SMS verification code not received? 9 things to check

On a one-time number, if no code arrives you can cancel and the full price goes back to your balance. So the cost of a failed attempt is a few minutes, not money. Here is how to make the next attempt work.

• The number was typed wrongly. Copy it with the copy button and check the country code the app adds by itself, so it is not doubled.
• The app has not sent yet. Some apps wait 30–60 seconds or need you to press “Resend”. Give it two minutes before cancelling.
• The app prefers a call. Some services offer a voice call instead of an SMS; choose the SMS option, or buy a voice-call number for that app.
• That country delivers poorly for this app right now. Pick a country with a higher recent success rate on the service page.
• The app has seen the number before. Popular apps sometimes refuse numbers that were used for them already. Cancel and buy another.
• Too many attempts from one device or network. Apps rate-limit sign-ups; wait a while or try from another network.
• The app needs a specific country. Local services often accept only local numbers.
• You asked for an email or app code. Make sure the app is really sending an SMS to the phone number.
• The number’s window ended. A one-time number is yours for a limited time; if it expired before the code came, the unused number is refunded.

If nothing has arrived a few minutes after the app said it sent the code, cancel and try another country. Once a code has arrived, the number has done its job and can no longer be cancelled for a refund — which is also why you are never charged for numbers that did not deliver.

Open a support ticket from your account with the number and the app name, and we will look at it. For the basics, see how to receive SMS online.