People in Pakistan who still use WhatsApp with a phone number they no longer control should review their account settings. Reports on October 29 say the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has begun blocking WhatsApp accounts linked to inactive SIM cards after an awareness campaign. Users should check the status of their own number and follow official instructions rather than relying on forwarded messages.
Why an inactive SIM can create an account risk
Messaging accounts are commonly registered to a phone number. If a SIM is cancelled, abandoned or no longer accessible to its original user, the number may eventually be reassigned by a mobile operator. Keeping an account tied to a number you cannot receive verification codes on can make it harder to prove that you control the account.
This does not mean every inactive number has already been reassigned or that every user will lose access immediately. The practical concern is that you may not be able to verify your identity if the app asks you to confirm the number, and a future holder of the number could create complications.
How to check the number linked to WhatsApp
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- Open Settings and tap your profile or account information.
- Check the phone number shown on your profile.
- Ask yourself whether the SIM is active and whether you can still receive calls or SMS on that number.
- If you no longer control it, prepare to move the account to a current number that belongs to you.
Menu labels can vary slightly by device and app version. Never share a verification code with another person, even if they claim to be from a telecom company, the regulator or WhatsApp support.
How to change your WhatsApp number safely
If you still have access to your existing account, use WhatsApp’s built-in Change Number feature rather than deleting the account or starting from scratch. In the app, open Settings, go to Account, choose Change Number and follow the on-screen steps. You will need access to the new number to receive its verification code.
Before starting, make sure the new SIM is active and under your control. Review which contacts or groups may be notified, and follow the app’s prompts carefully. Do not give a code to anyone offering to complete the process for you.
Extra steps to protect your account
- Enable two-step verification: Add a PIN in WhatsApp’s account settings and keep any recovery email secure.
- Never share SMS codes: A verification code can allow someone to register your account on another device.
- Review linked devices: Sign out any computer or device you do not recognise.
- Secure your SIM: Contact your mobile operator through its official channels if your SIM is lost, blocked or unexpectedly stops working.
- Beware of fake warnings: Do not click links in unsolicited messages claiming your account will be deleted unless you pay or provide a code.
- Keep recovery information current: Use a reliable email address and protect it with a strong, unique password.
What if your account has already been blocked?
Open the official WhatsApp app and follow the instructions shown on screen. If the app offers a review option, use that process. Confirm that you are using the genuine app and avoid third-party recovery services that request payment, passwords or verification codes. If the underlying phone number is no longer yours, contact your mobile operator to understand its status and use the app’s official guidance for account recovery or number changes.
How to verify further updates
Regulatory announcements and enforcement details can change. Check official PTA communications and the help information inside WhatsApp before acting on a social media post or forwarded message. The safest step for most users is straightforward: keep the account registered to a number you actively control. Users experiencing wider connectivity problems can also check Verity Pakistan’s update on the temporary international internet slowdown, protect verification codes and update the number through the app if your circumstances have changed.
Official source: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)