A Google verification code that never shows up has usually gone a different way: to a prompt on a phone where you are already signed in, into a delayed text, or into an older request that a newer one has replaced. Work out which route Google used, try that first, and only then change the number.
Where Google sends the code: SMS, call or a prompt on your phone
| When Google uses it | What you see | |
|---|---|---|
| Text message | Sign-up, phone checks, 2-Step Verification | A six-digit code from Google |
| Voice call | Offered when a text is late, or chosen by you | An automated call reading the code aloud |
| Google prompt | 2-Step Verification on a phone already signed in | A notification asking you to confirm, no code at all |
| Backup code | When your phone is not at hand | One of ten codes you saved earlier, each usable once |
Google recommends prompts over text codes for 2-Step Verification, so a missing text is often a prompt waiting on another device.
Google at a glance
- Virtual numbers
- Often refused: try another country
- Code sent by
- SMS · phone call
- Code length
- 6 digits
- Asks for the number again later
- Yes
- One number per account
- No
Code not arriving: what to check
- Look for a prompt Unlock any phone or tablet signed in to the same Google Account and check its notifications. Confirming there replaces the code.
- Check the number on the account Look under Account → Security → Phone. If an old number is still listed there, the code is going to a phone you no longer have.
- Give it a few minutes Google says texts can run late in crowded areas or when a carrier has trouble. One request, then wait.
- Enter only the newest code If you asked several times, older codes stop working. Delete the earlier texts so you do not type the wrong one.
- Switch off your VPN Google lists not using a VPN among its fixes. A sign-in from an unexpected place can also block text codes altogether.
- Choose the call If the text still has not come, pick the voice call option on the same screen.
Too many requests: when to wait
Google limits how often one number can be used for verification. If you see This phone number has been used too many times for verification, more attempts on that number will not help.
- Stop requesting codes on that number for now; each attempt counts.
- Wait before the next try. Google's own help suggests at least seven days without any sign-in or verification attempt before trying again with a new number.
- Use a backup code if 2-Step Verification is on and you saved them; it gets you in without a text.
Using a different number for the code
Google itself suggests another number when one is refused: a family member's, or one from a different carrier. If you would rather not hand out anyone's personal number for a sign-up, a one-time number works for that single code.
- Pick the country by its success rate in the app; Google turns down many ranges.
- Choose the text option. Our numbers receive SMS only and cannot answer a call.
- Afterwards add a number that stays yours, or save backup codes, because Google asks for a phone again later.
If Google refuses the number outright, read This phone number cannot be used for verification.
Common questions
How many digits does a Google verification code have?
Google's text codes have six digits. Type it only into Google's own screen and never pass it on to someone who asks for it.
Why does Google send a prompt instead of a code?
If 2-Step Verification is on and you are signed in on a phone, Google prefers a prompt on that phone. Open it there and confirm; no code is needed.
I requested several codes. Which one is valid?
Only the newest. Each new request replaces the previous code, so wait for the last text and enter that one.
Can I get the Google code by phone call on a temporary number?
Not with ours. They receive text messages only, so choose the SMS option when Google offers both.