I'm a British traveler on a working holiday in Australia and rely heavily on WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends and family back home. I have a local eSIM but still use my U.K. SIM from SMARTY primarily for WhatsApp. About three weeks ago, I was accidentally banned from WhatsApp, but they reinstated my account after I appealed. The problem is, to regain access, I need a verification code sent to my U.K. SIM, which I can't receive because it shows 'SOS only' and has no service bars. I've tried switching my plan to ensure I can receive calls and texts, but nothing has worked. My phone settings seem fine, and SMARTY's app indicates my service is active. I'm feeling really isolated here—any ideas on how to fix this so I can get the verification code and log back into WhatsApp?
5 Answers
It sounds like a roaming issue with your SMARTY SIM since you're using it outside the U.K. Make sure you have a roaming package activated, as that can sometimes be necessary for your SIM to work overseas. You might want to double-check SMARTY’s roaming options on their site to ensure everything is set up correctly.
Are you able to make or receive any calls or texts at all? If you can’t, it might be a problem with your SIM and not just WhatsApp. If possible, check if data roaming is enabled and consider trying to receive your verification code via a voice call instead of SMS.
Have you thought about using WiFi calling? If your SMARTY SIM supports it, that may allow you to receive the WhatsApp code. Otherwise, if you have a friend back home, they could potentially install your SIM as an eSIM on their phone temporarily to get that code.
It could be worth considering switching to a larger carrier that has potentially better international coverage if possible. I know it might be complicated since you're currently unable to receive any calls or texts, but it could solve the issue.
There have been reports about certain devices being blocked on Australian networks, usually for 3G or some international 4G models. Make sure your iPhone is compatible and double-check if it’s subject to those restrictions, as it might explain the 'SOS only' issue.
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