Amazon OTP not received: what to try
In short
- Check your signal, the number saved under Login & Security, and that texts from Amazon aren’t blocked.
- After too many tries, Amazon can pause codes for 10 minutes, sometimes 12 hours.
- An authenticator app makes codes without a signal or a text, so add one under Two-Step Verification.
Amazon sends a one-time password (OTP) when you sign in with Two-Step Verification, or when it wants to check it’s you.
First checks
- Make sure the phone has a mobile signal or Wi-Fi.
- Check the number Amazon has for you under Login & Security, and correct it if it’s out of date.
- Restart the phone, clear out old messages if the inbox is full, and check Amazon’s number isn’t blocked.
- Ask your mobile provider whether it restricts codes like these.
Another way to get the code
Amazon lets you ask for a new code by a different number or method. Its Kindle Direct Publishing help notes that many tries in a row can trigger a temporary block: wait 10 minutes, or sometimes 12 hours, before trying again.
Use an authenticator app
An authenticator app, such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator, makes codes on your phone with no signal or text needed. Go to Login & Security, choose Edit beside Two-Step Verification settings, and add an authenticator app.
Using a one-time number
A number from ReserveSMS receives codes for 20 minutes and can’t receive any after that, so it suits a code you need once. For an Amazon account you’ll keep, add an authenticator app straight away rather than relying on texts. Ours start at $1, and the money goes back to your balance if no code arrives. Get a number for Amazon.
Common questions
Why isn’t Amazon’s OTP arriving?
Usually signal, an out-of-date number on the account, or blocked texts. Check the number under Login & Security, restart the phone, and ask your provider whether it restricts codes.
How long should I wait after too many OTP attempts on Amazon?
Amazon’s help says repeated attempts can trigger a temporary block: wait 10 minutes, and sometimes up to 12 hours.
Can I get Amazon codes without a text?
Yes. Add an authenticator app under Login & Security, in your Two-Step Verification settings; it makes codes without a signal.