By Alex Carter, Editor at GetVerifyCode
The 6-digit code for WhatsApp is the registration code WhatsApp sends to confirm you own the phone number you're signing up with. It arrives by SMS, or by an automated phone call if you choose "Call me", and you type it into the "Enter 6-digit code" screen. Never share it with anyone.
Key facts
- WhatsApp's help center says you'll receive a 6-digit verification code by SMS when you register your number.
- If the SMS doesn't come, WhatsApp says to wait for the timer, which can take up to 10 minutes, then request a call.
- WhatsApp warns not to guess the code, or you'll be locked out for a period of time.
- A temporary activation on GetVerifyCode stays live for about 20 minutes, and if no SMS arrives, the unused credit returns to your wallet.
What is the 6-digit code for WhatsApp?
When you install WhatsApp or move it to a new phone, it asks for your number and then sends a one-time registration code. WhatsApp's page on how to register your phone number says the code confirms you own the number, that you must be able to receive it by SMS or phone call, and that it is unique and changes each time you register a new phone number or device.
So the code only works for that one sign-in on that one device. It's the same idea as any other one-time code; see what a verification code is for the general picture.
How to enter the WhatsApp 6-digit code
- Open WhatsApp, tap Agree and continue, and pick your country.
- Enter your phone number in full international format, with the country code and no leading zero.
- Wait for the SMS. On many Android phones WhatsApp fills the code in by itself.
- If it doesn't, type the six digits into the "Enter 6-digit code" screen.
- Follow the prompts to restore your backup or set up a new account.
WhatsApp's help center also says that if you're logging in to an existing account and added an email address earlier, you can get the code by email instead.
WhatsApp 6-digit code not coming? Wait, then use "Call me"
WhatsApp's can't register phone number page gives these steps:
- Check that you typed your full international number with the right country code.
- Wait for the timer to finish and retry. WhatsApp says the wait might take up to 10 minutes.
- When the timer runs out, tap Call me. An automated voice reads out the 6-digit code.
- Restart your phone, update WhatsApp, and turn off any call-blocking apps or settings.
If SMS codes are failing for other apps too, work through why a verification code didn't arrive.
Don't guess the code
WhatsApp warns that guessing the registration code will lock you out for a period of time. If you enter a wrong code more than once, you may see "You have guessed the code too many times." WhatsApp says to wait the designated time before you request another code and that there's no way to make it faster.
That wait is the closest thing to a WhatsApp verification code limit. WhatsApp doesn't publish an exact number of tries or a fixed wait, so be careful with each attempt. If a code you entered is rejected, see why a code shows as invalid or expired.
Registration code vs two-step verification PIN
People mix these up because both have six digits:
- Registration code: WhatsApp sends it to you by SMS or call. It changes every time and proves you own the number.
- Two-step verification PIN: you create it yourself in Settings, and WhatsApp asks for it from time to time as an extra lock.
- Change underway: WhatsApp's two-step verification settings page says "WhatsApp is upgrading the 6-digit PIN used in two-step verification to a password."
If WhatsApp asks for a code you never received, it's the registration code. If it asks for a PIN you set, it's two-step verification.
WhatsApp verification code scams
A common trick is a message from a "friend" or "support agent" saying they sent you a code by mistake and asking you to forward it. If you do, they can register your number on their phone and take over your account. WhatsApp staff and your contacts never need your code.
If you get a WhatsApp code you didn't request, someone may have typed your number by mistake or may be trying to register it. Don't share it. Setting up two-step verification adds a second lock.
Can you use a temporary number for WhatsApp?
Some people use a separate number to keep their personal one private. WhatsApp lists VoIP, toll-free, premium, UAN and landline numbers (landlines only on WhatsApp Business) as unsupported, so acceptance depends on the number type. See VoIP vs real-route numbers for why some numbers are rejected.
Our foreign number for WhatsApp guide and the WhatsApp verification page explain the steps. For a WhatsApp account you'll keep, use a rental number, because WhatsApp may ask for a code on that number again. If WhatsApp says your number is already in use, see phone number already used.
Top up your wallet from $1. Each number is priced live per service and country. Some apps reject virtual numbers. Acceptance is decided by WhatsApp, not by us.
Using a temporary number to protect your privacy, travel, or test your own app is generally lawful in many places, but laws differ by country and each app sets its own terms. Check both. Never use it for fraud, impersonation, or getting around a ban. See are temporary phone numbers legal.
Related guides
- Foreign number for WhatsApp verification
- What is a verification code?
- Didn't get the verification code?
- Verification code invalid or expired
- How GetVerifyCode works
Need a separate number for a one-time code? Get started or check pricing.
About the author: Alex Carter is the editor at GetVerifyCode. Alex tests SMS verification routes across services and countries and writes plain-language guides on receiving OTP codes safely.
GetVerifyCode is not affiliated with the apps named in this article. Follow each app's terms and local law.
FAQ
FAQ
It's the one-time registration code WhatsApp sends by SMS or automated call to confirm you own the number. You enter it on the "Enter 6-digit code" screen to finish signing up.
WhatsApp shows that screen after you enter your number on a new install or a new phone. It's waiting for the registration code it just sent to that number by SMS.
WhatsApp doesn't publish an exact limit. It does say that guessing wrong codes locks you out for a period of time, and that you must wait before requesting another code.
Check the country code, wait for the timer to finish, which WhatsApp says can take up to 10 minutes, then tap Call me to hear the code by phone.
No. The registration code is sent to you and changes each time. The two-step PIN is one you set yourself, and WhatsApp says it's upgrading that PIN to a password.
Yes, treat it as one. Anyone with your code can register your number on their phone. Never share it, even with friends or people claiming to be WhatsApp support.
