Not receiving the Facebook SMS code can be frustrating when you are trying to log in or verify your account. There are a few potential reasons why the code may not be coming through.
You have the wrong phone number on file
The most common reason for not getting the SMS code is that you have the wrong phone number associated with your Facebook account. When you register for Facebook, it asks for a mobile phone number to use for account verification and security. If this number is entered incorrectly or changes later, you won’t receive the code when Facebook tries to send it.
To fix this:
- Log into your Facebook account if you can still access it
- Go to Settings > Mobile
- Update your mobile phone number with your current working number
If you can’t log in because you need the code, you will need to follow the steps below to recover your account.
Your phone number is correct but you switched carriers
Mobile carriers sometimes reuse phone numbers, assigning your old number to a new customer after you switch services. If Facebook still has your old number on file, the SMS code will go to the new owner of that number.
To fix this, log into Facebook and update your phone number with your new mobile carrier’s phone number.
You don’t have cellular reception
SMS codes rely on cellular service to deliver them. If you’re in an area with poor reception, the message may not get through.
Try moving to a location with better service and requesting the code again. You can also connect to Wi-Fi and request the code be sent via Facebook Messenger if available for your account.
Your mobile carrier is blocking short code messages
Some mobile carriers block incoming text messages from short codes by default. Facebook and other services use these 5-6 digit short codes to send SMS codes and notifications.
You will need to contact your mobile provider and ask them to allow messages from Facebook’s short code(s). Once unblocked, you should start receiving SMS codes.
You have SMS blocking turned on
Some smartphones allow you to block all incoming SMS from unknown numbers. This would prevent you from receiving Facebook’s code. Check your phone settings and turn off any SMS blocking or screening options.
Your inbox is full
If your phone’s message storage is full, new texts won’t come through until you clear out old ones. Try deleting some messages to free up space.
Facebook is having technical issues
Like any technology platform, Facebook may rarely experience glitches that interfere with account verification codes sending properly. Check DownDetector to see if other users are reporting problems with Facebook messaging.
If there is an outage, try your code request again later when systems are restored. The issue should resolve itself without you having to do anything.
You’re entering the wrong code
Double check that you are entering the full 6-digit code exactly as it appears in the text message from Facebook. It’s easy to mistakenly enter an incorrect digit.
If you continue having trouble, you can request that a new code be sent.
Your Facebook account was disabled
If your account was temporarily or permanently disabled by Facebook for violating policies, you will stop receiving the SMS code. You will need to appeal the violation and go through the account recovery process.
Your phone number is banned
In some cases, an entire phone number can be banned from Facebook due to past abuse. If the previous owner violated Facebook’s terms, your new number may be blocked.
You would need to update to a different phone number not associated with a banned account.
You’re not requesting the code properly
When trying to log in or verify your account, be sure you are specifically prompting Facebook to send the 6-digit authentication code via SMS.
On the Facebook login page, click the “Need help?” link and then choose to receive the code through text message.
Your Facebook account was hacked
If another user has gained access to your account, they may have removed your phone number or enabled extra security like two-factor authentication to lock you out.
You will need to follow Facebook’s hacked account recovery process to regain access.
You have an invalid phone number format
Facebook requires you enter a phone number in a valid format with country code and area code. For example, a US phone number would be entered as: +1-555-123-4567
Check that you don’t have invalid characters or an incorrect format set for your mobile number under your Facebook account settings.
You’re not using the Facebook mobile app
The Facebook mobile app has the option to automatically detect your phone number and request SMS codes without having to manually enter your number. The desktop and mobile web login pages don’t have this automatic SMS code request functionality.
Try installing the Facebook app on your smartphone and requesting the verification code there.
Your Facebook email notifications are disabled
As a backup to SMS codes, Facebook can send the 6-digit code to your email address on file. However, you must have email notifications enabled in your account settings.
Go to Settings > Notifications and ensure you have the Email option turned on to receive vital account notices.
You have multi-factor authentication enabled
If you have multi-factor authentication set up for added Facebook account security, the platform requires a second step of verification after inputting your password. This is usually done through an authenticator app code, backup codes, or recovery contact options.
You cannot bypass this second layer of authentication – you will need access to your MFA method to successfully log in.
Your Facebook password changed
When your Facebook password is changed, you are immediately logged out of all sessions for security reasons. The next time you try to log in, Facebook will require SMS or email confirmation it’s really you attempting to access the account.
Request the new verification code and input your new password when prompted.
