Question Trouble setting up WhatsApp

[dj54321]

I'm trying to set up WhatsApp on my Android 10 tablet and Android 10 cellphone, but I'm not having any luck on either. WhatsApp wouldn't accept my US Google Voice number -- said it's not a valid US number. Probably because it's a Voip number. I used a VPN with a US IP address from Ecuador, where I'm currently traveling.

Then I tried setting up WhatsApp with my Ecuador phone number. I got the Ecuador phone number by buying a basic cellphone and chip. When I click on send sms code, it says can't send an sms code to your phone, and to try again in an hour... same when I click on call me with the code. I never added minutes to my phone as I've been calling the US via WiFi.

And the email option for the code is a problem too, since the email they show isn't mine. And apparently I can't go into settings to change the email address until I establish my WhatsApp account.

I tried using an Ecuador VPN IP address, and also with no VPN -- I e., the IP address of the Ecuador WiFi I was using.

Maybe Android 10 is too old. Maybe I need a more recent Android operating system.

Please advise. Thank you.

 

[mustang7757]

I don't think it's the android version or phone , it's probably not going through because you need to add the minutes to get a call or sms , I would try that as you need something firm to fall back instead of running out of minutes

 

[dj54321]

Mustang, I was told that I don't need minutes to receive the SMS code if I'm using Wi-Fi. But I should do as you wrote since my way isn't working.

 

[mustang7757]

Mustang, I was told that I don't need minutes to receive the SMS code if I'm using Wi-Fi. But I should do as you wrote since my way isn't working.

I would do the minutes

 

[dj54321]

Mustang, ok I'll do the minutes and let you know.

 

[mustang7757]

Mustang, ok I'll do the minutes and let you know.

Ok sounds good

 

[dj54321]

Ok sounds good

Mustang, I asked an Ecuadorian to call my cellphone number -- my phone didn't ring. Then I found out that if you don't get a phone plan or add minutes ("pay as you go") after a period of time your phone number is assigned to someone else.
Accordingly WhatsApp attempts to send an SMS text and call me couldn't work.

Thus I need a new chip. It may then work with Wi-Fi only. Otherwise I'll simply purchase minutes at one of the participating tiendas here. Thank you for your help.