How to register your phone number

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We send you a registration code to confirm that you own the phone number you want to use on WhatsApp. The registration code is unique and changes each time you register a new phone number or device. You can register with an SMS message or phone call.
Note: If you’re re-registering your phone number, you can get a code via email If you’ve added your email address to your account in your WhatsApp settings, during your initial registration, or during two-step verification setup.
After registering your phone number with WhatsApp, you can use your fingerprint, face, or screen lock to verify it’s you with a passkey for future verification. To set up a passkey, read this article.

Registration requirements

  • You can only register a phone number you own.
  • You must be able to receive phone calls and SMS to the phone number you are trying to register.
  • Make sure you’re using the latest version of WhatsApp installed on your phone.
  • You must have any call-blocking settings, apps or task killers disabled.
  • You must have a working internet connection through mobile data or Wi-Fi. If you're roaming or have a bad connection, registration may not work. Try opening a web page to make sure.
  • If you wish to use both WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp, you must use a unique phone number for each app.
  • You’ll need to use a supported phone number. Unsupported phone numbers can’t be registered on WhatsApp and include:
    • VoIP
    • Landlines
      Note: Landlines are only supported on the WhatsApp Business app.
    • Toll-free numbers
    • Paid premium numbers
    • Universal access numbers (UAN)

How to register

You can register your phone number with an SMS or phone call. Depending on your carrier, you might receive charges for SMS and phone calls.

To register with an SMS

  1. Enter your full international phone number.
    • Choose your country from the drop-down list. This will automatically fill your country code on the left.
    • Enter your phone number in the box on the right. Don't put 0 before your phone number.
  2. Tap Next to request a code.
    • Note: WhatsApp usually sends the verification code via SMS or automated voice call from a phone number with the country code for the country you are registering from.
  3. Enter the 6-digit code you receive via SMS.
  4. After registering, add your email address to your account at any time in your WhatsApp Settings > Account > Email Address. This helps you access your account next time you log in.

To register with a phone call

You can register for WhatsApp by receiving a missed call or voice call if you’d prefer not to register with an SMS. Learn how to register with a phone call in this help article.

Troubleshooting steps

If you didn't receive the 6-digit code by SMS:

  • Wait for the progress bar to finish and retry. The wait may take up to 10 minutes.
  • Don't guess the code, or you’ll be locked out for a period of time.
  • If the timer runs out before you receive the code, an option will appear to request a phone call. Tap Call me to request the call. When you answer the call, an automated voice will tell you the 6-digit code. Insert that to verify.
If you're still having issues completing registration, read this article for more tips.

Related resources

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