Short answer
Let the countdown finish, then request the code again or choose “Call me” to hear it by voice. Enter your number in full international format with the country code and no leading zeros. Check signal and data, turn off call blockers and task killers, and try Wi-Fi Calling if your network is weak. Don’t guess codes — too many wrong tries lock you out for a waiting period you can’t shorten. Codes come only by SMS or call (or email, if you added one to the account earlier). If you get a WhatsApp code you didn’t request, never share it: someone is trying to register your number.
Quick fixes, in order
- Wait for the timer. Requesting again before the countdown ends doesn’t help.
- Choose “Call me” when it appears; an automated call reads out the six digits.
- Check the number format: country code, then the number, without leading zeros or exit codes (for example +44 7…, not 0044 07…).
- Test reception: ask someone to text the same number in exactly that format.
- Check data or Wi-Fi; roaming and weak connections can stop verification.
- Turn off call blockers, firewall apps and task killers during verification.
- Try Wi-Fi Calling in your phone settings if mobile signal is poor.
- Restart the phone, then reinstall the latest WhatsApp if it still fails.
“You guessed too many times”
Entering wrong codes repeatedly triggers a waiting period before you can request another code, and there’s no way to speed it up. Wait it out, then use the newest code only. Your mobile provider may charge for verification texts and calls.
Email verification
If you previously added and verified an email address in WhatsApp, you may be offered email verification when re-registering the same number. You can’t add the email at this point — it has to be on the account beforehand. Set it up once you’re back in, together with two-step verification.
When a code arrives that you didn’t ask for
- Someone typed your number into WhatsApp — by mistake or to take over your account.
- Never forward the code, even to a friend or a “WhatsApp support” message. A request for it is the most common way WhatsApp accounts are stolen — often from a friend’s hijacked account.
- Turn on two-step verification with a PIN, so a code alone isn’t enough.
- If someone already took the account, register again with your number to sign them out: WhatsApp hacked. Watch for the follow-up scams: “Hi Mum” scam.
Banned, not blocked?
If WhatsApp says the number can’t use WhatsApp, it’s a ban rather than a code problem — request a review in the app: WhatsApp account banned. Takeovers you can’t reverse: our hacked account recovery service works through WhatsApp’s official process.
Frequently asked questions
Why am I not getting the WhatsApp code?
Usually the number format is wrong, the signal or data connection is weak, a call blocker interferes, or too many codes were requested or guessed in a short time.
Can WhatsApp send the code by email?
Only if you added and verified an email address on the account before. Otherwise codes come by SMS or phone call.
How long is the wait after “guessed too many times”?
WhatsApp shows the waiting time on screen, and it can’t be shortened. Wait, then use only the newest code.
Someone asked me to send them a WhatsApp code by mistake. Is that safe?
No. That code registers your number on their phone. Don’t send it, and turn on two-step verification.
Sources: WhatsApp Help — how to verify your phone number, WhatsApp Help — can’t register phone number, WhatsApp Help — stolen accounts, WhatsApp Help — account security tips