Fix: “We Couldn’t Send an SMS to Your Number” on WhatsApp

The “We couldn’t send an SMS to your number” error appears when WhatsApp’s request to deliver an SMS to your mobile number is blocked. It usually happens during the verification process after installing WhatsApp. Each failed attempt increases the cooldown period, which temporarily prevents further requests. This system is designed to protect users by blocking repetitive or automated attempts that may be part of malicious attacks, such as brute-force attempts to guess the verification code.

Several factors can trigger this error. The most common are an incorrectly entered number (wrong format or missing country code), a temporarily flagged or soft-banned device, or carrier-side issues such as SMS gateway routing failures, blocked short/long codes, or regional operator restrictions.

Before applying the main solutions, it’s important to rule out simple issues first.

• Make sure you have a stable internet connection, enter your number in the correct format, and disable iMessage if you use iOS.
• Try using mobile data instead of Wi-Fi, and enable data roaming if required.
• Also check your carrier balance and ensure that premium or international SMS shortcodes are not blocked on your SIM, since WhatsApp relies on those for verification.

If none of these quick checks resolve the problem, avoid repeatedly requesting codes, as this only extends the cooldown. Instead, wait 24–48 hours before attempting verification again.

1. Use Another Device For Verification

Sometimes, the problem lies with your device rather than your number. Using another phone for verification helps bypass device-specific restrictions and allows the process to complete successfully. This is especially helpful if your primary device has network, permission, or SMS delivery issues.

1. Remove the SIM card from your main device and insert it into another device.
2. Open WhatsApp, enter your phone number, and request the verification code.
3. Enter the code received on the second device.
4. After verification is complete, place the SIM card back in your main device.

2. Reset Network Settings

Network misconfigurations are another common cause of SMS delivery problems. Resetting network configurations restores cellular, APN, VPN, and Wi-Fi settings to their default state, clearing out issues that may interfere with carrier registration or SMS delivery.

1. Open your device Settings.
2. Navigate to General/General Management > Reset.
   
3. Select Reset network settings (note that this will erase Wi-Fi passwords, cellular, and VPN/APN settings) and confirm.
   
4. Reopen WhatsApp, enter your phone number, and request the verification code again.

3. Use VPN (Limited Cases)

In some cases, WhatsApp may restrict verification requests regionally. A VPN can help bypass such server-side restrictions, but it will not solve issues where your carrier blocks shortcodes or fails to deliver SMS. Treat this as a possible workaround rather than a guaranteed fix.

1. Download a trusted VPN app (such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or another reliable provider). Avoid free VPNs that may log data or cause unstable connections.
   
2. Open the VPN app and connect to a server (select a nearby location for better speed and stability).
   
3. Keep the VPN active in the background and try requesting the verification code again.

4. Try Voice Call Verification

If SMS verification continues to fail, WhatsApp also provides a “Call me” option. Instead of sending an SMS, an automated system will call your number and read out the verification code.

1. Open WhatsApp and enter your number for verification.
2. When SMS fails, select the Call me option.
3. Answer the automated call and note down the code provided.
4. Enter the code in WhatsApp to complete verification.

6. Use WhatsApp Business (Workaround)

If none of the above steps work, switching to WhatsApp Business may help in rare cases. Since it uses the same server-side infrastructure as the standard app, some users have reported that it bypassed rate limits or soft bans. This is not an official fix, but you can try it as a last-resort option.

1. Open your device Settings and go to Apps.
   
2. From the list, locate and tap WhatsApp.
   
3. Tap Uninstall.
   
4. Download WhatsApp Business from the Play Store or App Store.
   
5. Open WhatsApp Business and request a verification code.
6. Once verified, go to Settings inside WhatsApp Business.
7. Navigate to Account, enable two-factor authentication, and add your recovery email (recommended).
   
8. Reinstall the regular WhatsApp Messenger from the Play Store or App Store.
9. Log in using the same number. Your verified account and backed-up chats will sync automatically.
10. You can now uninstall WhatsApp Business if you prefer.