Recover Your WhatsApp Account — Locked Out, Hacked, or New Phone
Lost access to WhatsApp after switching phones, being locked out by a hacker, or losing your SIM? WhatsApp ties accounts to phone numbers, so recovery depends on your ability to receive an SMS or call on that number. This guide covers every recovery path.
Recovery Steps
Request a New Verification Code. Open WhatsApp and enter your phone number. WhatsApp sends a 6-digit SMS code. If you still have the same number and SIM, enter the code to regain access immediately. Request a New Verification Code
Use the "Call Me Instead" Option. If SMS doesn't arrive within 60 seconds, tap "Call me instead." WhatsApp calls the number and reads a 6-digit code aloud. This works even if SMS delivery is blocked.
Wait Out the 12-Hour Lock. After too many failed attempts WhatsApp locks code requests for 12 hours. Wait the full 12 hours before trying again — this is a security measure you cannot bypass.
Restore from Cloud Backup. After re-verifying your number, WhatsApp offers to restore from Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iPhone). Accept to recover your message history. Without a backup, message history cannot be recovered. Restore from Cloud Backup
Report a Compromised Account. If someone else activated WhatsApp on your number, email support@whatsapp.com with the subject "Lost/Stolen: Please deactivate my account." WhatsApp will deactivate the hijacked session and let you reverify. Report a Compromised Account
Contact WhatsApp Support for SIM Issues. If you no longer have access to your phone number (SIM lost, number changed, account deactivated by carrier), contact WhatsApp via their support form. Include proof of number ownership if possible. Contact WhatsApp Support for SIM Issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover WhatsApp without my old phone number?
Only if you can get your number reactivated by your carrier. WhatsApp accounts are tied to phone numbers — there is no email-based recovery. Ask your carrier to restore or transfer the number, then reverify WhatsApp.
My WhatsApp was hacked and the hacker enabled two-step verification. What do I do?
Email support@whatsapp.com explaining the situation. If the two-step PIN was set by an attacker, WhatsApp can disable it after a 7-day waiting period. During that period the hacker also cannot use the account with the new PIN, which limits damage.
Will I lose my messages if I reinstall WhatsApp?
Only if you have no backup. If you enabled Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iPhone) backup in WhatsApp settings before reinstalling, your messages will be restored. Check your backup status in WhatsApp Settings → Chats → Chat Backup before uninstalling.