Yahoo sends a verification code by text message when you create an account, when you change security details, and when two-step verification asks for one at sign-in. If it does not arrive, press Resend within the first five minutes, check that the number is a mobile number and typed correctly, and look at your phone plan. A code you never asked for is usually someone else's typo and can be ignored. Yahoo! JAPAN is a separate service with its own help centre.
Which Yahoo code you are waiting for
| When it is sent | If it does not come | |
|---|---|---|
| Sign-up | You create a Yahoo account | Resend within five minutes, check the number, or try another mobile number |
| Security change | You add or verify a phone number or e-mail address | Check what you entered, then resend |
| Sign-in | Two-step verification asks for a code on a new device or browser | Use the app notification if you set one up, or the other method you chose |
| A code you never asked for | Someone typed your number by mistake | Ignore it: without your phone they cannot finish |
For two-step verification by phone, Yahoo says the number it texts or calls from may be different each time.
Text not arriving: what to check
- Select Resend early Yahoo recommends pressing Resend within the first five minutes, not later.
- Use a mobile number SMS codes can only be sent to mobile numbers. A landline never receives one.
- Check every digit Read the number back digit by digit. A forgotten country code or two swapped digits mean the text goes to another phone, or nowhere.
- Check the phone plan Yahoo lists a plan that has reached its sending limit as one cause.
- Check the e-mail route If the code goes to an alternate e-mail address, look in spam, make sure the address was not deleted, and make sure your provider does not block Yahoo.
When sign-in asks for a code you cannot get
Two-step verification adds a code when you sign in from a new device or browser. Depending on the method you chose, Yahoo texts it, calls you with it, or sends a notification to a Yahoo app.
- Notification: open a Yahoo app on a device where you are signed in, choose Approve from phone and confirm there. This replaces the text.
- Recovery details: a recovery e-mail address or number lets you reset your password and confirm it is you when you sign in from a new place. Add or verify them on the Yahoo Account Security page, under Ways of signing in.
- Password forgotten and recovery details wrong? Yahoo says you then have to create a new account.
Yahoo! JAPAN is a separate service
Yahoo! JAPAN IDs are handled by the help centre of Yahoo! JAPAN, not by Yahoo's own help. The checks above (a mobile number, typed correctly, one resend, some patience) apply to any text code, but only that help centre can say how its codes work.
If the sign-up text never reaches your own phone and you want to try a one-time number for Yahoo, pick a country with a good success rate in the web app and switch numbers if nothing arrives. Yahoo does not accept every number. Add a recovery e-mail address straight away, because Yahoo uses your number again to confirm later sign-ins. More on what Yahoo requires: Yahoo Mail without a phone number.
Common questions
Why is my Yahoo verification code not arriving?
Usually a landline or mistyped number, a phone plan at its limit, or a request you did not repeat in time. Check the number, then press Resend within the first five minutes.
How long does the Yahoo code take?
Yahoo gives no delivery time. It says to press Resend within the first five minutes if the code has not come.
Can Yahoo send the code to a landline?
No. Yahoo says SMS codes can only be sent to mobile numbers.
Why did Yahoo text me a code I did not ask for?
Yahoo says another person most likely mistyped their number and used yours. They cannot go on without your phone, so you can ignore the text.
Does this page cover Yahoo! JAPAN?
No. Yahoo! JAPAN is a separate service with its own help centre for its IDs. This page follows Yahoo's help for other regions.
What if I get no code and my recovery details are wrong?
Yahoo's help says you will then have to create a new account. Keep at least one recovery method you can always reach.