How to Recover Your Forgotten WhatsApp PIN?

Kevin ArrowsUpdated on July 25, 2022
Kevin is a certified Network Engineer

At this time, there is no question in the popularity of the messaging application WhatsApp. Since late 2016, WhatsApp gave its users the ability to enable 2 Factor Authentication (many other apps like Facebook and Google also use it) on their WhatsApp number. By the use of 2 Factor Authentication, the user’s number cannot be verified on WhatsApp without entering a user-defined 6-digit PIN. The purpose of this step is to stop intruders from using your WhatsApp number when they are in possession of your sim card.

Enable Two-Step Verification on WhatsApp

Now, when the user switches to another device or wants to reinstall WhatsApp, then he will be prompted to enter the PIN.

This Account is Protected by Two-Step Verification

But the problem arises when the user forgets the 6-digit PIN. Then what can a user do to recover his WhatsApp number? If you are one of those who are suffering from this problem, then follow the steps below to use the steps below your WhatsApp number.

There are two case scenarios:

  • 2 Step Verification Enabled With Email
  • 2 Step Verification Enabled Without Email

With Email:

If you have an added email address when you were setting 2 step verification, then follow the steps below:

  1. Launch WhatsApp.
  2. Press Agree and Continue. Then type in your phone number.
    Verify Phone Number on WhatsApp
  3. You will receive a verification code via SMS (or via a call) on your phone number. Enter the code in WhatsApp.
  4. Now you will be prompted to enter a PIN. As you do not remember, click on Forgot PIN?

    Click on Forgot PIN
  5. A pop-up will appear. Click on Send Email (An email will be sent to the email address which WhatsApp has on record for you).
    Send Email to Reset PIN
  6. Now tap on the OK.
    Email Sent to Reset PIN
  7. An email with a link to turn off two-step verification of your account will be received. Click on the link and your WhatsApp account page will open in your browser.
    Link To Reset Two-Step Verification
  8. Now confirm that you really want to turn off two-step verification. (do not turn off, if you did not request it).
    Confirm to Reset Two-Step Verification
  9. That’s it. Now you will be able to log back into your WhatsApp account and start sending/receiving messages again. If you have backed up WhatsApp data, then it will be restored.
    Two-Step Verification Removed From WhatsApp Account

Without Email:

You will not have much to do if you have not set up email while enabling 2 step verification. Follow the steps mentioned:

  1. Wait for 7 days. After that, you will be able to assign a new PIN for your account. A screen for a new PIN will appear on your screen. You just need to assign a new PIN (code) with 6 digits to the app. Also, you will not be able to read any messages received during this time and they will be lost (messages older than 6-7 days are automatically deleted by WhatsApp).
  2. If you don’t re-verify your PIN in 30 days, your account will be deleted. After that, whenever you use your WhatsApp number, it will create a new account.
Kevin ArrowsUpdated on July 25, 2022
Kevin is a certified Network Engineer
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.

Comments

5
    SL
    Swan Ley Jun 22, 2021

    Hi Kevin, thanks for sharing this information. somehow, it seems my problem is not solved after 7 days, same message appear that i need to wait for another fresh 7 days. In between i kept receiving missed call from anonymous number, i suspect this is the hacker, i didn’t bother and sometime new msg also pop up in my phone with 6 digit whatsapp code which i didn’t request, and the language in spanish. If you have any idea or any clue to my problem pls i really appreciate that, thank you.

    Reply
      HF
      Henry Foo Jul 29, 2021

      Hi..hi.. did u manage to solve the problem. I am facing the same issue. Exactly the same. I am currently in the 6 days cooling period. I am worry I will need to wait for another 7 days after the first 7 days. Coz I am still receiving missed call and new message for 6 digit WhatsApp code in Spanish

      Reply
    MZ
    Muhammad Zubyan Author Jun 24, 2021

    This is really a critical security issue, maybe that hacker has your account set up to a bot that automatically sends the text as soon as the time is finished. Unfortunately, we can’t really help you with this issue I suggest you contact Whatsapp support using this link: https://www.whatsapp.com/contact/?lang=en

    If they won’t provide you anything useful I suggest you try your best to request the code before the hacker.

    Reply
    JI
    Jiri Jun 19, 2022

    Hello, I have a problem, because I have been disconnected to WhatsApp and they need PIN to get again connected to WhatsApp completely. But I do not have PIN code and need to contact them, however they do not want to provide me anything to change my PIN code at all and this is absolutely serious, because there are not any people and WhatsApp even do not know that there is a huge probelm. So this is absolutely serious and do not know what to do with them. Thanks for your help!!!!

    Reply
    SS
    Sagar shoukat Samejo Jul 27, 2023

    Two step verification code

    Reply