Cannot receive verification code SMS or one time password texts (OTP)

I recently ported my number from AT&T to Verizon. The port was done in a store, and I was able to receive standard calls and texts to my number upon port completion.

However, I am not receiving any OTP / verifications texts from apps like Amazon, Facebook etc. I reset my network settings and my phone, and this still doesn't work. None of the OTP messages, regardless of the company sending them, are coming through.

This is a major issue and very frustrating as I now cannot access services that require text verification / OTP for login. This includes work apps that I need to use ASAP.

Can someone please assist?

Thanks.

Accepted answers

Here is a YouTube video link just posted 3 weeks ago for fixing this problem on iPhones. The really useful information seems to start about 3 minutes in, but the initial troubleshooting steps may be helpful for some.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6isqVhv-lvY

All comments

Verizon_Support

Yogos21 We are sorry to read about the issue with getting verification texts. Are you having issues with any other service such as calls or data? ~Peter

Calls and data work fine. The main issue is that texts sent via short codes (usually 2FA verification texts) are not coming through (e.g. Amazon, Venmo, Starbucks, banking apps etc.) and as a result I can’t access these services that sent verification via short code SMS. This is a major problem for me

Short codes from some companies started to come through, but the majority are still not working. For example, Amazon. I called Amazon and they confirmed that they are sending me short codes to the right number. This is a Verizon carrier issue that started as soon as I ported my number from ATT to Verizon.

Please advise.

Verizon_Support

Thanks for reaching out about not receiving text, specifically short codes from some businesses. This is a necessity for access to our personal accounts with our mobile devices these days. You mentioned porting your number recently. When did that occur? We want to make sure the port is 100% complete. Also are your services with Verizon pre- or postpaid?

-Deb

Hey there, I feel your frustration, and that's definitely a concerning situation. It's crucial to have reliable access to OTPs for various services. Since you've already taken some steps like resetting network settings and your phone, the issue might be specific to the porting process.

I'd recommend reaching out to both Verizon and your previous carrier (AT&T) to ensure there are no lingering issues related to the port. Sometimes, there might be delays or hiccups in the process that could affect text message delivery.

Additionally, check if there are any specific settings on your Verizon account that might be affecting OTP messages. Customer support for your carrier is usually the best point of contact for these types of issues. They can investigate and, if needed, escalate the matter to their technical team.

I hope you get this sorted out quickly so you can regain access to your essential services. If anyone else has faced a similar issue and found a solution, feel free to share your experiences!

I ported my number 4 days ago and I am on a post-paid plan. The port was successful. I contacted my previous carrier (AT&T) they also confirmed the port went through.

I am receiving some, but not all, short code texts. As a result, I am currently locked out of several critical services that require short code verification.

I called Verizon about this a few days ago and wasn’t able to get help. The rep confirmed the post was completed but didn’t know why some short codes aren’t working.

I need to speak with a senior tech / network engineer about this please who can properly diagnose the issue. Can you message me about this or let me know a direct contact I can call? Your regular customer service line isn’t of much help

This is urgent, so please advise

Thanks.

check if there are any specific settings on your Verizon account that might be affecting OTP messages. Customer support for your carrier is usually the best point of contact for these types of issues

I am also having this same problem......super frustrating! Did you figure out how to fix it?

I have the same problem, can I get help with this?

Verizon_Support

we don't want you to keep having issues with your OTP texts, and we'd love to help you. Just to be sure, the only message you're not receiving are OTP texts? Are you having problems receiving them from everyone, or only some senders of those texts? What troubleshooting have you tried?

~Jesse

I have the same problem. I have tried every available option that I am aware of to resolve it, unsuccessfully, and I don't know what else I can do. As of the evening of Oct 21, 2024, I cannot receive any OTP authentication SMS messages on my iphone. This includes every app or service I've tried, including but not limited to: Verizon, FedEx, Venmo, Amazon, Lowe's, Spotify, TikTok, Signal Messaging and more — literally everything that requires an OTP.

