Not being able to receive a verification code on your phone can be frustrating. However, there are some common reasons why this might happen and steps you can take to try and resolve the issue.
Common Reasons You May Not Receive a Verification Code
Here are some of the most common reasons you may not be receiving a verification code:
- You have no cell service or weak signal. Verification codes are sent via text message, so you’ll need decent cell reception to receive them.
- Your phone number is entered incorrectly. Double check that you entered your phone number correctly when signing up for the account or service.
- You switched cell phone numbers recently. If you got a new number but the service doesn’t have your updated info, the code will go to your old number.
- Your phone is switched off. Your phone needs to be powered on to receive text messages.
- You have an incorrect network SIM card. Your SIM card determines what network you’re on. If you switch networks, you may need to get a new SIM.
- You have blocking/filtering apps. Some apps block certain text messages, which could prevent delivery of codes.
- You have email forwarding enabled. This sends codes to another email instead of your phone as text.
- Your phone has no storage space. Your phone may be unable to receive new messages if its storage is completely full.
- Your phone number is prepaid with no credits. Prepaid phones need active service to get texts.
Steps to Try and Resolve the Issue
If you aren’t receiving verification codes, some steps to take:
- Make sure your phone has cell service/data and you’re not in airplane mode.
- Double check the phone number entered is 100% accurate and current.
- Try toggling your phone’s cellular data and airplane mode off and on.
- Double check your SIM card is properly installed and for the right carrier.
- Check apps like anti-spam services that could block verification texts.
- Temporarily disable forwarding emails and texts to other accounts.
- Clear up storage space on your phone if it’s full by deleting files/apps.
- If prepaid, add more credits to reactivate your phone number.
- Try manually checking for new text messages to force a refresh.
- Restart your phone to clear any glitches stopping delivery.
If none of those steps work, try contacting your cell carrier and asking them to check your line and phone number for issues. They may be able to reconfigure settings to get codes coming through again.
Other Ways to Receive Verification Codes
If your phone continues having problems receiving verification texts, there are some other options to get codes:
- Request codes be sent by automated voice call instead. This avoids SMS issues.
- Have codes sent to an alternate phone number you can access.
- Some services let you whitelist certain numbers to accept codes from.
- Select email delivery of codes if available and check your spam folder.
- Where possible, switch to QR code verification which just requires scanning a code.
- See if there’s an option for in-person verification at a physical location.
Troubleshooting Tips for Specific Phone Issues
Here are some troubleshooting tips for common phone-specific issues that could prevent receiving verification codes:
iPhone
- Check Settings > Messages and make sure SMS is toggled on.
- Update your iOS software in case of bugs stopping code delivery.
- Reset Network Settings under General > Reset. This clears up network issues.
- Check that iMessage is enabled in Settings > Messages.
Android Phone
- Open your SMS app and make sure Verification Codes aren’t being blocked.
- Clear your Messages app storage cache in App Settings.
- Check if Notification access is enabled for your SMS app.
- Restart in Safe Mode to check if apps are blocking verification texts.
Basic Phone (Non-Smartphone)
- Double check your voicemail inbox for any missed verification calls.
- Call your cell provider to have them check service to your phone.
- Manually change voicemail settings – dial and call into voicemail.
- Perform a master reset to wipe and restart your basic phone.
Preventing Verification Code Issues
To avoid issues receiving verification codes in the future:
- Save services/websites using two-factor authentication to your phone’s contacts.
- Always confirm your number is correct when signing up for accounts.
- Disable call/text forwarding options that send codes elsewhere.
- Check spam and filtering settings that could block verification texts.
- Set your voicemail greeting to mention security codes for quicker access.
- Consider using authenticator apps that generate codes offline.
When to Contact Your Service Provider
Get in touch with the specific service provider sending you the verification code if:
- You’re certain your phone number entered is 100% correct.
- You’ve triple checked all the steps above to troubleshoot on your end.
- It’s been over 24 hours and you still haven’t received the code.
- You need them to resend the code or override with another verification method.
They’ll be able to look into the issue on their end, check for blocks on your account, and hopefully resolve the problem so you can gain access.
Conclusion
Not getting verification codes can be a nuisance, but is usually fixable. The most common reasons are incorrect numbers entered, cell reception issues, out of date apps, blocked texts, and incorrectly configured forwarding. Trying the various troubleshooting steps outlined and contacting your cell provider for assistance can typically get codes coming through again reliably.