234 Country Code: Which Country Uses It and Why It Appears on WhatsApp?
by Ryan Carter Updated on 2025-09-01 / Update for change location
The 234 country code is the official dialing code for Nigeria. On WhatsApp, numbers beginning with +234 often appear in chats or calls. While many are authentic, countless users have reported suspicious activity from these numbers, raising security concerns.
With WhatsApp being one of the most widely used messaging apps worldwide, it has become a prime target for fraud. Understanding the 234 country code whatsapp and recognizing scam patterns can help you stay protected and maintain a safe digital experience.

- 1. What Does the +234 Country Code Mean on WhatsApp?
- 2. Why Do You See +234 Numbers on WhatsApp?
- 3. Is a +234 WhatsApp Number Safe?
- Bonus Tip: Change Your Location to Protect Your Personal Data
- 4. How to Add a +234 Number Correctly on WhatsApp
- FAQs About 234 Country Code
1. What Does the +234 Country Code Mean on WhatsApp?
The +234 country code is the official country dialing code for Nigeria, located in West Africa. Whenever you see a WhatsApp number starting with +234, it means the number is registered in Nigeria. This code is used for routing international calls and messages to Nigerian phone lines.
So, if you’re asking “which country is code 234?” the answer is Nigeria. Millions of Nigerians use WhatsApp daily, and that’s why you may often notice contacts with the 234 country code on your chat list or call history.

2. Why Do You See +234 Numbers on WhatsApp?
It’s common for users worldwide to receive WhatsApp messages or calls from numbers starting with the 234 country code WhatsApp. While this can sometimes feel suspicious, there are both legitimate and fraudulent reasons behind it.
2. 1. Friends or Business Contacts from Nigeria
The most straightforward reason is that you know someone in Nigeria, whether a friend, colleague, or family member. Since Nigeria is home to over 220 million people and one of the largest digital markets in Africa, millions of active WhatsApp accounts naturally use the +234 prefix. If your contacts live, work, or travel there, their WhatsApp number will always display the 234 country code.
2.2. Online Transactions or International Communication
With Nigeria being a growing hub for e-commerce, oil and gas, fintech, and logistics, international communication often involves Nigerian numbers. For example:
- Buying products from Nigerian online stores.
- Booking flights, hotels, or travel services in Nigeria.
- Dealing with logistics or shipping companies handling Nigerian imports/exports.
- Partnering with Nigerian firms or freelancers.
In all these cases, messages or calls from a +234 WhatsApp number could be completely legitimate.
2.3. Spam or Scam Attempts
Unfortunately, scammers also use WhatsApp to trick people. Some of them misuse the 234 country code WhatsApp by sending fake offers, job posts, or suspicious links to users outside Nigeria. Nigeria has been linked with advance-fee scams in the past, and today some fraudsters still try these tricks through WhatsApp.

3. Is a +234 WhatsApp Number Safe?
The 234 country dialing code is the official code of Nigeria, so not every +234 WhatsApp number is unsafe. Many people use it for genuine reasons such as staying in touch with friends, family, or doing international business.
However, it’s important to stay alert because some scammers also misuse this code. Common scams linked with +234 include:
- Advance-fee scams where fraudsters promise large sums of money or business deals but ask for upfront fees.
- Romance scams scammers build fake relationships to gain trust and then request money.
- Fake job offers victims are lured with attractive job opportunities but later asked to pay for processing or training.
To protect yourself when dealing with numbers using the 234 country code WhatsApp:
- Never share sensitive details like bank info or passwords.
- Always verify the person’s identity before sending money.
- Block and report any suspicious numbers immediately.
Bonus Tip: Change Your Location to Protect Your Personal Data
Your location says a lot about you, and sharing it unknowingly through apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, or games such as Pokémon GO and Monster Hunter Now can put your privacy at risk. To keep your personal data safe while still enjoying all your favorite apps, you can use a location changer tool like Tenorshare iAnyGo. It allows you to change your GPS location on both iPhone and Android without jailbreak or root, making it a safe and user-friendly choice.
Top Features:
- Change GPS to any location worldwide in 1 click.
- Use joystick movement or plan routes automatically.
- Simulate walking, cycling, or driving speeds.
- Save favorite locations for faster access.
- Works perfectly on iOS 26 and Android 16.
- Compatible with apps like Pokémon GO, Monster Hunter Now, WhatsApp, Facebook, and more.
How to Use iAnyGo to change the location
- Step 1: Download and open iAnyGo on your computer. Click on Enter from main interface.
- Step 2: Connect your iPhone or Android device to the computer with a USB cable. If you’ve connected before, you can also use Wi-Fi.
- Step 3: Enter the location or GPS coordinates you want in the search bar, or simply pick a spot on the map.
- Step 4: Click Start to modify and iAnyGo will instantly change your GPS location.




4. How to Add a +234 Number Correctly on WhatsApp
To connect with someone in Nigeria, you need to save their number using the +234 country code. If it’s not saved correctly, WhatsApp won’t recognize it.
Here’s the right way:
- Open WhatsApp and tap Add New Contact.
- Enter the number in this format: +234 followed by the local number (remove the first “0”). Example: 0802 123 4567 → +234 802 123 4567.
- Save the contact and refresh your WhatsApp list.

That’s it! Now you know how to add 234 WhatsApp number correctly and stay connected without issues.
4.1 Quick Reference Table: +234 Country Code
Field | Details |
---|---|
Country | Nigeria |
Country Code | 234 |
Continent | Africa |
Example WhatsApp | +234 802 123 4567 |
FAQs About 234 Country Code
1. 234 is code of which country?
The code 234 is the official country dialing code for Nigeria. Whenever you see a number starting with +234, it means the call or message is coming from Nigeria.
2. Which country has phone code 234?
The international phone code 234 belongs to Nigeria, located in Africa.
3. Is +234 on WhatsApp always a scam?
No, not every +234 number is a scam. Many people in Nigeria use WhatsApp for normal communication with family, friends, and business. However, since scammers also use this code, it’s important to stay cautious.
4. How to block +234 WhatsApp numbers?
Open WhatsApp, go to Settings than Privacy look for Blocked Contacts, and add the number you want to block.
Summary:
The 234 country code belongs to Nigeria and is often seen on WhatsApp. While +234 numbers are commonly used for genuine communication, some may also be linked to scams. If you want more control over your online safety and location privacy, you can use a trusted tool likeTenorshare iAnyGo, which helps protect your digital identity and manage your virtual location with ease.