This issue began on Oct 21, when I transferred my line from one Verizon account to another Verizon account. For the first half of my time in the Verizon store, the OTP messages from Verizon that allowed the sales associate access to help me, the messages came through. And then they stopped, and we had to switch over to using my Verizon pin or social security number to authenticate. Ever since, I have been unable to get any OTP SMS messages. It doesn't matter what location I am in — even when data and wifi signals are strong and I am able to browse the web and send and receive texts as usual, I get no OTP SMS messages. The issue started on the iphone 13 pro I had prior to switching accounts, and it continues on the iphone 16 pro that I upgraded to this week when I set up my new plan.

The steps I have taken to try to correct this issue (on both the iphone 13 and now the new iphone 16) include:

- briefly putting the device on airplane mode and turning airplane mode back off
- briefly turning wi-fi and cellular data on and off on the device
- forced restart of device (by holding down volume and side keys until screen went black)
- making sure "filter unknown senders" is turned OFF in my message settings
- making sure my number is correct in my phone settings
- deleting all previous OTP messages that went through prior to the issue starting
-and then undeleting the previous OTP messages and ensuring that their # was not reported as junk
-checking the list of blocked numbers on my phone and confirming that none of them are the six-digit numbers used for OTP authentication
-reset network settings on the device
-disconnecting from my VPN when attempting to receive OTP SMS, in case the VPN is blocking the numbers

After doing all of this, I still cannot receive ANY OTP authentication texts and I'm frustrated, and at a loss what to do next. This is a significant problem for me that affects both my personal life and my job, which I conduct from this number.

Verizon, please tell me my next steps to resolve this issue as soon as possible.

Verizon_Support

I'm sorry to hear you are having this difficulty. Are you using a texting app with RCF functions? What mesaging app are you using? Is Wi-Fi off?-Joe

I am using a device that has RCS Messaging turned on. Wi-Fi is also turned on. I have attempted to receive OTP SMS on separate occasions with Wi-Fi turned on, as well as turned off. Neither scenario is successful. I do not know what RCF function is or how to locate it on my Iphone 16 Pro. Please advise.

Verizon_Support

Thanks for getting back to us. Is the software up to date on the iPhone? Did you recently port your number in from another company?-Joe

I’m having the same issue. I cannot receive text messages from two factor services like Amazon or Instagram. Can’t receive from certain providers as well like ATT users. So far I can verify I can receive from some Verizon customers but that is it.

Verizon_Support

@itsaFern
wrote: I’m having the same issue. I cannot receive text messages from two factor services like Amazon or Instagram. Can’t receive from certain providers as well like ATT users. So far I can verify I can receive from some Verizon customers but that is it.

itsaFern, I'm sorry you've been having trouble recieving certain texts. I use a lot of two factor stuff myself, so I get needing that to work properly. To get a few more details, what kind of smartphone are you using? Additonally, have you checked to make sure it's up to date with the latest software?

-John

I am having the same issue. I have called Verizon several times and Apple. It started when I updated my phone to IOS 18,1

Verizon_Support

Hi Foxx1, receiving those Short Codes and One-time-use-passwords is so important to protect our online security and accounts. I know how frustrating this can be when they are not received. Sounds like this issue started within the last week when iOS 18.1 was released. Has there been any troubleshooting competed so far? Have you had a chance to review Messages blocked or restricted senders or focus time?

-Deb

Similar problem. None of the devices on our account are receiving verification codes from Walmart+ (other walmart codes come through). Everything else appears to be working properly. I tried all of the trouble shooting steps mentioned so far in this thread. Need some help please.

Seems to be only Walmart's two factor login that is problematic for me as well. I have used several other 2 factor logins since upgrading to the pixel9pro last weekend. I assume the Walmart ones are getting blocked by Verizon? I spoke with Walmart online customer service and they assure me they are going out... any thoughts on how to resolve?

