Some apps can deliver a verification code by phone call instead of SMS: an automated voice reads the digits out, and you type them in. It helps when texts are blocked or the number is a landline. It cannot help when the number is receive-only, and when neither the SMS nor the call arrives, the app has usually refused the number itself.
Why some apps call instead of texting
- Texts get lost: carriers filter short codes and foreign senders, a call takes another route.
- Landlines: a fixed line cannot read texts, so a voice reads the code out. Kleinanzeigen, for example, does this automatically for landline numbers.
- A second chance: Apple, for example, offers a call under Didn't Get a Code? when the text stays away.
Which apps offer a call
These ten are the best-known services in our fact sheets that can deliver the code by phone. The last two columns matter if you use a number you will not keep.
| Code by | Code length | Virtual numbers | Asks again later | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMS or call | 6 digits | Often refused | Yes | |
| Telegram | SMS, in-app or call | 5 digits | Depends on the range | Yes |
| Signal | SMS or call | 6 digits | Often refused | Yes |
| Viber | SMS or call | 6 digits | Depends on the range | Yes |
| LINE | SMS or call | 6 digits | Depends on the range | Yes |
| Snapchat | SMS or call | 6 digits | Depends on the range | No |
| SMS or call | 6 digits | Often refused | Yes | |
| Apple | SMS or call | 6 digits | Often refused | Yes |
| Amazon | SMS or call | 6 digits | Depends on the range | Yes |
| Uber | SMS or call | 4 digits | Depends on the range | Yes |
From our own fact sheets. VK, Yandex, Shopee, Tokopedia, Airbnb and Truecaller can call as well.
Call not coming: what to check
- Let the SMS timer run out In many apps the call option appears only once the countdown for the text has ended, so wait for it.
- Allow calls from unknown numbers Features that silence or block unknown callers also silence the verification call. Switch them off for a few minutes.
- Check signal and roaming A call needs mobile reception on that number. Abroad, roaming has to be on for your home SIM.
- Read the error, not the timer If the app said the number is invalid or not supported, no call will come either. Use another number.
Numbers that can only receive texts
Temporary numbers, including ours, receive SMS only and cannot take a call. So always choose the text option. If an app offers nothing but a call for your number, take another number or another country.
- Works
- Any app that sends the code by SMS, which every app in the table does.
- Does not work
- The call option, voice codes and flash calls.
- If no text comes
- After about two minutes, switch to another number for free; no code at all means your money back.
Common questions
WhatsApp: neither the SMS nor the call arrives. What now?
Check the number and your reception, and allow calls from unknown numbers. If WhatsApp still sends nothing, it has likely refused the number range, which happens often with WhatsApp; another number or country works better than more attempts.
Can I get a verification call on a landline?
Where the app offers a call, yes: an automated voice reads the code out. Apps that only send SMS will not reach a landline.
Can a temporary number receive a verification call?
Not ours: SMS For U numbers receive text messages only. Choose the SMS option, or another number if the app insists on calling.
Why does the call option not appear?
Many apps only show it after the SMS countdown ends, and some do not offer calls at all.