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If you’re staring at your phone because it owes you money, yeah, that’s a mood. Skrill OTP issues are extra annoying because they block everything: login, verification, withdrawals, the whole flow.
This guide is a straight-up, practical walkthrough for Skrill OTP not received (fix) problems. We’ll start with the quick wins (the stuff that solves it in 2 minutes), then move into iPhone/Android fixes, carrier blocks, and account-level problems. And if your SIM is being stubborn, I’ll show a clean, privacy-friendly fallback using PVAPins for receiving verification codes without doing anything sketchy.
Quick 2-minute checklist
Most Skrill OTP issues come down to three things: your signal, a hidden/filtered message, or requesting too many codes too fast. Try this first before you go down the rabbit hole.
- Toggle Airplane Mode (on → 10 seconds → off).
- Ask a friend to text you “test” (this confirms your SMS actually works).
- Request one new code, then wait 30–60 seconds. (Let it breathe. Don’t mash resend.)
- Check message filters like Unknown Senders / Spam (your phone might be “helping” you).
- If Skrill shows it, use the email fallback (“I can’t receive SMS”) instead of repeatedly retrying SMS. Skrill documents this option and suggests waiting at least ~30 seconds before resending.
If you request 4 codes in 15 seconds, there’s a very real chance that only the newest code works. Then you keep entering an older one and think Skrill is “wrong.” It’s not fun, but it’s common.
Why do Skrill OTP codes not arrive
OTP delivery fails for predictable reasons: device filters, carrier blocks, network/roaming delays, or account-side mismatches (wrong number, outdated profile, security checks). The fastest fix is to figure out which layer is breaking, then target it.
Here’s the simple 4-layer model:
- Device layer: iPhone and some Android messaging apps can filter texts from unknown senders into separate folders (so the OTP “arrived,” you just didn’t see it). Apple covers how Unknown Senders filtering works and where to find those messages.
- Carrier layer: carriers can block or filter short-code verification messages to fight spam (especially if your line has restrictions). PayPal even tells users to ask carriers to enable short-code text messaging when codes don’t arrive same idea applies here.
- Account layer: if your phone number is wrong, outdated, or if you’re in a security check, Skrill can’t deliver the code where you expect it. You’ll be “not receiving” forever until the account info matches reality.
- Timing layer: multiple requests = chaos. Many systems invalidate old codes when a new one is generated.
Skrill OTP not received.
If you don’t receive Skrill’s SMS code, use “Send new code,” and if the option appears, choose “I can’t receive SMS” to receive a temporary code by email. Skrill describes this flow and recommends waiting at least ~30 seconds before resending.
Do this in order (and yes, order matters):
- Request the SMS code once. Wait ~30 seconds.
- If it doesn’t arrive, tap Send new code (once).
- If you see I can’t receive SMS, use it. Skrill will send a 6-digit code to your registered primary email (temporary).
- Enter the newest code immediately. If you requested another code after that, ignore the older one.
- A temp number is excellent for quick testing, but don’t rely on it for long-term 2FA logins.
If you’ve requested multiple codes, use the most recent one. Honestly, that’s the #1 reason people say “the code is correct, but Skrill says it’s wrong.”

where OTP texts hide
On iPhone, OTPs often “arrive” but don’t appear where you expect because Unknown Senders and message filtering can route texts to separate folders and silence notifications. Apple explains where those filtered messages go and how to view them.
Try this:
- Open Messages → tap Filters → check Unknown Senders.
- If you’ve enabled message filtering, review it in Settings (especially if you installed any filtering extension).
- If you can’t receive any SMS, Apple’s guidance boils down to troubleshooting messaging and contacting your carrier for SMS delivery issues.
Someone turns on spam filtering (smart move). Then verification codes quietly get filed under “Unknown.” Great until you try to access your account.