You’re not in a supported country
SMS-based account verification codes may not be available in some countries due to regulations or technical restrictions. Facebook may limit certain account security features for legal reasons in your country.
You can check if SMS codes are supported in your country here: https://www.facebook.com/help/159096464162185
You have an unsupported carrier
In rare cases, Facebook may not be able to send SMS codes to numbers associated with certain smaller mobile carriers due to technical limitations.
You may need to switch to a major mobile carrier in order to receive the Facebook verification codes.
Your number is prepaid without credits
Prepaid mobile plans require you to have credit loaded to send and receive text messages. If your prepaid balance is zero, the Facebook SMS code won’t come through.
Add additional credits to your prepaid phone plan to continue receiving texts and verification codes.
You’re roaming internationally
Trying to receive SMS codes while traveling abroad on roaming may not work reliably for technical reasons. Facebook’s automated systems may not recognize your roaming number.
Wait until you have a local mobile connection to request the Facebook verification code.
You have text message forwarding enabled
Some mobile carriers offer text forwarding to automatically send your incoming texts to another device or web service. However, forwarded messages often won’t work for automated verification codes.
Try disabling any text forwarding options and having the Facebook code sent directly to your phone instead.
Your Facebook language is different from your phone language
Facebook will send the SMS code in the language that is set in your account settings. If this does not match your phone’s default language, the message may not display properly on your device.
Make sure your Facebook language matches your mobile device language.
You recently changed your SIM card
After swapping to a new SIM, you may need to turn your phone off and back on for Facebook’s systems to detect the card change and recalibrate messaging.
Power cycle your device then try the code request again on the new SIM.
Third-party SMS blocking apps
Some third-party apps like Truecaller add an extra layer of spam call and text blocking that could inadvertently prevent Facebook codes from arriving.
Try disabling or uninstalling these apps as they may mistakenly flag Facebook’s verification texts as unwanted messages.
Outdated Facebook mobile app
Be sure you have installed the latest version of the Facebook mobile app. Old versions may have bugs that interfere with receiving codes properly.
Update the app to the newest release in case an update fixed SMS issues.
Restrictive company firewall
If your mobile device is connected to a business or school network, they may block all incoming text messages as a security policy.
Disconnect from the network and use a personal internet connection to receive the Facebook code instead.
You have a virtual phone number
Virtual phone numbers provided by third-party apps don’t always support SMS reliably enough for account verification codes.
Try switching to a real mobile phone number from your wireless carrier.
The Facebook server is down
In rare cases when the Facebook platform experiences a major outage, all account verification systems may fail and prevent codes from sending.
This is usually resolved within a few hours. Be patient and try your request again once Facebook engineering teams fix the problem.
Too many code requests
If you request too many SMS codes in a short time period, Facebook may throttle your ability to keep requesting new ones.
Slow down your code requests and be careful when inputting the code to avoid repeating this.
Service disruption during phone number transfer
Porting your phone number from one carrier to another can briefly disrupt SMS and calling functionality during the transition.
Wait for the porting process to fully complete, then try requesting a new Facebook code.
Your device’s clock is inaccurate
The SMS code is only valid for a short window of time. If your phone’s clock settings are incorrect, the code may expire before you can use it.
Make sure your device’s date and time are set properly via network time syncing.
What to do if you can’t receive your code
If none of the above reasons apply and you still aren’t receiving the Facebook SMS verification code, here are some steps to try:
- Double check your mobile number listed on your Facebook account
- Try changing your password to trigger a code being sent
- Log out then log back in and request a new code
- Request a voice call with the code instead of SMS
- Use a different phone on the same carrier to receive the code
If these basic troubleshooting steps don’t work, you may need to go through Facebook’s account recovery process to regain access without the SMS code.
Preventing Facebook SMS code issues
To avoid problems receiving Facebook’s text verification message in the future:
- Always keep your mobile number up to date in Facebook settings
- Don’t use unsupported carrier networks or virtual numbers
- Confirm SMS is enabled if porting your phone number
- Check for Facebook service outages before requesting a new code
Enabling backup verification methods like email or authenticator app codes is also recommended to ensure you don’t get locked out if SMS issues occur again.
Conclusion
Not getting a Facebook verification code by text can prevent you from accessing your account. However, the issue can usually be resolved by troubleshooting the possible reasons outlined here. Ensure Facebook has your correct mobile number, your carrier isn’t blocking messages, and request a new code if needed. Enabling backup verification methods can also help avoid problems in the future if you stop receiving SMS codes.