Symptoms
- Code never arrives via text or email
- Code arrives many minutes late, after it's expired
- Multiple requests sent but nothing received
- Code arrives to an old number or email instead of the current one
Likely causes
- CommonWrong or outdated phone number or email on the accountIf contact info wasn't updated after a change, codes go to the old destination.
- CommonNetwork delay or carrier filtering of short-code textsVerification texts sometimes get delayed or blocked by spam filters.
- PossibleEmail verification going to spam or a different inboxAutomated verification emails are commonly flagged as spam.
- PossibleToo many requests triggering a temporary rate limitSending several codes quickly can cause a service to pause sending for a bit.
- PossibleWeak or no cellular/data connectionDelivery can't happen at all without connectivity.
What to do
- Double check the phone number or email address the code is being sent to matches your current one.
- Check spam, junk, or promotions folders if it's an email code.
- Wait a few minutes between requests instead of repeatedly tapping resend, which can trigger rate limiting.
- Confirm you have a working data or cellular connection.
- Try an alternate verification method (call instead of text, or a different email) if the service offers one.
- Restart the phone and try again if nothing arrives after several minutes.
When to call a pro
If codes never arrive after confirming correct contact info and waiting, contact that specific service or app's support for manual verification.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.