WhatsApp says the number is already registered: what to do

WhatsApp uses your phone number as your account, and a number can be on one WhatsApp account at a time. When you register a number that’s already in use, WhatsApp either moves that account to your phone or stops and says the number is registered to another account. What to do depends on what you’re after.

Moving WhatsApp to a new phone

Back up your chats on the old phone first, then register the same number on the new one. WhatsApp sends a code to the number and moves the account across, and the old phone is signed out. To free a number instead, delete the account from inside WhatsApp on the old phone, under Settings, then Account.

Two accounts on one phone

Each WhatsApp account needs its own number. Newer versions of WhatsApp let you add a second account from Settings where your phone has the option, and the WhatsApp Business app is another way to run two. Using the same number in both apps moves the account rather than making a second one.

A new SIM that’s still on someone else’s account

Phone companies reuse numbers, so a new number can still be on its previous owner’s WhatsApp. Registering it on your phone usually takes it over. If WhatsApp still refuses, contact WhatsApp support from the app, under Settings, then Help.

A one-time number for a second account

If you don’t have another number, a one-time number like ours receives WhatsApp’s code for 20 minutes. It costs $1, and if no code arrives in that time the money goes back to your balance. Get a number for WhatsApp.

Know the catch first: because the number is the account, WhatsApp sends a new code when you reinstall it or move to another phone, and this number won’t receive it. It suits a second account you’ll keep on one phone.

Keep the account

Turn on two-step verification with a PIN and an email address, and back up your chats. Where WhatsApp offers it, add an email under Settings, then Account, then Email address, so a sign-in code can reach you there instead of the number.

WhatsApp’s rules

A second account for work or family is fine. Don’t use a new number to come back after a ban or to send bulk messages: that breaks WhatsApp’s rules and ours (see our Acceptable use policy).