“Too many attempts”: why apps pause verification, and how long to wait
In short
- Apps limit how many codes you can ask for, to stop abuse and spam.
- The waits vary: from 10 minutes to 24 hours on most apps, and 2 hours on Vinted.
- Ask once, wait a minute or two, then ask once more; repeated requests make the wait longer.
Asking for code after code doesn’t make one arrive faster. Most apps count the attempts and pause sending when you go over.
How long apps make you wait
- Vinted: phone verification is off for 2 hours after too many invalid attempts.
- Snapchat: “Too many requests”; wait 24 hours.
- Viber: activation attempts are limited; wait 24 hours.
- Indeed: wait 10 minutes; if that fails, 24 hours.
- Amazon: 10 minutes, sometimes 12 hours.
- Yahoo: after the day’s text allowance, 24 hours.
- Signal: some time, such as an hour or a day.
- Grindr: wait 24 hours, then try again.
- Shopee: you can resend a few times, up to 4 in its help pages.
How to avoid it
- Check the number and its format first; see phone number formats.
- Ask once, then give it a minute or two: most codes arrive within that. See how long codes take.
- Ask once more if nothing comes, then stop and look for the cause.
Trying another number
If an app won’t send to a number, it often won’t after the wait either. A different number is the better bet. On ReserveSMS, a number that doesn’t get a code costs nothing: the money goes back to your balance. Some apps limit attempts per account or device as well, so a few tries in a row may still hit the pause.
Common questions
How long does Vinted lock phone verification?
Two hours, after too many invalid attempts.
How long is Snapchat’s “Too many requests” wait?
Snapchat suggests waiting 24 hours before trying again.
Does asking for more codes help?
No. Ask once, wait a minute or two, then once more. Repeated requests trigger the pause.