AWS Verification Code Not Received? 8 Fixes That Work

AWS sign-up code not arriving? Check the country code, choose voice call instead of text, and wait before retrying. 8 fixes for AWS phone verification.

When you create an AWS account, the sign-up asks you to confirm a phone number with a code sent by text message or voice call. It is one of the most common places new accounts get stuck. Here is what to check.

Check these first (30 seconds)

• Country code. Pick the country from the list; do not type the country code twice.
• Voice call. The sign-up offers text message or voice call. If texts fail, choose voice.
• International texts. AWS codes may come from international numbers; your plan must allow them.
• The captcha. Type the security check exactly before requesting the code.

What AWS's message means

8 fixes, in order

1. Re-check the number. Country from the list, then the local number without a leading 0.
2. Use voice call. Pick "Voice call" and note the code read to you.
3. Allow international texts. Ask your carrier if international or short-code texts are blocked.
4. Try another browser. Turn off ad blockers and VPNs; use a private window.
5. Wait before retrying. Several quick tries lock verification for a while.
6. Continue later. Sign in with your root email to resume the half-finished sign-up.
7. Use another mobile number. If your number is refused, a different mobile number can work.
8. Contact AWS Support. The account and billing support form works even before verification finishes.

AWS accounts and the phone number

The number becomes the contact number on your AWS account. AWS may call or text it about billing or security, and it is used when you recover access to the root user.

Phone verification is separate from MFA. After sign-up, add MFA to the root user with an authenticator app or security key.

When your own number just won't work

If AWS cannot reach your number by text or voice, another mobile number can finish sign-up.

In that case a non-VoIP number is the practical fix. These are real mobile-carrier numbers, which is what AWS expects. On SMS Pin Verify you can pick a USA number for AWS and the code appears on screen in your account:

• One-time number: held for you for 15 minutes to receive one code. If no code arrives, you are not charged. Good for a single sign-up.
• Rental number: the same number for several days or longer. Pick a rental for an account you will keep, because AWS may contact the number about billing and account recovery.

Two honest limits: a code is never guaranteed, because AWS decides whether to send it; and a number may have been used on AWS before you, so start a fresh account rather than trying to recover an old one.

Keep your account after you get in

• Turn on MFA for the root user with an authenticator app or security key.
• Use IAM users or Identity Center for daily work.
• Keep contact details current in Account settings.
• Set a billing alarm so you notice unexpected charges.

FAQ

Why is AWS not sending me a code?

International SMS may be blocked, the number may be refused, or you hit the retry limit.

Can AWS call me instead?

Yes, choose voice call in phone verification.

How long should I wait after an error?

A few hours usually clears it.

Do virtual numbers work for AWS?

Non-VoIP mobile numbers usually do; use a rental for an account you keep.

Related: create an AWS account without your real number · Linode code not received.

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