OTP or SMS not received

A missing OTP is usually sitting in a spam folder, held up by weak signal or a full inbox, or going to a different number.

What you see"OTP sent" on the screen, but no message arrives

1. Simple checks

1. The number. Is the code being sent to the number in this phone? Banks send to the registered mobile number, which may be an old one. Check the last digits shown on the screen.
2. Signal. SMS needs mobile signal, not internet. With one bar or "Emergency calls only", messages wait. Move to better coverage. See no network.
3. Flight mode on and off, or restart the phone. Queued messages often arrive in a burst.
4. Wait before asking again. Each "Resend" cancels the previous code, and too many requests lock you out for a while. Wait at least a minute or two.

2. Look in spam and blocked messages

Message apps now filter texts, and codes sometimes land in the wrong folder.

• Google Messages (most Android phones): open Messages › your picture or the menu › Spam & blocked.
• Samsung Messages: three dots › Settings › Block numbers and spam › Blocked messages.
• iPhone: Messages › Filters (top left) › Unknown Senders, Transactions, Promotions, Junk. To stop filtering: Settings › Apps › Messages › Filter Unknown Senders off.
• Third-party caller-ID and SMS apps keep their own spam folders.

Also check that you have not blocked the sender, and that the conversation is not muted.

3. Storage and the inbox

• A phone with no free storage cannot receive messages. Free some space. See storage full.
• A SIM or message store stuffed with thousands of old texts can refuse new ones. Delete old promotional threads.

4. The default message app

Android must have one app set as the SMS app.

• Settings › Apps › Default apps › SMS app: choose your normal message app.
• If messages stopped after installing another SMS app, set the default back.
• Clear the message app's cache: Settings › Apps › Messages › Storage & cache › Clear cache.

Be alarmed if an app you do not recognise is the default SMS app, or has permission to read SMS (Settings › Apps › Special app access, and Permission manager › SMS). Spyware installed from a fake "KYC", "challan" or "invitation" file reads and hides OTPs. Uninstall it and see our sister site's page on APK file scams.

5. Message centre and network settings

• Reset network settings (Android: Settings › System › Reset options; iPhone: Settings › General › Transfer or Reset iPhone › Reset › Reset Network Settings).
• If no SMS at all arrive or send, the SIM's message centre number may be wrong. Android: Messages › Settings › Advanced › SMSC, on phones that show it. The correct number comes from the operator; do not edit it by guesswork.
• Test: ask a friend to text you, and send one yourself. If ordinary texts fail too, it is a SIM or network matter for the operator.

6. DND and "do not disturb" registrations

Registering your number against promotional messages does not block OTPs and transaction alerts, which are a separate class of message. If only one company's messages fail, the fault is at that sender's end or with the route between the two operators; use the company's other options (below) and tell its support.

7. Recently ported, new SIM or new phone?

• After porting to another operator or getting a replacement SIM, incoming SMS can be held back for a period as a security measure. Ask the operator how long.
• A dual-SIM phone: check that the right SIM is enabled and has signal.
• On iPhone, if messages from other iPhone users stopped after you moved your SIM to an Android phone, iMessage is still claiming your number. Turn iMessage off on the old iPhone, or deregister the number on Apple's website.

8. Other ways to get the code

Many services offer, on the same screen:

• "Get OTP on call": an automated voice call reads the code.
• OTP by email to the registered address.
• An authenticator app or the service's own app approval, which needs no SMS at all. Set this up where you can.

Never do this to get an OTP

Do not give your number to a "helper" website that receives SMS online, do not forward codes to anyone, and do not install an app a caller recommends to "fix OTP problems". No bank employee will ask you to read out a code. See OTP scams.

If OTPs for transactions you did not make are arriving

That means someone has your card or account details and is trying to use them. Do not share the codes. Call your bank's official helpline and block the card.

For Android phones and iPhones. Written in November 2026 for Android 13 to 15 and iOS 17 and 18. Phone makers rename menus; use the search box in Settings if a name differs. Back up before any reset. This is an independent guide, not connected with Google, Apple, Samsung or any phone maker or operator.