Viber (now known as Rakuten Viber Messenger) is a popular app for free international calls, instant messaging, and video chats. Although Viber is not as popular as WhatsApp, Viber has a unique set of loyal users who appreciate its special features. With hidden chats, self-destructing messages, and an extensive collection of fun stickers, Viber caters to different communication needs and makes connecting with others more personal.
The app has a strong presence worldwide, with users in over 190 countries. In Europe especially, Viber is widely used and remains a favorite among people looking for reliable and feature-rich communication tools. Each hour, millions of interactions take place on Viber, showcasing its growing popularity.
Despite its advantages, some users face issues while setting up their Viber accounts. One common problem is the “Viber activation failed” error that can stop you from using the app. This error often occurs when Viber suspects that your number might be linked to spam activity, even when that may not be true.
If you are struggling with this error and wondering how to fix it, this article will show you some effective ways to resolve the “Viber activation failed” error. 
How to Fix Viber Activation Failed Error
Correct Phone Number Format
When registering or activating your Rakuten Viber account, make sure to enter your phone number in the following international format: (Country code)(Area code without leading 0s)(Phone number). Viber will automatically detect your country code based on your location, but you can adjust it if necessary. If you enter too few digits, use an invalid phone number, or try to register with a VoIP number, which isn’t supported, you may encounter errors during the activation process.
If you don’t receive the activation code via SMS, ensure your phone can receive SMS and try switching between WiFi and mobile data. You can also use the “Activate via call” option to get the code by call.
Use a New SIM Card, Phone, and Internet Connection
One effective way to resolve the error is by starting fresh with a new SIM card, phone, and internet connection.
First, get a new SIM card and insert it into a different phone that hasn’t been linked to Viber before. Avoid using the same internet connection as earlier, connect to a different Wi-Fi network or use mobile data with the new SIM. Then, download Viber on the new phone and register your account using the new setup, following all on-screen instructions carefully.
Once everything is set up, download the Viber app on the new phone. Use the new SIM card and internet connection to register your account.
After successfully registering, you can transfer the newly activated Viber account to your previous device or network if needed.
Reinstall Viber App
Sometimes, the simplest solution that can fix the “Viber activation failed” error is deleting and reinstalling the app. Uninstall Viber from your device and download it again from the app store. Once reinstalled, proceed with the activation process. Surprisingly, this straightforward step often works when nothing else does.
If you have Viber Backup enabled and synced on your old phone, you can restore your chat history, including photos and videos, without any issues. Just ensure your backup is updated before deleting the app.
Wait and Retry After 24 Hours
If you’ve tried activating your Viber account multiple times in a short period, you may have reached the registration attempt limit. When this happens, Viber temporarily blocks further attempts to prevent misuse.
The best solution in this case is to wait for 24 hours before trying again. Once the 24 hours have passed, try activating your account again.
Activate Your Account via Call
If you are not receiving the verification code despite entering the correct phone number, you can use the “Activate via Call” option. This feature becomes available when the SMS code fails to arrive.
Once you click on the “Activate via Call” option, Viber will call your phone number. During the call, you will hear the verification code. Write it down somewhere then enter it into the app to complete the activation process.
Update Viber to the Latest Version
Compared to other messaging apps, Viber tends to experience more bugs, which is why the company frequently rolls out back-to-back updates. The version you are currently using might have an issue that prevents you from activating or registering your account.
Viber’s official guides highlight that keeping the app updated is essential to avoid such issues.
To resolve this, check for updates on your device. For mobile users, go to the Google Play Store or App Store and download the latest version of Viber. If you use Viber on a desktop, visit the official Viber website to download the newest build.
Fix Two-Factor Authentication Issues
If your Viber app shows activation failed error constantly, there might be a problem with your two-factor authentication (2FA) code. Make sure the PIN you entered is correct
If you don’t remember your PIN, use the “Reset PIN” option in the app. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new 2FA code. Once you’ve successfully set a new PIN, try signing into your Viber account again.
Contact Viber Customer Support
If you still can’t activate your account despite entering the correct phone number and PIN, Viber may have placed your account in restricted mode.
The best course of action in such a situation is to reach out to Viber’s customer support. Visit this page to raise a support ticket and explain your issue clearly. If your account was blocked or the main support couldn’t assist, use their chat support option available here.
The saddest part is that Viber support is often unhelpful, and you’ll mostly receive automated replies, but keep trying and contact them repeatedly to get your issue sorted.
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Even after trying all the methods mentioned above, you may still face the “Viber activation failed” error and be unable to log into your account. In such cases, the only option left is to create a new account. While this may be frustrating, there are no other workarounds available for this issue and you can’t access Viber if activation fails.
In the meantime, you might consider using WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram temporarily until you can access your Viber account again. We hope this article has helped you troubleshoot the issue and to activate your Viber account. If it has, please feel free to comment and share it with others who may find it useful.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Why is my Viber saying activation failed?
If you’re seeing the “activation failed” error on Viber, it could be due to incorrect phone numbers, outdated app versions, issues with two-factor authentication, multiple failed attempts, or temporary account restrictions.
How can I activate my Viber account again?
To activate your Viber account again, ensure your phone number is correct, update the app to the latest version, and try the “Activate via Call” option if you don’t receive the verification code. If you’ve reached the registration limit, wait 24 hours before retrying. Alternatively, reinstall the app or use a new SIM, phone, and internet connection.
How to contact Viber for an activation failed error?
To contact Viber for activation failed errors, visit this support page or use chat support.
