You’re trying to log in, you’re right there, and then… nothing. No text. No email. Just you staring at a resend button as it owes you money.
If you’re dealing with verification code not received again (ugh), this guide will walk you through the quickest fixes for SMS, email, and 2FA—plus what to do when the problem is your number route, not your phone.
Quick answer: why verification codes don’t arrive
Most of the time, verification code not received happens because of rate limits, carrier filtering (especially short codes), device spam filtering, or number-type blocks (like VoIP/reused routes). The fastest path is simple: wait for the timer, resend once, check filtering, then switch to a different method (or number route) if you keep hitting a wall.
Here’s the deal—there are basically four “layers” where things go wrong:
- The app/platform (throttles, risk checks, temporary blocks)
- The carrier/network (short code filtering, delays, routing issues)
- Your device (spam folders, filtered messages, blocked senders)
- The number route (VoIP flags, recycled numbers, unsupported routes)
And yes… the resend button can make it worse. Rapid resends often trigger “suspicious activity” logic, which leads straight to cooldowns.
Fast checklist (do these in order)
Do this in order: wait out the timer, resend once, check spam/blocked, confirm the number format, reset your network, then switch SMS ↔ email (or change the number route) if it’s still not coming through.
Check timers + resend safely.
Start boring. It works.
A safe resend rhythm:
- Let the countdown finish
- Hit resend once
- Wait 1–2 minutes
- If nothing arrives, move to the next step (don’t spam it)
Also double-check:
- Correct country code (+1 for the US)
- No missing digits or extra spaces
- You’re verifying on the same device/session you started with (some platforms get picky here)
Try a different delivery method (SMS ↔ email)
If the platform offers email, take it. It’s often faster when SMS is being filtered or delayed.
Quick email checks:
- Search your inbox for code, verify, security
- Check Spam/Junk and Promotions
- Make sure you didn’t auto-filter those emails into a random folder
Sometimes email lands instantly, while SMS drags. Sometimes it’s flipped. Either way, switching methods is an easy win.
Restart network / turn off filters.
This is the “clear the pipes” step:
- Toggle Airplane Mode on/off (10 seconds)
- Restart your phone
- If you use Wi-Fi calling, try switching to mobile data (or vice versa)
- Temporarily turn off message filtering/spam protection to see if it’s swallowing the OTP
Also, there’s a reason spam filters have gotten stronger. The FTC says consumers reported $470 million in losses from scams that started with text messages in 2024—so platforms and phones are filtering harder than ever.
(If you want the source: FTC’s write-up on top text scams of 2024 is here.)
“Too many attempts, try again later” — what it means and how long to wait.
This usually means you’ve hit a rate limit on your account, device, IP address, or phone number. Waiting is the fastest fix. When the cooldown ends, try once—if it repeats, switch methods (email instead of SMS) or change the number route so you’re not stuck in the same loop.
Common triggers:
- Rapid resends
- Repeated login attempts
- Switching devices/IPs quickly
- Using a number that’s been heavily reused for OTPs
A practical cooldown plan:
- Stop trying for a bit (don’t “fight” the lockout)
- Close the app/browser and come back later
- Try once, then switch approaches if it fails again
What not to do:
- Don’t hammer resend for 10 minutes straight
- Don’t stack retries back-to-back (some platforms extend cooldowns when you do that)
SMS verification code not received — the real causes
When an SMS code doesn’t arrive, it’s usually short-code filtering, spam handling on your phone, or the platform rejecting your number’s route. Fix it by checking short-code folders/filters, confirming your device isn’t blocking messages, and switching to a cleaner route if your number keeps getting flagged.
Short code blocks + carrier filtering
A lot of OTPs come from short codes (5–6 digit senders). Carriers and devices filter these aggressively if they look “spammy” or unfamiliar.
What to check:
- Can you receive regular SMS from a friend?
- Did the OTP land in a Spam/Filtered folder?
- Did you block the sender by mistake?
Helpful references (official docs):
- Apple’s guide on screening/filtering texts on iPhone (includes “Spam” and “Unknown Senders” views).
- Google’s help doc on Spam & blocked in Google Messages (where filtered conversations go).
VoIP blocks + recycled numbers
Some platforms reject numbers that look like:
- VoIP-style routes
- Recently recycled
- Overused for verification attempts
That’s why you might see “code not coming” or “number can’t be used” even when your phone is fine.
Quick example: you try to verify multiple accounts quickly on the same number. The next platform sees repeated verification history and goes, “Nope.” Result: no code, or the number gets rejected.
Country/roaming issues
If you’re roaming or traveling, OTP delivery can get weird:
- Some carriers route OTPs differently outside your home network
- Network switching (Wi-Fi ↔ mobile) can change results
- Some apps apply stricter verification rules when the number and location don’t “match” cleanly
If you’re stuck while traveling, try again on a stable home network (or switch to email if it’s offered).
iPhone not receiving verification codes (settings to check)
On iPhone, OTP texts often end up in Unknown Senders/Spam, get hidden by Focus modes, or get blocked by mistake. The quick fix is to check filtered folders and make sure the sender isn’t blocked.
Quick iPhone checklist:
- Open Messages → tap Filters → check Unknown Senders and Spam
- Check your Blocked Contacts
- If you use message screening, temporarily turn it off and retry
- If Focus/Do Not Disturb is on, make sure Messages notifications aren’t being silenced
Apple’s official steps for filtering and recovering messages are here.
