Facebook Verification Code Not Received? 9 Fixes That Work

Facebook code not arriving? Usually the number is wrong, texts from Facebook's short code are blocked, or you hit a limit. Here are 9 fixes in order.

Facebook sends codes when you sign up, confirm a number, log in with two-factor authentication or recover an account. In the US they usually come from the short code 32665. Start with the quick check, find Facebook's message in the table, then work through the fixes.

Check these first (30 seconds)

• Country and number. Choose the country, then enter the number without a leading 0.
• Texts from 32665. In the US, Facebook texts come from the short code 32665. Make sure it is not blocked and check spam.
• Email instead. If an email address is on the account, Facebook can send the code there. Check that inbox and spam.
• A login alert. If you are logged in on another phone or browser, Facebook may ask you to approve the login there instead.

What Facebook's message means

9 fixes, in order

1. Re-enter the number. Tap "Change" or go back, pick the country and type the number in local format.
2. Tap "Send code again" once. Wait for the button to become active. Repeated taps lead to Facebook's limit.
3. Unblock and allow short codes. If you ever replied STOP to 32665, text START to it. Ask your carrier to allow short-code texts if your plan blocks them.
4. Get the code by email. Choose "Try another way" or "Send code by email" when Facebook offers it.
5. Approve from another device. On a phone or browser where you are still logged in, open the notification and confirm it is you.
6. Use your two-factor backups. If the code is for two-factor login, use your authentication app, a security key, or a recovery code you saved.
7. Turn off SMS filters and restart. Pause spam filters and blockers, toggle airplane mode and check signal.
8. Update the app or use a browser. Install the latest Facebook version, or log in at facebook.com.
9. Use a different number. If your carrier never delivers Facebook texts, or the number is refused, another number fixes it (see below).

Messenger, Marketplace and Pages use the same codes

Messenger, Marketplace and the Pages you manage all run on your Facebook account, so they send codes to the same number and email. If Messenger or Marketplace asks you to confirm your phone, the code goes to the number in Accounts Center, and the same fixes apply.

Marketplace sometimes asks for a phone number before you can buy or sell. If that number never gets a code, the problem is the number, not Marketplace. Read what Marketplace phone verification wants for the details.

Travelling? Your home number needs roaming that allows texts from short codes, which many plans block abroad. Use an authentication app or recovery codes for two-factor logins while you are away.

Recovering an account when the code goes to an old number

Go to facebook.com/login/identify, find your account by email or name and choose a recovery method you still have. If none of them work, Facebook may offer to confirm your identity in other ways. Use a device and network you have logged in from before; that makes recovery more likely to succeed.

Once you are back in, update the number in Accounts Center → Personal details → Contact info.

When your own number just won't work

Facebook refuses many internet-based (VoIP) numbers, and numbers that were used on other Facebook accounts can trigger extra checks.

In that case a non-VoIP number is the practical fix. These are real mobile-carrier numbers, which is what Facebook expects. On SMS Pin Verify you can pick a USA number for Facebook 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 this if you will keep the account. Facebook can ask for a new code after a security check or a login from a new device.

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

Keep your account after you get in

• Turn on two-factor authentication in Accounts Center → Password and security, and use an authentication app rather than text messages.
• Save recovery codes from the same menu and keep them offline.
• Keep an email on the account so you have a second way back in.
• Never share a Facebook code. Messages from "friends" asking for a code sent to your phone are a common account-theft trick.

FAQ

What number do Facebook codes come from?

In the US they usually come from the short code 32665. If you blocked it or replied STOP, text START to 32665.

Can Facebook send the code by email?

Yes, if an email is on the account. Choose Try another way or the email option on the code screen.

Why does Facebook say "we limit how often you can do certain things"?

Too many actions or code requests in a short time. Wait a full day before trying again.

Can I log in to Facebook without the code?

With two-factor on, you can use an authentication app, a security key, a recovery code, or approve the login on another device.

Do virtual numbers work for Facebook?

Free and VoIP numbers often don't. Non-VoIP mobile numbers work much more often.

Related: what Facebook does with your number · create a Facebook account without a phone number · SMS codes not arriving in general.