Your network might be blocking verification texts: what to check

Sometimes the app sends the code fine and your network or phone quietly drops it.

Blocks on the network

• Signal: T-Mobile-based networks can have a “Shortcode Blacklist” on the account, which has to be removed.
• Amazon: ask your network whether it restricts codes.
• Uber: check with your network that short-code texts are enabled on your account.
• Indeed: some networks block verification texts sent by other companies.
• Grindr: ask your network to make sure message blocking is off.
• Bolt: in some countries, your network has to allow marketing texts.

Settings on your phone

• Zoho: turn off “Block unknown/promotional senders”, and use the phone’s own messages app.
• Kakao: if the 1644 area code or the word “Kakao” is blocked, the code is too.
• Uber: don’t block texts from foreign numbers; its codes can come from one.

Opted out of an app’s texts

Replying STOP to an app’s texts can block its codes too. Uber and Lyft both say to text START to their number to get them back.

Another route

Ask the app for a call or another method, or use a different number. A one-time number from ReserveSMS receives the text on our side and shows it on screen; ours start at $1, and the money goes back to your balance if no code arrives within 20 minutes.

Common questions

Can my network block verification codes?

Yes. Some networks block short-code texts or texts from other companies. Signal, Amazon and Uber all suggest checking with your network.

Which phone settings block codes?

Filters that block unknown, promotional or foreign senders. Zoho and Uber both mention these.

I replied STOP to an app. How do I get codes again?

Text START to the app’s number. Uber and Lyft give theirs in their help centres.