What Is a Confirmation Code and Where Do You Find It?

A confirmation code is a short code an app sends to prove you own an email or phone number, or to confirm an order or booking. Here is where to find it.

Two common meanings

Finding an account confirmation code

1. Check your text messages for the latest message from the app.
2. Check your email, including spam and promotions folders.
3. Make sure the email or number on the account is correct; a typo sends the code elsewhere.
4. Ask for a new code once, then wait a minute.

Confirmation code vs verification code

For accounts the two words mean the same thing: a one-time code that proves you received a message. Apps simply use different names. Booking confirmation codes are different: they are permanent references you keep.

Keep it private

Do not share an account confirmation code with anyone. A booking reference is less sensitive, but with your surname it can let someone change the booking, so do not post it online either.

Confirmation codes on shared phones

If a family shares one phone number, codes for every account arrive on the same phone. That is fine for a while, but it means one person can confirm sign-ins for another. When someone gets their own phone, move their accounts to their own number and email. It avoids codes going to the wrong person and makes recovery easier for everyone.

FAQ

Is a confirmation code the same as a verification code?

For accounts, yes. Both are one-time codes sent to your email or phone.

Why did I not get my confirmation code?

The address or number may be wrong, the message may be filtered, or you asked too often. Check spam and wait a few minutes.

Does a confirmation code expire?

Account codes usually expire within minutes. Booking references do not.

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