify your number and authorize access to the messenger. Here’s what to do when this code doesn’t arrive on your device .
Several reasons can prevent the SMS from reaching your cell phone. (Image:
Mourizal Zativa/Unsplash)
Index
- Check your phone number
- Check the mobile network signal
- Look for SMS in the messaging app
- Allow WhatsApp to have access to SMS
- Configure the mobile network manually
- Check if you can receive international SMS
- Use the “Call Me” option
- Install WhatsApp again
- Contact WhatsApp
- What not to do if the WhatsApp code doesn’t arrive
Check your phone number
It may seem obvious, but sometimes the code doesn’t arrive because you missed one or two digits on your cell phone. If the chip is Brazilian, the number must start with +55 (Brazilian DDI), followed by your region’s area code (two digits) and the telephone number.
- Brazil mobile number example: +55 21 95265-XXXX;
- Remember: it is not necessary to include zeros (0) or the carrier prefix.
Check the mobile network signal
If the mobile number is correct, it may be that you are in a place with poor signal reception from the operator. Try to look for a place with a stronger signal, with at least two bars. Then tap Resend SMS again.
Look for SMS in the messaging app
Another option is that you’ve been receiving SMS all this time but haven’t received the notification. To check, log out of WhatsApp and log into your messaging app. Usually, the message arrives from the number 290-90 (but the sender may vary).
Allow WhatsApp to have access to SMS
Granting WhatsApp permissions to access your SMS is also important for code validation. However, most of the time, this function is turned off. To activate the permission, I used a Samsung cell phone, but the process is similar on other devices. Look:
- Go to “Settings”
Go down the notification bar and click on the gear icon; - Select “Applications”
Scroll down and tap on “Applications” when you find the option; - Select WhatsApp
Use the search bar at the top right to find WhatsApp; then click to open; - Find the SMS permission setting
Tap “Permissions” and see if the SMS is in the “Allowed” or “Not Allowed” section — if it is in the latter, go to the next step; - Allow SMS access
Tap “SMS”, then “Allow”.
Request the code to be sent back to WhatsApp. If that doesn’t work, try the next topic.
Configure the mobile network manually
Often cell phones are set to detect a network automatically and this can also get in the way of receiving your SMS. To change this, access the settings area again and follow the steps below:
- Go to “Mobile networks”
Select “Connections” and then tap “Mobile networks”; - Disable automatic selection
Click on “Network Settings” and uncheck the option “Automatically select”; - Inform your network
In the list of telephone operators, choose yours.
Restart your phone and try logging into WhatsApp again.
Check if you can receive international SMS
For some reason, your number may be blocked from receiving international SMS. As WhatsApp does not send the code from a Brazilian phone, it is possible that your operator is blocking the message. Try confirming with the operator or test receiving SMS with a friend.
Use the “Call Me” option
If you do not receive the code, please wait until the progress bar is complete before trying again. This can take up to 10 minutes. Be patient and start over.
Just below the space for you to enter the six-digit code is an option called Call Me. Instead of sending an SMS, WhatsApp’s automated system will make a call to your number and an electronic voice will inform you of the verification code. Don’t forget to write it down and then inform the application.
“Call Me” option on WhatsApp for when SMS does not arrive. (Image: Janaína Dantas/Tecnoblog)
“Our automated system will be able to call your number to provide the code. In the meantime, wait for the five-minute countdown and don’t change your number. After the five minutes, tap Call me,” explains support .”
Install WhatsApp again
It may seem obvious, but sometimes your WhatsApp version is out of date and therefore the number may not even be sent to your mobile. Uninstalling the app and installing it again can even help clean up corrupted files if it’s not the first time you’ve installed the app. If you don’t want to download it again, you can clear the app’s cache data — which works like a reinstall without old files.
Contact WhatsApp
If no alternative has worked to verify your WhatsApp, it may be time to contact support via the app itself . The service will not email the code, but you can ask for guidance and resolve any issues with your account, if any. Just tap the menu button and then Contact us or whatsapp.com/contact .
“For security reasons, we cannot send the confirmation code by other methods,” says support. That is, you will not receive the WhatsApp code by email and there is no way to circumvent the confirmation code.”
What not to do if the WhatsApp code doesn’t arrive
According to WhatsApp, this code is unique and changes with each mobile number or device confirmation request. Do not try to guess the WhatsApp code . This may temporarily prevent access to your number in the app.
Also check that you are using a compatible device. WhatsApp does not support iPod touch or iPad or Android tablets without SIM card (chip).
Also check if your cell phone (iPhone or Android) has not been jailbroken or rooted.
Important notes:
- If iCloud keys are activated on the iPhone, and you have already confirmed this number before, the confirmation can happen automatically, without sending a new code by SMS;
- You need to disable all call blocking apps or settings on Android, as well as “task-killers”.
Do I need credit to receive the SMS or call?
Not. The service is free and there will be no additional charge when receiving SMS or calls.
Can you verify the WhatsApp account with the SIM blocked?
Not. When a SIM card is blocked, it is not possible to receive messages or calls. Therefore, it will not be possible to validate the code and log into your account.
How to verify my WhatsApp with a landline number?
If you use regular WhatsApp, you will not be able to verify your number on WhatsApp this way. You can only use a landline on WhatsApp if you have a Business account (which is also free).
