You’re staring at your phone, which owes you money, and still no text. If you’re dealing with a Mercari OTP not received situation, you’re not alone, and no, you’re not doing it wrong. 

In this guide, we’ll hit the fast fixes first (the ones that actually solve it in minutes), then move into iPhone/Android settings, short-code carrier blocks, and the invalid/expired mess. And if your number can’t receive the code, I’ll show you a clean fallback using PVAPins so you can receive SMS online without sketchy workarounds.

PVAPins is not affiliated with Mercari. Please follow each app’s terms and local regulations.

Easy triage: what to do in the first 2 minutes 

Here’s the deal: don’t spam the resend button. That’s how people end up locked out, stuck in invalid code loops, or waiting even longer.

Do this instead, quick and clean:

• Check your signal and switch networks once (cellular or Wi-Fi).
• Toggle airplane mode on/off for 10 seconds.
• Force close Mercari, reopen it, and request the code one time.
• Double-check your phone number (digits and country code).
• Wait a short window before trying again.

If you’ve tried twice and still nothing, don’t keep brute-forcing it. Jump to device settings, next, the most  Mercari SMS code not coming issues live there.

Why Mercari OTP Not Received?

In most cases, the code was sent, but it didn’t reach your inbox.

Here’s what usually causes that:

• Carrier filtering: Some carriers block short codes or treat OTP texts as suspicious.
• Spam or unknown sender filters: Your SMS app may quietly bury the message.
• Too many requests: Repeated attempts can trigger throttling and temporary blocks.
• Wrong number format: Missing country code or weird formatting can derail delivery.
• Device time mismatch: If your phone time is off, OTP validation can fail.

One annoying truth: most systems generate a new OTP each time you request one. So if you ask three and enter the first one to arrive, Mercari may reject it as invalid. Not your fault. How OTP systems work.

How long does an OTP SMS take 

Often it’s instant, but a few minutes of delay is normal, especially with short-code delivery.

Here’s a safe resend rhythm that won’t get you locked out:

1. Request the code once.
2. Wait a couple of minutes.
3. If nothing arrives, request one more code.
4. Stop after two tries and troubleshoot, don’t brute-force it.

How to spot an  older code  problem:

• You requested multiple codes within minutes.
• A code arrives late, and Mercari says it’s invalid.
• The newest code usually works better than the first delayed one.

Also, switching networks helps more than people expect. If you’re on weak reception, roaming, or Wi-Fi calling is acting weird, SMS delivery can lag. A quick change (Wi-Fi or cellular) can unstick things.

Fixes on iPhone: settings that block verification texts

On iPhone, OTP texts can get blocked by Focus modes, hidden by filters, or muted by notification settings.

Try these iPhone checks (in this order, trust me):

• Focus or Do Not Disturb: Temporarily turn it off and retry.
• Filter Unknown Senders: OTPs may show up in a separate filtered list.
• Message delivery mode: OTPs are plain SMS, not iMessage. Make sure SMS works.
• Date & time: Set to automatic (Settings, General, Date & Time).
• Restart Messages and reboot: Annoying, yes. Still one of the best fixes.

If you want a reliable reference point, Apple’s official guidance on blocking and filtering Messages is worth a quick read (support.apple.com).

Fixes on Android: permissions, spam filters, and messaging apps

Android phones often receive OTPs, but your SMS app flags them as spam or blocks short-code texts.

Run this checklist:

• Confirm your default SMS app and grant notification permissions.
• Check the spam/blocked folder inside the messaging app.
• Temporarily turn off battery optimization for your SMS app (on some phones, delivery is delayed).
• Use an official messaging app supported by your phone or carrier.
• Restart and request a single fresh code.

Android settings vary a ton by device, so where is spam?  The question is fundamental. Google’s official help on blocking and reporting spam texts can help you find the proper menus fast.

When Mercari says verification code not working: invalid or expired

Invalid usually means you entered an older code.  Expired means the SMS arrived late or you waited too long.

Here’s the clean reset:

• Stop requesting codes for a minute.
• Close Mercari completely.
• Wait briefly.
• Open Mercari again and request a new code.
• Enter the newest code you receive (ignore older late arrivals).

If codes keep expiring:

• SMS delivery is probably delayed by filtering/network issues.
• You might be stuck in a resend loop, generating multiple codes.

Also, watch for too many attempts.  That’s your cue to stop. Honestly, pushing harder usually makes it worse.

Mercari phone verification not working: number format and account checks.

Sometimes it’s not delivery, it’s the number setup. Formatting errors, country code mismatches, or number conflicts can cause verification to fail.

Check these:

• Enter your phone number exactly how Mercari requests (often with country code).
• Watch for leading zeros and mismatched country selection.
• If you see a phone number already in use, it may be tied to another account.
• If you’re changing numbers, confirm your recovery options first.
• Write down the exact error message. Support moves faster with specifics.

This is also where people get stuck after switching carriers, moving from SIM to eSIM, or changing phones. Same number, different routing. It happens.

