WhatsApp says the phone number is invalid: what it means and how to fix it

You type your number, tap Next and WhatsApp says it isn't valid, before it even sends a code. That message comes from a format check on your phone, not from the SMS network, so it's almost always fixable in a few seconds. Here are the causes in the order you should check them, plus what to do when the number really is the problem.

The most common causes

• Wrong country selected: WhatsApp often pre-selects the country of your SIM or location, not the country of the number you're typing.
• Country code typed twice: if the country is set to United States, typing +1 or 1 again makes the number one digit too long.
• Leading 0 or trunk prefix: UK numbers written as 07... must be entered as 7... after +44. The same applies to many countries.
• Missing or extra digits: US and Canada numbers have exactly 10 digits after +1. A UK mobile has 10 digits after +44.
• Spaces or symbols pasted in: some keyboards paste invisible characters. Retype the number by hand.

How to enter US, UK and Canada numbers

Step by step

1. Set the country by handTap the country field and pick the country of the number you're entering, not where you are.
2. Type the national number onlyNo + sign, no country code, no leading 0, no spaces.
3. Swap the number if it's still refusedIf the format is correct but WhatsApp won't send a code, cancel and try another number.

When the format is right but WhatsApp still refuses

If WhatsApp accepts the format but then says the number can't be used or is not supported, it's a different problem. Some line types, such as many VoIP and landline numbers, can't register for WhatsApp, and some number ranges are blocked after heavy abuse.

With a Noir SMS number, cancel it 2 minutes after buying for an instant refund and try another number or another country. Noir SMS numbers are mobile numbers from carriers, which WhatsApp usually accepts, but no provider can guarantee every number.

Banned is not the same as invalid

'This phone number is banned from using WhatsApp' means WhatsApp blocked that specific number, often because a previous user broke its rules. That's not a format problem. Use a different number, and if the number is your own, follow WhatsApp's in-app request to review the ban.