You know that moment when you’re trying to log in, and the app hits you with “can’t send verification code” again? Yeah. Honestly, it’s the kind of thing that makes you want to throw your phone across the room (don’t do that).
The annoying part is it’s not always obvious what’s actually broken: the app itself, your phone settings, your carrier, or a rate limit you triggered without realising. This guide keeps it simple. We’ll figure out whether the code isn’t being sent or is being sent but not received, then walk through a quick checklist that fixes most cases. And if the issue is short codes or flaky routes, I’ll show you a reliable Plan B that’s more privacy-friendly.
“can’t send” vs “sent but not received”
Here’s the quick truth: “can’t send” usually means the service is refusing to generate or deliver the OTP (rate limit, security/risk flag, invalid number, or an outage). “Sent but not received” is typically delivery-related (carrier blocks, short codes, phone filtering, weak signal). Google’s troubleshooting guidance mentions service interruptions, ported numbers, and provider short-code blocking.
Do this quick 60-second diagnosis:
- Look at the exact message: “try again later” vs “code sent”.
- Ask a friend to text you. If regular SMS doesn’t arrive, it’s probably a network/carrier issue.
- Check if other OTP texts arrive (bank/app codes). If none do, think of short codes.
- Re-check number format and country code (yes, even if you’re sure).
- If it’s email-based, check Spam and “tabbed inbox” folders first.
Small but helpful tip: if you changed SIMs, ported your number, or started using a VPN recently, that’s not “random background info.” That’s often the whole reason this is happening.
Can’t send verification code: (do this in order)
If you’re stuck on “try again later,” your best move is to stop brute-clicking resend and run this in order. A lot of OTP systems use throttling and rate limiting to prevent abuse, so the fastest fix is usually: pause, reset variables, retry once.
Step-by-step
- Re-enter your number (from scratch)
- Don’t edit. Delete and retype it cleanly.
- Confirm the country code, then request one code.
- Wait 60–120 seconds
- Seriously. Give the route time.
- Don’t tap resend during this window.
- Aeroplane mode reset
- Aeroplane mode ON for 10 seconds, OFF.
- Then try one more request.
- Switch networks
- Wi-Fi mobile data (or the other way around).
- If you’re using a VPN/proxy, turn it off for the attempt, as risk systems may block suspicious traffic patterns.
- Reboot once
- One clean restart.
- Try one time again.
If you still see “try again later,” don’t keep hammering. That’s usually a cooldown or a risk flag problem. Jump to the next section.
Fix rate limits: “too many attempts” and cooldown timers.
If you hit “too many attempts,” you’re rate-limited. The quickest fix is boring but practical: stop trying, wait out the cooldown (often 15–60 minutes, sometimes longer), then retry once from a clean network/device state. Rate limiting is a standard protection in OTP flows.
What works best in real life:
- Don’t brute-force resend; it can extend the lockout window.
- Set a timer and wait for the full cooldown.
- Retry on the same device if possible (a new device and new IP can look risky).
- Avoid VPN/proxy while retrying.
- If you still have access to account settings elsewhere, add alternate sign-in options, such as authenticator/backup codes.
Mini example: if you requested eight codes in 2 minutes, some systems will punish you with a longer cooldown than if you’d just waited after attempt #2. Harsh but common.
Phone number issues: country code, porting, and blocked lines
Sometimes the code “can’t be sent” because the number itself is the issue: a wrong country code, an unsupported line type, or a number that was recently ported and hasn’t stabilised for SMS routing yet. Google notes explicitly that porting a mobile number can affect code delivery and may require waiting before trying again.
Quick checks that save time:
- Re-enter the number and country code carefully (watch for extra leading zeros).
- If you recently switched carriers, test basic SMS first and give it time.
- Prepaid plans can behave differently, with short codes worth confirming.
- If you see “message blocking” warnings anywhere, that’s usually carrier-level.
If you’re thinking, “but my number is fine,” cool it quickly by testing regular SMS and another OTP service. It’s the fastest way to stop guessing.
Carrier blocking verification texts: short codes, message blocking, and what to ask support
If standard texts work but OTP short codes don’t, your carrier may be blocking that traffic. Google’s help guidance even calls out cases where a provider blocks short codes and recommends contacting the airline to unblock messages. The CTIA short-code handbook is also a good source of context on how short-code programs are governed and enforced.
Here’s the exact script to use with carrier support (copy/paste vibes):
- “I’m not receiving SMS short code verification texts. Can you check if short codes are blocked or filtered on my line?”
