Quick answer
Tap Need help getting a code? to request a new code by SMS, or tap Call me to get it by phone call. Make sure the SIM for that number is in your phone and can receive SMS and calls, that you typed the number in full international format, and (if you’re abroad) that roaming is on. If you see “You have guessed the code too many times”, you have to wait; WhatsApp says there’s no way to make it faster. If nothing arrives, ask your mobile provider whether SMS or calls to your number are being blocked or delayed.
Does this match what you see?
- The SMS verification code never arrives.
- WhatsApp says “You have guessed the code too many times.”
- Registration won’t finish or your number isn’t accepted.
- You’re abroad and can’t receive the code.
iPhone & iPadAndroid
Based on WhatsApp Help “Can’t complete registration” (supplied by the site owner).
Why this happens: the possible causes
The reasons WhatsApp gives for registration failing (how common each is, is our estimate).
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| No SMS code | Request a new code or a call |
| “Guessed the code too many times” | Wait, then try again |
| Number not accepted | Check your number and SIM |
| Weak signal or internet | Fix your connection |
- The SIM can’t receive SMS or callsCheck this first
WhatsApp says the SIM for the number must be active and in your phone, and able to receive SMS or calls.
- The number is entered incorrectlyCheck this first
WhatsApp says to enter it in full international format.
- Roaming is off or prepaid balance is lowPossible
WhatsApp says you need roaming on abroad, and enough prepaid balance to receive SMS or calls.
- An unsupported number typePossible
WhatsApp says VoIP, toll-free, premium, UAN, shared cost and personal numbers can’t be registered, and landlines only work on the WhatsApp Business app.
- An unstable connectionPossible
WhatsApp says registration needs a stable internet connection.
- Task killers or SMS blockersLess likely
WhatsApp says to turn off task killers and blockers, such as Advanced Task Killer or Handcent Next SMS.
Try these 60-second checks first
- Check the SIM for this number is in your phone and can receive a normal text.
- Update WhatsApp to the latest version.
How to fix it, step by step
Work through these in order. They start with the quickest, safest checks and only move to steps that sign you out or remove data later.
Fix 1: Get a new code by SMS, phone call or email
WhatsApp offers more than one way to send the code.
- Tap Need help getting a code? and choose how to get a new code.
- If the SMS still doesn’t arrive, tap Call me to get the code by phone call. WhatsApp says that in most regions, if you have voicemail on, its automated system will leave the code in a voicemail.
- Logging in to an existing account? If you added an email address in WhatsApp’s settings when you first registered or set up two-step verification, choose Email under Choose how to verify, then Continue.
- Still nothing? Contact your mobile provider. WhatsApp says they can confirm whether SMS or calls to your number are being blocked or delayed.
Did it work? You receive a code and WhatsApp accepts it.
Did Fix 1 solve it?
Great, you fixed it with Fix 1. Tell us it worked, or bookmark this page in case it happens again.
Fix 2: “You have guessed the code too many times” or you have to wait
WhatsApp shows this if you enter the wrong code more than once. It also says that if you leave verification before it’s finished, you may time out and need to start again.
- Wait the designated amount of time before requesting another code.
- When the wait is over, request a new code. Our tip: enter it carefully and stay on the verification screen until you’ve finished.
WhatsApp says there’s no way to make this faster. In some cases, it says it can verify your number automatically. Our advice: be wary of anyone offering to skip the wait.
Did it work? You can request a new code once the wait ends.
Did Fix 2 solve it?
Great, you fixed it with Fix 2. Tell us it worked, or bookmark this page in case it happens again.
Fix 3: Check your number and SIM card
WhatsApp says registration may fail if the number isn’t supported or entered correctly, or the SIM can’t receive SMS or calls.
- Make sure the active SIM for the number is in your phone and can receive SMS or phone calls.
- Enter your number in full international format.
- Prepaid? Check you have enough balance to receive SMS or calls.
- Abroad? Turn on roaming so you can receive international SMS or calls. WhatsApp notes this might cost extra.
- Turn off any task killers or SMS blockers.
WhatsApp says VoIP, toll-free, paid premium, universal access (UAN), shared cost and personal numbers can’t be registered. Landlines only work with the WhatsApp Business app, which sends the code to the landline. You also need to meet WhatsApp’s minimum age in its Terms of Service.
Did it work? WhatsApp accepts your number and sends a code.
Did Fix 3 solve it?
Great, you fixed it with Fix 3. Tell us it worked, or bookmark this page in case it happens again.
