Shopee OTP not received: what to try
In short
- Restart the phone or toggle airplane mode, and on a dual-SIM phone use your default SIM.
- Shopee may send the OTP by Viber or WhatsApp instead of SMS.
- A recycled number can already be linked to someone else’s Shopee account.
Shopee sends a one-time password (OTP) to confirm your number and to sign you in. Its help steps differ a little between countries.
First checks
- Restart the phone, or turn airplane mode on and off, and make sure you have a good signal.
- On a dual-SIM phone, switch to your default SIM.
- Shopee lets you resend the code a few times, up to 4 attempts in its help pages.
- Check the number on your Shopee profile is the right one.
Codes by WhatsApp or Viber
If no SMS arrives, Shopee says the OTP may have come by Viber or WhatsApp. Our guide to codes sent by WhatsApp explains why apps do this.
A number already in use
Networks reuse numbers, so yours may already be linked to another Shopee account. Shopee says previous owners can’t get into your account; you can ask to change the number with proof that it’s yours.
Never share the OTP
Shopee says never to share your OTP with anyone, Shopee staff included.
Using a one-time number
A number from ReserveSMS receives texts only, so choose the SMS code. It can’t receive codes after its 20-minute window, and changing the number later needs proof of ownership, so use a number you keep for an account you’ll shop from. Get a number for Shopee.
Common questions
Why didn’t I get Shopee’s OTP by SMS?
Check your signal and which SIM receives texts. Shopee also says the OTP may arrive by Viber or WhatsApp instead.
Shopee says my number is already in use. Why?
Numbers get recycled, so it may be linked to a previous owner’s account. Shopee says they can’t get into yours; you can request a change with proof of ownership.
Will Shopee ever ask for my OTP?
No. Shopee says never to share your OTP with anyone, including Shopee staff.