- “Do I have any message blocking flags or spam protection rules stopping short codes?”
- “Can you confirm my plan supports short codes, and refresh my SMS settings?”
After they adjust anything, wait 10–30 minutes, then request a code once. If you’re roaming, ask whether short codes are restricted internationally. Some carriers do limit them.
iPhone not receiving verification codes: filters, Unknown Senders, and notifications
On iPhone, OTP texts can arrive but get filtered into Unknown Senders (or quietly hidden by notification settings). Apple documents how to screen and manage messages from unknown senders, so check filters before assuming the code never came.
What to check on iPhone:
- Look in the filtered views (Unknown Senders) and search Messages for 4–8-digit codes.
- Review any message filtering settings or filter extensions.
- Confirm Messages notifications are enabled (silent delivery is a thing).
- If SMS fails across all apps, it’s time to escalate to the carrier.
Quick reality: a lot of “not received” cases on iPhone are just filtering. No drama. Just hidden.
Android not receiving verification code texts: Spam & blocked, Messages settings, and dual SIM
On Android, OTP texts often land in Spam & blocked or suppressed by spam protection. Check the spam/blocked folder, restore anything relevant, and confirm the correct SIM is set for SMS if you use dual SIM. Google Messages helps handle Spam, which is precisely where OTPs sometimes get misfiled.
Quick Android fixes:
- Open Messages, check Spam & block, and restore messages.
- Confirm your default SMS app and permissions are correct.
- Dual SIM: verify which SIM is handling SMS (it matters more than people think).
- If no OTPs arrive from any service, go back to carrier short-code checks.
If your phone receives regular texts but no short codes ever show up, you’re usually dealing with carrier filtering, not your Messages app.
Email verification code not received: spam folders, tabs, and delivery delays.
Email OTP failures are usually inbox placement (spam/junk/promotions), mailbox rules, or delays. The fix is: search properly, check Spam, and allow the sender’s domain if you control the mailbox.
Checklist for email codes:
- Check Spam/Junk and any Promotions/Updates tabs.
- Search your inbox for “verification” or “code.”
- Confirm you didn’t typo the email address (it happens).
- If it’s a work email, ask IT whether automated emails are being filtered.
- If backup codes are available, use them instead of waiting for email delivery.
A quick win: use inbox search instead of scrolling. OTP emails get buried fast.
Can’t receive 2FA code? Safer alternatives (authenticator apps, backup codes)
If SMS 2FA keeps failing, the best long-term move is switching to stronger alternatives when available: authenticator apps, passkeys, or backup codes. NIST’s digital identity guidance has discussed the limitations of SMS as an out-of-band factor.
What to do next (when the service supports it):
- Set up an authenticator app or passkeys.
- Generate backup codes and store them offline (in a password manager or as a printed copy).
- Update recovery email/phone so you’re not stuck later.
- Avoid repeated code requests; it can lock you out.
- If access is urgent, use a stable OTP delivery method (see the sections).
This is one of those “future you will be grateful” upgrades.
Free vs low-cost verification options: what works, what fails, and what’s safest (info + transactional)
If your carrier blocks short codes or you need a quick backup, different number types behave differently. Public/shared inbox numbers can be less private and may fail more often. Private/non-VoIP options and rentals are usually more reliable for ongoing access, assuming the app allows them and you follow local rules.
A simple way to choose:
- Free/public testing: functional to test whether an OTP route works at all.
- One-time activations: suitable for a single verification and done.
- Rentals: better for ongoing logins, account recovery, and consistency.
Privacy note (quick but essential): shared inbox-style numbers can expose messages to other users. If privacy matters, don’t treat that like a minor detail.
Compliance reminder: “PVAPins is not affiliated with [any app]. Please follow each app’s terms and local regulations.”
PVAPins path: reliable OTP delivery when carriers and routes are flaky
If you can’t send a code due to throttling or you can’t receive SMS because short codes are blocked, PVAPins can be a clean Plan B. The flow is simple: test with free numbers, then use one-time activations for quick verification or rentals when you need ongoing access.
Here’s the practical funnel:
- Start with free numbers to test the route
- Need it working now? Use instant OTP reception
- Need ongoing access for logins/recovery? Go rentals
- If you want quick troubleshooting answers, hit the FAQs
- Android user? The app can make it smoother.
What to weave into your decision (no hype, just reality):
- PVAPins supports 200+ countries (handy for global teams and travel use cases).
