Verification Codes on Android: Where They Appear and Fixes

On Android, verification codes arrive in your messages app, often Google Messages, and many apps read them automatically. If a code is missing, check spam, blocked numbers and battery settings.

Where the code shows up

• In Google Messages or your phone maker's messages app.
• In the Spam and blocked folder.
• Filled in automatically by apps that support SMS autofill.
• In email, if the service sends codes there.

Code not arriving on Android: fixes

1. Open the messages app's Spam and blocked folder.
2. Check that the sender is not blocked.
3. Make sure your default SMS app is set correctly.
4. Turn off battery saving or data restrictions for the messages app.
5. Toggle airplane mode or restart.
6. Clear the messages app's cache if texts are delayed.

Codes deleted automatically

Some messages apps can delete one-time codes after a day to keep your inbox clean. If you need a code again, just request a new one.

Samsung phones

For Samsung account codes specifically, see Samsung account verification code.

Dual SIM phones

On dual SIM phones, the code goes to the SIM with that number. Make sure that SIM is active and allowed to receive texts in your SIM settings.

Codes while travelling

Roaming can block texts from short codes. Turn on roaming briefly, or switch the account to email or an authenticator app before you go.

FAQ

Why is my Android phone not receiving verification codes?

They may be in spam, blocked, delayed by battery saving, or the wrong default SMS app is set.

Where are verification codes on Android?

In your messages app, sometimes in the spam folder.

Can Android fill in codes automatically?

Many apps read the code from the SMS for you.

Why do codes disappear from my messages?

Some apps auto-delete one-time codes after a while.

Why do codes go to the wrong SIM?

The code goes to the number on the account; set that SIM as active for messages.

Does Android read codes for me?

Apps that support SMS retrieval fill the code in without you opening Messages.

Related: verification code not received on any app · verification codes on iPhone.