How to Activate WhatsApp on iPhone: Troubleshooting Guide for Number Issues

Activating WhatsApp on your iPhone can sometimes prove to be a challenge, especially if the app keeps asking for the phone number that was used in the previous installation. This guide will walk you through the steps to resolve common issues and successfully activate WhatsApp on your new phone.

1. Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp

The first step is to completely remove the current WhatsApp installation from your iPhone. To do this:

Go to Settings. Tap on Apps Privacy. Find the WhatsApp app in the list and tap on it. Tap on Storage and Data. Tap on Delete App to remove WhatsApp from your device. Restart your iPhone if necessary.

Once the app is uninstalled, reinstall it from the App Store.

2. Open WhatsApp and Enter Your New Phone Number

After reinstalling WhatsApp, follow these steps to complete the setup:

Launch the app. When prompted, enter the phone number you want to use for WhatsApp. Make sure to select the correct country code.

WhatsApp will send a verification code to the number you entered. You can receive it via SMS or a call. Follow the instructions to enter the verification code.

3. Set Up Your Profile

Once verified, you can set up your profile by entering your name and adding a profile picture if desired.

4. If You No Longer Have Access to the Previous Number

If your old phone number is no longer active and you need to recover your WhatsApp account:

Go to the WhatsApp website and look for support options. Explain your situation and provide any relevant information. WhatsApp support may assist you in recovering your account.

Alternatively, if you have a new phone number, you can create a new WhatsApp account using the new number. Note that this will be separate from any chats or backups associated with the previous number.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you resolve common issues:

Uninstall and install if it asks for number then enter your new number and get OTP to activate. If your old number is not active and WhatsApp was working with the same number, go to Settings > WhatsApp > Account > Change Number. If you have another phone with WhatsApp, open it, remove the account by deleting it after backing up, and then enter your new number to get OTP. Check if your new number is already active on WhatsApp just by saving it in your contacts. If not, download and open WhatsApp freshly. It will ask for the old number, and you can change it by clicking back and entering your new one. You may receive an OTP call from WhatsApp or it may sync automatically. If so, insert a new SIM and try this method.

Good luck!