Verizon_Support

Hey there, Laramie2, thanks for reaching out about the messaging issue you're running into. You mentioned you're receiving some messages from Walmart. Are these short code messages from a 5-6 digit number? Are you able to receive verification messages from other companies?

-Lauren

Verizon_Support

That's defintely not the kind of problem we want you to have, and we'd like to take a look at what's going on. You mentioned that only Walmart OTP aren't getting to you. Have you been able to try other OTP's like banks? Just to be sure they're being sent, are you able to try changing the phone number attached to that Walmart account to test on another device?

~Jesse

Same problem here after porting from T-Mobile. This is obviously a widespread issue so why doesn’t support post some guidance on how to resolve this here?? Are we supposed to call or is there some way to resolve this ourselves??

I’m having the same issue even after attempting troubleshooting

Verizon_Support

LaughingYeti, please tell us, is it only verification codes you're having trouble with? What is the make and model of your device? Is this affecting all verification codes?

~Izzy

Verizon_Support

Hello Alexcmiguel. We're sorry you were encountering issues with the verification code. Do you still need assistance? If so, please let us know. We're here to help.

~Ivone

Wild guess here, but with everyone in the thread reporting short code texts not working only after porting into Verizon...maybe your carrier settings on your phone need to be updated? It's kind of like how my voicemail quit working when I ported out briefly, because my phone wanted to keep calling voicemail the way Verizon does it and the other carrier had a different process altogether.

Hi! I have the same issue! Did you find a solution? This is making me crazy

Verizon_Support

We're here to help. Were there any changes to the account? ~Peter

I recently ported my number from AT&T to Verizon. I am now unable to receive one time passcodes from any company. Everything on my phone is updated. I can send and receive regular text messages and phone calls. I'm only having problems with the 2FA numbers. Please advise. I'm unable to access by work or banking sites.

To anyone stumbling across this thread like I did,

There is no way to solve this. Do not do what I did and waste 6 hours over 3 days on the phone with Verizon trying to get connected with someone who knew how to fix the problem. The problem can't be fixed, it is because the OTP issuers connect directly with the provider and so they keep going to AT&T instead of Verizon. I wish I knew this at the beginning of the week and I would have saved a lot of time. Don't waste yours.

Try to get around the issue by switching your 2FAs to a different phone number.

Verizon_Support

I know how important it is to get those 2FA authentication codes, waypat68. I am here to help, and welcome to the Verizon family. You mentioned that you recently ported your number over. Have you already received notice that the port process has been completed?

The reason that I ask is that until the port has completed all incoming messages and phone calls will continue to go to AT&T. Once the port completes, your new Verizon device will start to receive those incoming calls and messages.

-Joseph

I previously replied before signing in. I am replying again. I have spent many hours on this over 5 days on the phone and in-store. Why do you think the OTP issuers connect directly to the provider (AT&T my former cell provider) instead of Verizon (my new/current provider)? Shouldn't the use of the specific cell phone number direct the OTP to the current provider?

Verizon_Support

We're sorry to read about the issue with your SMS messages. We want to take a look. Are you able to receive other text messages and MMS messages? ~Peter

I ported a number over from ATT yesterday and got a new phone. I am having this exact same issue. I can receive some sms but the otp codes are not coming through. I ported the number over in store and ATT has also confirmed it went through. Can someone please help me resolve this? I need access to these apps.

Verizon_Support

Oh, no! We know the importance of having your port in completed successfully. Our goal is to offer the support you deserve. We sent you a Private Message.

~Gilbert

Same problem, same issues. I just changed from T-Mobile to Verizon this week. I cannot get any OTP verification codes. This is extremely troubling to the point of wanting to switch back to T-Mobile. PLEASE tell me how to fix this.