Weak signal or unstable internet
WhatsApp says registration needs a stable internet connection. Try another network, or move somewhere with better mobile signal. WhatsApp also suggests turning on Wi-Fi Calling in your phone’s settings, which lets your phone make calls and send texts over Wi-Fi, if your mobile network is the problem.
For more connection fixes, see WhatsApp not connecting.
Verified without a code?
WhatsApp says it can sometimes verify your number automatically, and you’ll see a Verified confirmation without being sent a code. It says this is only available in limited countries, and verifying by SMS or voice call is also available. Methods it lists include:
- A unique code stored on your phone from when you first confirmed your number by SMS or missed call (missed call on Android only).
- Verification information saved through Facebook or Instagram, if you opted in. WhatsApp says they don’t save your WhatsApp number or use it for anything else, and you can opt out. It only works if you use the same number on the same device.
- An end-to-end encrypted backup in your Google Account, which lets you skip SMS verification after reinstalling WhatsApp.
- Checking with your mobile carrier that your device matches the number (Android only).
Forgot your two-step verification password or PIN
WhatsApp says it’s upgrading the 6-digit two-step verification PIN to a password. If you can’t remember it when logging in, WhatsApp’s steps for iPhone and Android are:
- Tap Verify another way.
- Choose email, SMS or Voice call, then tap Continue.
- Enter the code you receive.
Reset your account
WhatsApp says if you can’t complete two-step verification, the option to reset your account unlocks after a few days, and it can’t be undone: tap Verify another way > See more > Reset account > Continue > Reset account > Reset account.
- Less than 30 days since you last logged in: WhatsApp says resetting deletes messages you received since your last login, but your account history and profile stay active.
- More than 30 days: WhatsApp says resetting deletes your messages and profile, and your account history and profile can’t be recovered.
Change your password while logged in
WhatsApp says you don’t need your old password: tap your profile (Android) or You (iPhone) > Account > Password > Change password, enter a new one (at least 8 characters, with at least 1 letter and 1 number), confirm it and tap Save.
How to know it worked
- You’ve entered a code and WhatsApp has finished registering your number.
Still not working? Your next steps
- Number banned instead? See WhatsApp account banned.
Official help routes
SocialAppFix can’t see or change your account. For account decisions, recovery and appeals, only the platform’s own tools can help. These links go to the official sites.
Frequently asked questions
Why am I not getting my WhatsApp verification code?
WhatsApp says registration can fail because of phone number or SIM card issues, an unstable internet connection, or problems receiving the verification code. Check the SIM is in your phone, the number is in full international format, and roaming is on if you’re abroad. Then tap Need help getting a code? or Call me.
How long do I wait after “You have guessed the code too many times”?
WhatsApp says to wait the designated amount of time shown before requesting another code, and that there’s no way to make it faster.
Can I get my WhatsApp code by phone call?
Yes. Tap Call me. WhatsApp says that in most regions, if you have voicemail on, its automated system leaves the code in a voicemail.
Can I get my WhatsApp code by email?
WhatsApp says yes, when logging in to an existing account, if you added an email address during registration or two-step verification setup: choose Email under Choose how to verify.
I forgot my WhatsApp two-step verification PIN. What can I do?
WhatsApp says to tap Verify another way and get a code by email, SMS or voice call. If you can’t, a Reset account option unlocks after a few days, but it can’t be undone: it deletes messages received since your last login, or, if it’s been more than 30 days, your messages and profile.
Can I register WhatsApp with a landline or VoIP number?
WhatsApp says VoIP numbers can’t be registered. Landlines only work with the WhatsApp Business app.
Did this solve your problem?
Your answer stays in your browser — nothing is sent or stored. The “tell us” link opens your own email app.
Out of date or didn’t work? Email us — never include passwords or codes.
Sources and how we checked this guide
We base steps on the platforms’ own help pages and the phone makers’ official guides. Menu names change often and can differ by device, app version and region. Where a platform page could not be independently read, we link it so you can check the current wording yourself.
- Can’t complete registration (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Can’t remember password (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Can’t request another verification code without waiting (external site, opens in a new tab)
- About automatic phone number verification (external site, opens in a new tab)
Last reviewed 28 October 2026 by the SocialAppFix editorial team against the sources above. Next scheduled review: 28 April 2027. How we write and review guides.
What changed
- 28 October 2026: First published.
SocialAppFix is an independent guide and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Meta or WhatsApp. We never ask for passwords, login codes or payment to fix an account.