- You can pick private/non-VoIP options where applicable (useful when services reject common VoIP routes).
- It’s built for fast OTP delivery and API-ready stability when you need consistent flows.
- Payment flexibility (when relevant): Crypto, Binance Pay, Payeer, GCash, AmanPay, QIWI Wallet, DOKU, Nigeria & South Africa cards, Skrill, Payoneer.
Compliance reminder again (because it matters): “PVAPins is not affiliated with [any app]. Please follow each app’s terms and local regulations.”
Verification codes in the United States and India (and when travelling)
OTP performance depends on carrier filtering rules, short-code support, and roaming restrictions, so fixes vary by region. Google explicitly mentions provider-blocked short codes and number porting as common causes, and they appear differently across countries.
United States: short codes, carrier filtering, porting delays
In the US, short-code filtering can be strict. If you recently ported your number, give routing time to settle and test basic SMS first.
What to tell your carrier (US version):
- “Please confirm short-code SMS is enabled.”
- “Check if my line has a message blocking or spam protection flag.”
- “I recently ported. Can you confirm SMS routing is stable?”
India: DND/spam controls, OTP delays, common friction points
In India, DND-style spam controls and aggressive filtering can delay OTPs. Your best move is to space out requests and check filters before assuming “nothing was sent.”
Practical rhythm:
- Wait 1–2 minutes before resending.
- If multiple apps can’t deliver OTPs, escalate to the carrier and ask about short-code delivery rules.
Travelling: roaming, SIM swaps, stable backup access
Roaming can break OTP delivery in frustrating ways, especially after SIM swaps. If you’re travelling, try to keep your original SIM active (even if you’re using an eSIM for data) and avoid changing SIMs repeatedly during verification.
If you need stable access across borders, plan a backup number rather than in the middle of a crisis.
Light compliance reminder: “PVAPins is not affiliated with [any app]. Please follow each app’s terms and local regulations.”
Please don’t do these things (they make verification errors worse)
The fastest way to make verification errors worse is spamming the resend button, switching networks repeatedly, or trying different numbers mid-flow without a recovery plan. Slow down, change one variable at a time, and retry once.
Avoid these (they backfire):
- Requesting 10 codes in 2 minutes (rate limits love that).
- Leaving VPN/proxy on while retrying.
- Switching devices, networks, and numbers all at once (you’ll never know what helped).
- Sharing OTP codes with anyone. Ever.
- Skipping timestamps, keep a quick log if you need support.
Micro-opinion: most people don’t need “more tricks.” They require fewer attempts and cleaner testing.
FAQ
Why does it say “can’t send verification code, try again later”?
Usually, it’s rate limiting, a temporary numbers interruption, or a security/risk flag. Stop retrying, wait out the cooldown, then try once from a clean network/device state.
How long should I wait after “too many attempts”?
Often 15–60 minutes, and sometimes up to 24 hours, depending on how hard the system throttles your attempts. Repeated retries can extend the lockout, so waiting is genuinely the fastest fix.
What if the code says “sent” but I’m not receiving it by text?
That points to delivery issues: carrier short-code blocking or device filters. Check iPhone Unknown Senders / Android Spam & blocked, then ask your carrier to unblock short codes if needed.
Can my carrier block verification texts?
Yes. Providers can block short codes or apply message-blocking/spam-protection. Ask support specifically about “short-code SMS verification texts.”
Why am I not receiving verification codes on my iPhone?
Often, the SMS arrives but is filtered into Unknown Senders, or notifications are muted. Check Apple’s guidance on message screening and filtering, and review your notification settings.
Why am I not receiving verification codes on Android?
Check Spam & blocked, confirm your default SMS app, and verify the correct SIM handles SMS if you use dual SIM. If no OTPs arrive across services, talk to your carrier about short codes.
Is using an SMS verification service allowed?
It depends on the service you’re verifying with and your local regulations. “PVAPins is not affiliated with [any app]. Please follow each app’s terms and local regulations.”
Conclusion
Most “can’t send” errors boil down to three things: a cooldown you need to respect, a number/routing issue (like porting), or carrier short-code blocking. Run the checklist once, slow down the retries, and escalate to your carrier with the script if short codes are involved.
If you want a backup that’s built for OTP reliability and privacy-friendly use, follow the PVAPins funnel: start with free numbers, move to instant verification when you need speed, and use rentals for ongoing access and recovery.