Okay - I had the same issue also, and that was even AFTER my port in was successful and completed (as of today, officially) and even after drumming up ChatGPT, I came up empty handed, although my chat with ChatGPT is what sparked my memory and it suddenly became clear to me.....So I'm pretty sure I've figured out the solution to this issue, specifically for android - I have an S23 Ultra)

For immediate solution: Go to the info page for your default phone, default messages, Google messages apps, and whatever app you're wanting to get the OTP from....press and hold on the app icon to bring up the quick sub menu. At the top right of the sub menu is the letter i in a circle (information). Click on Permissions, and allow ALL permissions needed....we're in 2025, the world is crazy, let's not get caught up in our phones having allowances to our location, photos, etc...fun fact - all the info you think isn't out there, is already out there...so you're not as hidden as you think you are lol Once all Permissions have been allowed, restart your phone, then try again to have the OTP sent to you...you should then receive your OTP immediately...

Now: I've always done this with every phone I have, but go through your Permissions Manager and allow all Permissions for every single app on your phone...it's tedious, but worth it...the only reason why I forgot about it is because I literally only ever do it the 1 time and it's when I'm setting up a new phone, which isn't too often...but yeah- sorry for the long rant, but I truly hope this helps everyone! -Catie

Things to try for iPhone:

first, go to location settings, system, enable all options including analytics and product improvement. Restart phone.

Send messages to all of the short codes you are trying to receive OTA or 2FA codes from. Use your default messaging app, send with default settings. Repeat using SMS messaging if not effective.

This can force an update of carrier information for the identical phone number on the other end (the system sending out the code). If you need to find the short number, simply google the company you are trying to receive the code from. Something like “Bank of America 2FA code number”. Support forums on company websites contain this information as well.

Not effective with every 2FA system. Results WILL vary. It’s an issue that carriers and 2FA systems haven’t figured out yet, some have. My advice is using an Authenticator app if given the option, or make sure you disable 2FA for your important stuff before switching carriers or devices, even if porting your identical number. Re-enable after port/switch is complete. Good luck.

On my iPhone I solved this by going to settings and blocked phone numbers - then “unblock” any 5-digit short number. I had 15 short numbers in my blocked numbers and once I unblocked them all the resend request of the code came though immediately!

Sam issue. Just ported back in from Google voice and no one time passcode messages are coming thru. This is a huge issue

Verizon_Support

Hi there! We want to make sure you have this issue resolved. I sent you a private message for review.

-Nikki

@vzw_customer_support

I'm having the same issue with no luck. I've spent hours troubleshooting and literally nothing has solved the issue.
I ported my number from T Mobile over a week ago now and still not getting anything besides verizon's authentication code texts. I literally have not been able to log into my bank accounts, stuff for work, student loans or anything because of this. I did a the port at home for the prepaid plan and followed every single direction and have an esim.
I keep checking the staus of the port and it says it's complete but obviously there's something wrong. I've read every message on this thread and anything else remotely possible to help me get this solved and nothing is working. I dont understand how this can be such a common issue for so many people FOR YEARS and nobody has been able to figure out a solution.
I thought Verizon was supposed to be a reliable service but I've had a terrible experience so far and regret switching over.

Verizon_Support

Clairejc1, I am sorry to hear you are having issues with getting service on your device once the port has been completed on our end. Please PM us, we are available 24/7. We would love to assist you with getting service on your device.

*CJ

I recently ported my number from AT&T to Verizon. The port was done in a store, and I was able to receive standard calls and texts to my number upon port completion.

However, I am not receiving any OTP / verifications texts from apps like Amazon, Facebook etc. I reset my network settings and my phone, and this still doesn't work. None of the OTP messages, regardless of the company sending them, are coming through.

This is a major issue and very frustrating as I now cannot access services that require text verification / OTP for login. This includes work apps that I need to use ASAP.

Can someone please assist?

Thanks.

Hi cha80300,

Please reach out through our Contact Us page, and a support agent will be happy to look into this. Thank you.

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