WhatsApp says the number is already registered: what to do
Quick answer
If a number was used on WhatsApp before, registering it on a new phone moves the account to you and logs the old device out, as long as you receive the code. The problem appears when the previous owner set a two-step PIN: WhatsApp then asks for that PIN, which you don't have, or makes you wait 7 days to reset it. With a temporary number, cancel it and get a fresh one instead.
Phone numbers are recycled. When you get a new SIM or rent a temporary number, someone may have used it on WhatsApp before. WhatsApp handles this by letting the person who receives the code take over the number, with one important exception.
What 'already registered' really means
WhatsApp allows one account per number. When you verify a number that already has an account, WhatsApp moves the number to your device and the old device gets logged out. You don't inherit the old chats: those stay on the old device and its backups.
When it asks for a PIN you don't know
If the previous user turned on two-step verification, WhatsApp asks for their 6-digit PIN after the SMS code. Without it, you can only wait for the reset option, which WhatsApp shows after 7 days without use. That's too long for a temporary number.
What to do with a temporary number
- Cancel the Noir SMS number 2 minutes after buying if it hasn't received a code, for an instant refund.
- If you already got the code and then saw a PIN request, you can't use that number. Buy another one.
- Never try to guess someone else's PIN.
If it's your own number
If you got a new SIM with a recycled number, verifying it moves the number to you. If WhatsApp asks for a PIN, wait for the reset option or contact WhatsApp support. Your contacts may still have the old owner's name for that number for a while.
Frequently asked questions
Will I see the previous owner's chats?
No. Chats stay on the previous owner's device and backups.
Can the previous owner take the number back?
Only if they receive a new code on that number. With a number you control, they can't.
Why does WhatsApp ask for a PIN I never set?
The previous user set two-step verification on that number. Use another number.
Do I get a refund if the number has a PIN?
If no code arrived, cancel after 2 minutes for a refund. If the code already arrived, the number counts as used.
Services in this guide
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