Verify Remitly Without a Phone Number Fast Fixes

Let’s be real, getting stuck at verification when you don’t have your number available is one of those “why is this happening right now?” moments. This guide is for that exact situation. If you’re trying to verify Remitly without a Phone Number, I’ll walk you through the legit routes (recovery, updates, support), plus the quick fixes that usually get OTPs moving again without doing anything sketchy.

Quick answer: Can you verify Remitly without a phone number?

Usually, no, at least not forever. Remitly commonly uses your number for sign-in security and account protection, and sometimes additional verification steps may apply depending on the situation.

Here’s the deal:

• If you temporarily don’t have your phone, you may be able to use recovery steps (sometimes involving email).

• If the system keeps insisting on SMS, the clean path is recovery → update your number → re-verify.

• If you’re locked out or stuck in review, support is often the fastest “human fix.”

Bottom line: don’t try to force it. With money apps, consistency wins.

Do you need a Remitly phone number?

Most people do, yes. It’s one of the simplest ways apps reduce account takeovers and confirm it’s really you signing in.

A simple way to think about why phone verification exists:

• Login security: One-time codes help block random logins.

• Recovery: if you lose access, a verified channel helps prove it’s you.

• Transfer safety: Sometimes, extra checks pop up when something changes.

Quick context: Microsoft has reported that more than 99.9% of compromised accounts don’t have MFA enabled, which is why companies keep pushing extra verification during sign-in.

If you’re not getting the Remitly verification code

If your code isn’t arriving, it’s usually a delivery issue, not “your account is broken.” Carrier filtering, roaming, or phone settings are the main culprits behind these headaches.

Try these in order (don’t skip straight to step 10):

1. Check your number format (country code, no extra digits).

2. Toggle Airplane Mode for 10 seconds.

3. Restart your phone, then request the code once.

4. Switch networks: Wi-Fi ↔ mobile data.

5. Turn off VPN temporarily.

6. If you hit “too many attempts, stop and wait before trying again.

Why this happens more now: carriers enforce messaging rules (including short codes), and filtering can impact automated texts in some situations.

Fixes on iPhone

iPhone OTP issues are often settings-related.

• Check Focus modes (they can hide incoming texts).

• Review Blocked Contacts and message filtering settings.

• Update iOS if you’re behind.

Tiny example: you turned on Sleep Focus last night and forgot it’s still on. OTP arrives, but you never see it. Yep, annoying.

Fixes on Android

Android app are usually about the SMS app and permissions.

• Confirm your default SMS app is correct.

• Check permissions for SMS/notifications.

• Disable aggressive battery optimization for your messaging app.

• Review spam protection filters.

Fixes on desktop/web

If web login is being stubborn:

• Try the mobile app instead of the desktop.

• Clear cookies/cache or use a private window.

• Try a different browser/device (device trust can matter).

How to change phone number on Remitly

If your number changed, the goal is simple: get codes going to the new number. If you can’t log in, support may need to confirm your identity before anything gets updated.

Here’s the low-stress way:

• If you can log in, update your number in settings, and confirm the change.

• If you can’t log in: use recovery prompts first, then contact support if needed.

• Before you retry verification, send a regular SMS to the new line to confirm it’s actually receiving texts.

One micro-opinion: don’t change your number, your email, and your device all at once. That’s how you accidentally trigger more verification checks.

Numbers That Work With Remitly:

PVAPins keeps numbers from different countries ready to roll. They work. Here’s a taste of how your inbox would look:

🌍 Country	📱 Number	📩 Last Message	🕒 Received
USA	+16828991050	7271	07/08/25 01:15
Mexico	+529631021342	254585	01/11/25 06:31
Russia	+79777980593	3599	28/12/25 12:56
Indonesia	+6281330974136	349128	26/01/25 07:43
Russia	+79997131187	6017	16/12/25 11:25
Germany	+4915511550739	6419	09/12/25 07:35
Hong Kong	+85259658140	292752	28/12/25 11:11
Russia	+79184093519	6744	23/10/25 09:22
Russia	+79312073908	3803	10/01/26 10:27
USA	+17349339167	12076	05/12/25 11:20

Grab a fresh number if you’re dipping in, or rent one if you’ll be needing repeat access.

Remitly identity verification explained

Sometimes it’s not about SMS at all, it’s about identity checks. If your verification is pending, your best move is boring but practical: submit clear docs and keep your account details steady while the review runs.

What “pending” usually means:

• You’re in a review queue, or

• Something didn’t match (blurry image, cropped edges, name mismatch)

To avoid delays:

• Bright light, no glare.

• Full document visible (no cut corners).

• Don’t keep resubmitting with tiny changes every hour.

If it’s stuck way longer than expected, support can tell you what’s missing.