Android fixes: messages, permissions, and carrier settings
On Android, missing OTPs usually come from weak signal, blocked unknown numbers, messaging app filtering, or a carrier block on verification texts. The best move is to prove your phone can receive regular SMS, then check whether short-code messages are being filtered or blocked.
Run this quick reset:
- Restart your phone and confirm you have signal (and can receive a standard SMS).
- Check your SMS app’s Spam/Blocked area (some apps filter aggressively by default).
- Confirm your Skrill phone number includes the correct country code (this trips people up constantly).
- If no OTPs arrive from any service, it’s likely a carrier issue. Many identity-confirmation help docs recommend contacting your carrier to ensure short-code text messaging is enabled.
- Avoid rapid resends. Use the newest code you requested.
If personal texts come through but verification codes never do, that’s classic carrier filtering or short-code blocking.
US carriers are blocking short codes.
In the US, verification texts can be blocked or silently filtered because carriers actively manage messaging to reduce spam. If your phone receives regular SMS but not OTP short codes, ask your carrier to confirm short-code text messaging isn’t blocked on your line. This shows up as a standard troubleshooting step in primary help docs.
Here’s what to say (keep it simple and specific):
- “I’m not receiving verification short codes. Can you check if short-code SMS is blocked on my line?”
- Ask if your plan or line has restrictions for automated texts.
- If you use dual SIM/eSIM, confirm that the correct line is set as the default for SMS.
- Test one other verification text (just once) to isolate whether it’s Skrill-specific.
- If the carrier says everything is fine, switch to Skrill’s email fallback method when available.
You changed carriers recently, and short-code texts didn’t fully “activate” on the new line. Everything else works. OTPs don’t. Super common.
Travelling/roaming country-code mistakes
Globally, OTP failures spike when people are roaming, have poor reception, or enter the wrong country code. The fix is boring but practical: confirm the exact number on file, stabilize connectivity, and switch to email OTP if available. Skrill’s SCA guidance also recommends waiting briefly, resending, and using email fallback when SMS fails.
Global checklist:
- Verify that your Skrill phone number is correct (in the full international format).
- If roaming, move to a stronger signal and retry once.
- Don’t request 5 codes. Request one, wait, then use fallback if offered.
- If you changed numbers, update the account before expecting OTPs to land correctly.
- If you need verification in a specific region, using a country-matched number can reduce delivery friction (PVAPins can help here for legitimate verification needs).
You’re travelling, your SIM is on a weak partner network, and codes arrive 3 minutes late right after they expire. Painful.
Login vs withdrawal OTP issues
If OTP fails only during withdrawals/payments (but login codes work), the issue can be a different security checkpoint (SCA-style prompts) or a timing/expiration problem. Treat it as a separate flow: don’t reuse old codes and verify your contact method is current.
What to do:
- Identify where it breaks: login, add card, send money, or withdraw.
- Request a fresh code right before you enter it; use the newest code.
- If SMS fails in that flow, use email fallback if Skrill shows it (“I can’t receive SMS”).
- If your account is restricted/locked and you can’t proceed, you’ll likely need Skrill support (more on that below).
- Don’t hammer resend one resend, then switch method.
Login OTP arrives, but withdrawal OTP doesn’t. That often means the transaction confirmation flow is being filtered differently or has stricter timing requirements.

Free vs low-cost numbers for verification
Free/public numbers can work for quick tests, but they’re often reused and more likely to be blocked or rate-limited for sensitive verifications. If you need reliability (especially for ongoing 2FA), a private number or a rental is usually the calmer option.
Here’s the honest breakdown:
- Free/public numbers: fine for quick experiments, but they’re shared, and that alone can cause blocks or delivery delays.
- Low-cost/private options: better when you want a cleaner number history and fewer hiccups.
- One-time activation: best when you need a single OTP right now (fast and done).
- Rental: best when you’ll need repeated logins/2FA access over time (less “oops, I can’t access that number anymore”).