Short-code SMS not received: carrier blocks and otp-in steps.

Carriers frequently filter short codes, which can prevent Mercari OTP texts from reaching your phone.

A short code is a special automated texting number. Carriers treat them differently. Some accounts even have short codes blocked by default.

Try this:

• Check carrier message blocking and spam controls in your carrier account settings.
• Look for blocked short codes or blocked senders and remove them.
• If you can, test with another network or SIM.
• After changes, request a new code.

For general context on message blocking and spam tools, the FCC has solid consumer guidance. Not Mercari-specific, but it explains why carriers filter messages in the first place.

Can’t log in without the code: safe recovery path 

Direct answer: When you can’t log in without the OTP, the goal is to avoid security lockouts, not to try harder. 

Here’s the calm path:

• Pause, retry, and wait out any cooldown window.
• Confirm the login number matches your account.
• Request one new code and wait.
• If it fails again, troubleshoot device/carrier settings before trying more.
• Keep notes: time, error messages, and what you changed.

If you’re locked out, patience and clean retries usually win. Not fun, but it’s real.

Options if SMS still fails: receive SMS online vs rentals 

If your number can’t reliably receive OTPs, you need a backup, either a quick inbox for testing or a dedicated rental for ongoing access.

Here’s the difference:

• Receive SMS online: okay for quick tests, but can be inconsistent and less private.
• Rent phone number for SMS verification: typically steadier for re-logins because it’s dedicated for a period.

Decision checklist:

• Need a one-off verification moment? Go for a one-time activation.
• Need repeat access (re-login, ongoing verification)? Choose a rental.
• Want privacy-friendly behaviour? Avoid public inboxes for sensitive accounts.

This is precisely where PVAPins fits: quick OTP flow, privacy-friendly options, and the choice between one-time activations and rentals depending on your use case.

PVAPins quick start: free inbox vs activations vs rentals 

Direct answer: here’s the clean funnel, Free Numbers, Activations, Rentals, depending on how long you need access.

• Free Numbers: great for quick testing and lightweight verification attempts.
• Activations (one-time): best when you need a single verification moment, and you’re done.
• Rentals (ongoing): ideal for repeat logins and ongoing access.

PVAPins supports 200+ countries, offers privacy-friendly choices, and has non-VoIP or private options where available, which are helpful when specific platforms are picky about number types. It’s also built for fast OTP flow and can be API-ready for stable workflows (without pretending anything is guaranteed).

Payments note (once): PVAPins supports Crypto, Binance Pay, Payeer, GCash, AmanPay, QIWI Wallet, DOKU, Nigeria & South Africa cards, Skrill, and Payoneer.

If you want the simplest move: open your PVAPins inbox, request the code once, and keep the retry cadence clean. That one detail, not spamming requests, saves people a lot of headaches.

FAQ

Is it legal to use a virtual number to receive a verification code?

It depends on your local rules and the platform’s terms. Virtual numbers can be used for legitimate privacy and account access, but not for misrepresentation or violating policies. When in doubt, follow the app’s stated requirements.

Why doesn’t the Mercari OTP arrive even after resending?

Carriers can filter short codes, your phone may route OTPs to spam, and repeated resends can trigger throttling. Pause, wait a bit, then request one clean code. If it keeps failing, check the carrier message blocking next.

What number format should I enter for Mercari phone verification?

Use the exact format Mercari asks for. If it supports international format, include the country code and remove leading zeros. And double-check you’re verifying the number actually tied to your account.

What’s the difference between one-time activations and rentals?

One-time activations are for a single verification event. Rentals are better if you need ongoing access for re-logins or repeated verification. If you’ll need the number again later, rentals are usually the safer bet.

Why should I avoid public free inbox numbers for sensitive accounts?

Many people can reuse public inbox numbers, which may be inconsistent. For accounts you care about, dedicated options (like rentals) are typically more controlled. That reduces the chance of delayed codes and verification headaches.

What should I NOT use temporary numbers for?

Don’t use temp numbers to violate terms, local laws, or for harmful activity. Also, avoid relying on them for high-stakes financial recovery where long-term number ownership is required.

What if Mercari says I have too many verification attempts?

Stop requesting codes and wait out the cooldown. Repeated attempts can extend the block and increase the number of invalid code errors. When you try again, request a new code and use the one you receive.

Conclusion

If Mercari’s OTP isn’t showing up, your best move is to slow down, troubleshoot in the correct order, and avoid the resend spiral. Start with quick triage, then check iPhone/Android filters, then handle carrier short-code blocks.

And if your number can’t receive the verification SMS, don’t keep grinding the same setup. Use PVAPins as a clean fallback start with Free Numbers for quick testing, move to a one-time activation if you only need one verification, or choose a rental for ongoing access.

 

Also Helpful: The same privacy-friendly tricks work across platforms see our guide on “Verify Monzo Without a Phone Number” if you use multiple inboxes.