Is the Remitly recipient phone number required?

Often, yes, especially for status updates, coordination, and specific delivery methods. Remitly also notes that recipient details for some corridors can include a recipient phone number. 

Common mistakes that cause unnecessary problems:

• Wrong country code

• One-digit typo

• The recipient changed their number

• You guessed the format instead of confirming it

Quick best practice: ask the recipient to text you their number in full international format (e.g., +1, +91). Saves you from “wait, was it 017  or +88017 ?”

US vs India: what changes for verification and SMS delivery?

Here’s the deal: OTP delivery can vary by country because carriers filter automated traffic differently, and device settings (dual-SIM, DND filters, roaming) can block messages.

Common US issues (carrier filtering, short-code blocks)

In the US, the usual suspects are:

• carrier filtering (automated texts get suppressed)

• short-code quirks

• number porting weirdness for a few days after switching carriers

CTIA’s messaging principles explain how short codes operate and why compliance rules exist around automated messaging.

Common India issues (DND filters, roaming, dual-SIM settings)

In India, it’s often:

• DND/spam filtering is being extra aggressive

• dual-SIM routing (OTP goes to the other SIM)

• roaming restrictions while traveling

Quick check: temporarily set the SIM you’re verifying as the default for SMS, request the code once, then wait.

Phone options compared: SIM, eSIM, and privacy-friendly alternatives

For money apps, the safest setup is still a real mobile number you control (SIM or eSIM) that stays stable for recovery. If a platform rejects certain number types, don’t force it.

Practical breakdown:

• SIM: simple, widely accepted, easy troubleshooting.

• eSIM: great for travel and keeping a stable “main line” while adding a second.

Security note (worth knowing): CISA’s mobile communications best-practices guidance recommends migrating away from SMS-based MFA where possible, since SMS isn’t encrypted and can be intercepted in specific threat scenarios.

That doesn’t mean “panic.” It just means: use the safest option available and keep recovery clean.

How to contact Remitly customer service

If you’re locked out, not receiving codes, or stuck in verification, support is often the quickest path, especially if you changed your number.

Have this ready:

• Your Remitly account email

• recent transfer details (approx date/amount)

• old number + new number (if updating)

• device type (iPhone/Android/Web) and your current country

And keep your message simple:

“I can’t receive the verification code,” or “I need to update my phone number.”

Start from Remitly’s official Help Center so you’re following the most current support flow.

PVAPins: safer way to protect your number for everyday verifications

Now, a separate point, but super relevant. If your bigger goal is privacy (like not handing your personal number to every signup form), PVAPins is built for everyday verification use.

Here’s the PVAPins flow most people use:

• Free Numbers for quick tests

• Receive SMS for instant OTP delivery when you need it fast

• Rent when you need a number for longer-term, ongoing accounts

PVAPins supports 200+ countries, offers privacy-friendly options (including non-VoIP/private routes when needed), and is designed for stable, API-ready use.

Compliance note: PVAPins is not affiliated with Remitly. Please follow each app’s terms and local regulations.

FAQ

Can you verify Remitly without a phone number?

Sometimes you can use recovery steps, but many accounts still require access to a phone number for security. If the app keeps insisting on SMS, support is usually the cleanest way forward.

Why is Remitly not sending a verification code?

Common causes include carrier filtering, roaming, short-code issues, or phone settings. Switch networks, restart your device, and avoid repeatedly resending to avoid triggering cooldowns.

What does “too many attempts” mean when verifying?

It usually means you hit a rate limit or cooldown. Stop requesting codes for a while, then try again once after the wait.

How do I change my phone number on Remitly?

If you can log in, update it in settings and confirm the change. If you can’t log in, use recovery prompts first and contact support if needed.

Is the recipient phone number required for transfers?

Often, it’s used for updates and coordination, and some corridors require it as part of the recipient details. Use the correct country code and confirm the number with the recipient first.

Is SMS-based verification safe?

It’s widely used, but SMS isn’t encrypted. CISA recommends migrating away from SMS-based MFA where possible, so if you have safer options available, consider using them.

What’s the safest way to keep my real number private online?

Use your personal number for sensitive financial accounts, and use separate numbers for everyday signups where allowed. That’s where PVAPins can be handy.

Conclusion

If you’re stuck verifying because you don’t have your number, the best move is usually: fix OTP delivery first, then use recovery/support to update your number cleanly. Don’t spam resend. Don’t change everything at once. Keep it steady, and you’ll get through it faster.

And if you want to keep your personal number out of random signups in the future, start with PVAPinsFree Numbers, move to Receive SMS for instant codes, and rent a number when you need something longer-term.

Compliance note: PVAPins is not affiliated with Remitly. Please follow each app’s terms and local regulations.