easyCoexistence
Log inStart Free Trial
Meta Tech Provider

WhatsApp error 133008: too many PIN guesses

Error 133008 means too many incorrect two step verification PIN attempts have been made, and further attempts are blocked for a period. It follows repeated 133005 errors, which is why the right response to a wrong PIN is to stop rather than to try again.

133008

Meta's code for too many two-step PIN guesses.

133005

The error returned for each individual incorrect PIN.

133006

The related code for a number that has not been verified.

What triggers it

A short run of incorrect PIN attempts, which is easy to reach because a wrong PIN feels like something worth trying twice. It is not. The first 133005 is the signal to find the PIN properly rather than to guess again.\n\nOnce locked, the number cannot be registered until the period passes, regardless of whether the correct PIN is found in the meantime.

What to do while locked

Use the wait rather than fighting it.

  • Stop attempting. Further tries can extend the lock rather than shorten it.
  • Find or reset the PIN during the wait: disable two step verification with an account level token, or ask Meta support.
  • Confirm you are registering the right phone number id. A PIN failure against the wrong number looks identical.
  • Plan the retry for after the period rather than polling it.

Common mistakes

  • Continuing to attempt while locked. It does not help and can extend the lock.
  • Waiting without using the time to reset the PIN properly.
  • Assuming the number is banned. A PIN lockout is temporary and unrelated to policy.
Doing this with EasyCoexistence

EasyCoexistence shows a connection's real state continuously, so a number locked out of registration is not mistaken for one that has been disabled.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the lock last?

A period set by Meta. Further attempts during it can extend rather than shorten it.

Is my number banned?

No. This is a verification lockout, unrelated to policy enforcement.

Can I reset the PIN while locked?

Yes, and it is the best use of the wait.

Why did this happen?

Repeated incorrect PIN attempts, each of which returned 133005.

Keep reading

WhatsApp error 133005: incorrect two-step verification PINError 133005 means the two-step verification PIN was incorrect. How to recover when nobody remembers it, and why guessing makes things worse.WhatsApp error 131045: phone number not registeredError 131045 means the number is not registered for messaging. What registration is, why it is separate from onboarding, and how Coexistence handles it.WhatsApp error 133006: phone number not verifiedError 133006 means the number must be verified before it can be registered. How verification differs from registration, and what it requires.WhatsApp Coexistence: the app and the API on one numberCoexistence runs the WhatsApp Business app and the Cloud API on the same number at once. What it changes, what it does not, and how a number gets connected.WhatsApp error 131050: the user has opted outError 131050 means the recipient chose not to receive messages from your business. Why it must be respected rather than worked around.WhatsApp error 130497: recipient country not allowedError 130497 means messaging to the recipient's country is restricted for your account. What causes a country block and what can be done about it.

Ready to get started?

Set up WhatsApp Coexistence in minutes, not months. The app keeps working on the phone.

Start Free Trial

Verified on

WhatsApp Error 133008