Also, SMS-based OTP isn’t a perfect security measure. NIST’s digital identity guidance is often cited for authentication choices, and it’s a helpful reminder that SMS has fundamental limitations compared to stronger methods.
If you’re setting up ongoing 2FA for a financial app, one-time might save you today, but ruin your mood next week. Rentals are usually the smarter long game.
Use PVAPins to receive your Skrill code fast.
If your usual SIM isn’t receiving codes (or you need a clean number for sms verification), PVAPins lets you pick a country/number type and receive OTPs with fewer delivery headaches, then upgrade to rentals when you need ongoing access.
Here’s a simple path (no overthinking required):
- “Test first” → try a free number (good for quick checks).
- “Need it now” → use a one-time activation (single verification, fast).
- “I’ll log in again later.” → choose a rental (ongoing access for 2FA/login).
What to look for (and why PVAPins is built around it):
- Coverage across 200+ countries (handy when you need a specific region).
- Private/non-VoIP-style options are available (often smoother for strict verification systems).
- Fast OTP delivery and stable routes (less waiting, fewer retries).
- API-ready stability for verification at scale.
- Privacy-friendly use (share the minimum you need to verify nothing extra).
Payments note (because it always comes up): PVAPins supports multiple payment methods, including Crypto, Binance Pay, Payeer, GCash, AmanPay, QIWI Wallet, DOKU, Nigeria & South Africa cards, Skrill, and Payoneer (availability varies by region and method).
Compliance reminder: PVAPins is not affiliated with Skrill. Please follow each app’s terms and local regulations.
If Skrill flags a number:
- Try a different number type or country.
- If you need ongoing access, switch from one-time to a rental so you don’t have to constantly re-verify.
Mini scenario: Your SIM is roaming, and OTPs arrive late. You use PVAPins for quick verification, get in, then set up a rental if you know you’ll need repeat logins.

FAQ
This FAQ clears up the last-mile stuff, timing, “wrong code” errors, lockouts, and when to escalate so you can fix it and move on.
How long should I wait before resending a Skrill OTP?
Wait about a minute, then resend once. Skrill’s SCA guidance suggests waiting at least 30 seconds before resending and switching to the email fallback option if it appears.
Why does Skrill say my OTP is wrong even though I typed it right?
Usually, because you requested multiple codes, many systems invalidate older codes when a new one is generated, so the “right” code becomes “wrong” instantly. Request one code and use the newest one immediately.
Can Skrill send the OTP to email instead of SMS?
In some authentication flows, Skrill shows “I can’t receive SMS”, which sends a 6-digit verification code to your registered primary email address.
What if I lost access to my old phone number on Skrill?
You’ll typically need to update your phone number in account settings or contact support so they can verify ownership and help you regain access. Start at Skrill’s official Support / Help Centre.
Why does my iPhone show no OTP texts at all?
Check Unknown Senders and filtering first codes can be routed there. If you also can’t receive regular SMS, Apple recommends carrier-level troubleshooting for SMS delivery.
Is it legal/safe to use an online number for verification?
It depends on the app’s terms and local regulations. For financial apps especially, play it straight: follow policies, avoid abusive patterns, and use numbers responsibly.
When should I contact Skrill support?
If you’ve tried resend + email fallback (when offered), verified your carrier can receive short codes, and you’re still locked out, it’s time to contact Skrill via their official support hub.
What to do next (quick wrap-up)
- Start with the 2-minute checklist (signal → filters → resend once).
- Use Skrill’s email fallback if it appears to be the fastest unlock.
- If the problem is your SIM/carrier, consider a verification workaround like PVAPins first free testing, then one-time, then rentals for ongoing 2FA.
Compliance reminder: PVAPins is not affiliated with Skrill. Please follow each app’s terms and local regulations.
If you want the most straightforward path, try PVAPins’ free numbers to test delivery, then upgrade to a one-time activation or a rental, depending on whether you need this once or you’ll be logging in again later.
