Signal Verification Code Not Received? 7 Fixes That Work

Signal code not arriving? Check the number, wait for the timer, then choose "Call me" for a voice code. 7 fixes, plus what the PIN screen means.

Signal registers your account to a phone number with a 6-digit code sent by text or read out in a phone call. You only need it when you install Signal or move to a new phone. If you then see a PIN screen, that is Registration Lock, not a missing code.

Check these first (30 seconds)

• The full number. Choose the country and enter the number without a leading 0.
• "Call me". When the timer runs out, Signal offers a voice call that reads the code.
• Spam and filtered texts. Check the spam or "unknown senders" folder.
• Your Signal PIN. If the account has Registration Lock, you will also need the PIN.

What Signal's message means

7 fixes, in order

1. Re-enter the number. Check the country and digits on the registration screen.
2. Wait for the timer, then call. Tap "Call me" and write down the code the call reads out.
3. Turn off SMS filters. Pause spam filters and text-blocker apps.
4. Allow international texts and calls. Signal's messages can come from international numbers; make sure your plan allows them.
5. Switch network. Try another Wi-Fi network or mobile data; a VPN can trigger extra checks.
6. Wait out a rate limit. Follow the timer Signal shows; extra tries make it longer.
7. Use your PIN. If Signal asks for a PIN, that is Registration Lock. Enter it, or wait 7 days for the lock to expire.

Registration Lock and your number

Registration Lock stops anyone else from registering your number on Signal without your PIN. If you forget the PIN, the lock expires after the account has been inactive for 7 days, and you can register again, but your old messages are not moved.

Signal ties the account to the number. If someone else gets the number later and Registration Lock is off, they can register it, so keep the lock on.

When your own number just won't work

If texts and calls never reach your number, another mobile number can register Signal.

In that case a non-VoIP number is the practical fix. These are real mobile-carrier numbers, which is what Signal expects. On SMS Pin Verify you can pick a USA number for Signal 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 Signal, because the account lives on the number: you need it again when you move phones.

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

Keep your account after you get in

• Turn on Registration Lock in Settings → Account.
• Remember your Signal PIN or store it in a password manager.
• Back up or transfer chats before you change phones.
• Never share a Signal code. Signal never asks for it in a chat.

FAQ

Why didn't I get a Signal code?

Filtered texts, a typo in the number, or a rate limit. Use "Call me" after the timer.

Can Signal call me with the code?

Yes, after the timer runs out, tap "Call me".

What if I forgot my Signal PIN?

The Registration Lock expires after 7 days of inactivity; then you can register again.

Do virtual numbers work for Signal?

Non-VoIP mobile numbers usually do; use a rental so you can re-register later.

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