You typed one of our temporary numbers into an app, asked for a code and nothing showed up. That happens, and the reason is almost always one of a few things. Work through this list in order: most codes turn up by step 3.
1. Give it a minute, then refresh
Most codes reach a number’s page within seconds, but some apps queue their messages and a few take two or three minutes at busy times. The number page updates on its own; if you have had it open for a while, refresh it once. Avoid pressing the app’s “resend” button over and over: many apps stop sending after two or three requests, or block the number for a few hours.
2. Check the country code in the app
The single most common mistake. If the number is a UK number, the app’s country picker must say United Kingdom (+44), and you enter the rest of the number without the leading zero. Copy the number with the copy button on its page rather than typing it, so no digit goes missing.
3. Pick a number that recently received that app’s SMS
Every number card shows when its last SMS arrived, and our app pages list the numbers that received a code from each app in the last 30 days, newest first. A number that got a WhatsApp or Telegram code an hour ago is far more likely to get yours than one that has been quiet for days. If one number fails, try the next one on the list.
4. The app may not accept this number
Public numbers are used by many people, and some apps notice. WhatsApp, Telegram, Google and banking apps in particular may refuse a number that has been used for many accounts, or one they classify as virtual. When an app says “this number can’t be used” or never sends anything, the number is probably blocked for that app; another number, often from another country, usually works.
5. The app may not send to that country
Some services only send codes to certain countries, or only by voice call. If the app offers “call me” instead, a temporary number won’t help, because our numbers receive SMS only. Try a number from a different country.
6. The code is there but hidden
On some numbers the codes are covered until you complete a quick, free check with your name and email. You will see the sender and the time, with “Verify to unlock” where the code would be. Unlock once and the codes on those numbers stay visible on your device. Messages that contain bank or payment details are always hidden for everyone’s safety, shown as “Sensitive data hidden”.
7. Someone else may have used the code
Everything sent to a public number is visible to everyone, which is why the newest message is the one to use. If you see several codes from the same app, take the most recent one that arrived after you pressed send, and use it quickly: most codes expire within 5 to 10 minutes.
8. Busy hours are slower
Codes arrive around the clock, but the afternoon and evening (UTC) are the busiest. Our SMS verification statistics show which apps send the most codes and when. If a number is very busy, its newest messages can push yours down the page; scroll a little or open page 2 of the number.
When to use something else
A free public number is fine for a quick sign-up you don’t need to keep. It is the wrong tool for banking, payments, email accounts you rely on, or anything you will need to recover later, because anyone can read the codes and the number may be reused by someone else next week. For those, use your own number or a private paid number.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a verification code take to arrive?
Usually a few seconds. If nothing arrives within three minutes, the app most likely did not send it to that number; try another number rather than waiting.
Why does the app say my number is invalid?
Either the country code is wrong (see step 2) or the app does not accept public or virtual numbers. Pick a number that recently received that app’s SMS.
Can I keep a number for later?
No. Numbers are shared and are replaced over time, so you cannot rely on getting a later code, for example to recover the account. Don’t use a temporary number for anything you will need again.
Do I need an account to receive SMS?
No account is needed to browse numbers and see incoming messages. On some numbers, the codes themselves unlock after a quick, free check.