How to register your phone number

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To activate your WhatsApp Account, you must register an active phone number for verification. We will 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.

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 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.
  • Don’t use an unsupported device to register, such as an iPad.
  • Make sure your device isn't jailbroken.
  • If you want to use both WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp, you'll need to use a unique phone number for each app.
  • You must use a supported phone number. Unsupported phone numbers include: VoIP, toll-free numbers, paid premium numbers, universal access numbers (UAN), and landlines (landlines are only supported on the WhatsApp Business app).

Register your phone number

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.
  1. Open WhatsApp.
  2. Tap Agree and continue to accept the WhatsApp Terms of Service.
  3. Tap Allow if you want to receive notifications for calls and messages.
  4. Select your country from the dropdown and enter your phone number in full international format.
  5. You’ll receive a 6-digit registration code by SMS. Enter the 6-digit code to complete registration.
If you don’t receive a code, tap Didn’t receive a code? and select SMS or Phone call to receive a new code. Wait for the progress bar to finish before you retry registration. The wait time can vary, but usually takes a few minutes. If it’s taking more than a few minutes, or if you still have issues registering your phone number, try these troubleshooting tips.
After registering your phone number, you’ll be asked to set up your account. Follow the steps on your device to restore an existing WhatsApp account or set up a new account.
Note:
  • By entering your phone number, you authorize your wireless carrier to share data from your account and wireless device to WhatsApp or its service providers for phone number verification and fraud prevention purposes. To learn more about the data we collect and how we use it, view our Privacy Policy
  • Don't guess the registration code, or you’ll be locked out for a period of time.
  • You must be able to receive the registration code via SMS or phone call.
  • 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.

Secure your account with passkey

After registering your phone number and setting up your profile, you can create a passkey to help protect your account. With a passkey, you can use your fingerprint, face, or screen lock to verify your identity. Learn how to create a passkey.

Add account to Accounts Center

If you have a Facebook or Instagram account, you can link your accounts by adding your Whatsapp account to Accounts Center. Learn more about WhatsApp in Accounts Center.