Android not receiving verification codes (settings to check)
On Android, OTPs can get caught by spam protection, a third-party SMS app, or blocked conversations. Check “Spam & blocked,” confirm your default SMS app, and make sure filtering isn’t hiding the code.
Quick Android checklist:
- Open your SMS app → check Spam & blocked
- Confirm you’re using the default SMS app you actually read
- If you use Google Messages, check spam protection settings
- Turn spam protection off briefly to test, then turn it back on
Google’s official guide to reporting/blocking Spam, and where spam messages go, is here.
Email verification code not received (Spam, tabs, delays)
Email codes usually fail for one of two reasons: they’re filtered into Spam/Promotions, or mailbox rules delay them. Search for the email, allow the sender, and resend once after the timer.
A workflow that works:
- Search: code, verify, security
- Check Spam/Junk, Promotions, and All Mail
- Review any filters/rules that might auto-move the email
- If allowed, try a different email address
If email is consistently delayed, it’s almost always your mailbox/filtering setup—not that the platform didn’t send it.
2FA code not received (SMS vs app vs backup options)
If SMS-based 2FA isn’t arriving, switch to an authenticator app or backup options when the platform supports it. SMS 2FA is convenient, but it’s easier to delay/filter than app-based codes in some situations.
Here’s the practical breakdown:
- SMS 2FA: easy, but more prone to delays/blocks
- Authenticator app: usually steadier once set up
- Backup codes: lifesaver when you’re locked out (store them somewhere safe)
Quick safety note: never share OTPs, and don’t paste codes into random links. That’s precisely how many text scams hook people. (Federal Trade Commission)
“This phone number can’t be used” — why numbers get rejected.
This message usually shows up when the platform thinks your number is risky, unsupported, or overused. Common reasons include VoIP blocks, recycled routes, too many attempts, or regional restrictions.
What to do next:
- Stop resending for a while (avoid deeper cooldowns)
- Try email or another verification method if available.
- If you hit the same rejection repeatedly, switch to a different number route (private tends to be more consistent than shared)
Free vs low-cost verification options: what to use for testing vs real accounts
Free “public inbox” numbers can be okay for low-risk testing, but they’re not private—and they’re often blocked. For anything important, a private number is the better option (instant activation for one-time OTPs, rentals for ongoing access).
A simple way to choose:
- Testing something quick? Public/free can work (don’t use it for recovery)
- One-time signup OTP? Instant activation is usually perfect
- Ongoing logins/2FA? Rentals make more sense.
If you need account recovery later, don’t use a public inbox. That mistake hurts later.
A reliable fix when SMS keeps failing: use a private verification number
If you’ve tried the checklist and you’re still stuck, switching to a private verification number is usually the fastest “okay, I’m done with this” fix.
That’s where PVAPins fits in:
- Free numbers for quick testing
- Instantly receive SMS activations for one-time OTPs
- Rentals for ongoing logins/2FA
PVAPins supports 200+ countries, includes privacy-friendly options (including non-VoIP/private routes where available), and is built for stable, SMS Receive API-ready workflows.
Compliance note: PVAPins is not affiliated with any app/website. Please follow each app’s terms and local regulations.
US-focused notes (carriers, short codes, standard blocks)
In the US, OTP delivery can be especially sensitive to short-code filtering and rate limits. If you’re not receiving verification texts, check filtered folders first, avoid rapid resends, and don’t be surprised if specific number routes get rejected more often.
Practical US tips:
- Expect stronger filtering for unknown senders/short codes
- Always check spam/filtered folders before retrying
- Avoid rapid retries (rate limits are super standard)
- If you’re traveling, retry on a stable home network (or use email if available)
Bottom line: if the system thinks it’s protecting you, it’ll silently block stuff. That’s the world we’re in now.
FAQ
Why didn’t my verification code arrive even after resending?
Repeated resends can trigger cooldowns or carrier filtering. Wait out the timer, resend once, then check spam/filtered folders or switch to email if it’s available.
How long should it take for a verification code to arrive?
Most codes arrive within a minute, but filtering and throttling can cause delays. If it hasn’t arrived after a couple of minutes, follow the checklist instead of repeatedly resending.
What does “Too many attempts, try again later” mean?
It usually means the platform rate-limits your requests. Pause until the cooldown ends, then try once—if it repeats, change the verification method or number route.
Why does it say “This phone number can’t be used”?
Some platforms reject VoIP-style or heavily reused numbers, and some restrict certain regions. Trying a different route (private vs. shared) often solves the problem.
Are free receive-SMS numbers safe for essential accounts?
They can work for testing, but they aren’t private and can be blocked. Avoid using them for recovery, banking, or accounts you care about.
Why am I not receiving short code texts?
Short codes are filtered by carriers and devices more aggressively than regular numbers. Check spam/filtered folders, unblock senders, and retry after the timer.
Is SMS 2FA reliable enough for long-term use?
It works, but it can be delayed or blocked. If the account matters, switch to an authenticator app or backup methods when available.
Wrap-up + next step (PVAPins path: free → instant → rental)
If you’re stuck, don’t overthink it. Run the checklist: timer → resend once → check filters → reset network → switch SMS/email. If your number keeps getting rejected, stop burning time and change the route.
Here’s the clean PVAPins path:
- Start with free for quick testing
- Use Temp Number for one-time OTPs:
- Use rentals for ongoing access
If you need help picking the right option, PVAPins support.