Help center
The problems people actually hit, each with the fix that works. Support is one ticket away if your case is not here.
Why is my SMS verification code not arriving?
Usually one of four things: the app blocked that number range, the number was typed without the right country code, the app is throttling repeated requests from your IP or device, or the carrier is slow. Cancel the number if nothing arrives within two minutes (it is not charged), pick a country marked physical SIM or with a higher success rate, and request the code once, not five times.
All articles
- Verification code not arrivingThe SMS code is not coming to your temporary number? Check the country code, wait two minutes, switch to a physical-SIM country, request once. No SMS, no charge.
- 'This phone number cannot be used for verification'Why an app rejects your number before sending any code (VoIP detection, blocked range, reused number) and how to get one that passes: physical SIM, right country.
- 'This number is already registered'The app says the number is already linked to another account. Why it happens with temporary numbers, and how to get one with no history on that app.
- Account banned right after sign-upWhy an account created with a temporary number can be suspended within minutes (device, IP, behavior, number history) and how to create accounts that last.
- Refunds and balanceHow SMS Nitro freezes, charges and releases money on your balance, when a refund is automatic, how rentals are handled, and what to do about a wrong charge.
- Physical SIM or virtual number?How to choose between physical-SIM (non-VoIP) and virtual numbers for each app: which apps check the number type, what it costs, and how the catalog labels both.
- API keys, limits and errorsHow to create and rotate an API key, what the rate limits are, what the common error responses mean, and how the SMS-Activate-compatible endpoint maps statuses.
- Top-ups and payment methodsHow to add balance with card (Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay) or crypto (USDC, SOL), fees, minimums, bonuses and what to do when a payment does not show up.
Frequently asked questions
How long does support take?
A few hours on average, through tickets in the dashboard or email.
Do I pay for numbers that failed?
No. A number that received no SMS is never charged.
Get your verification code now
Top up from $5, pick an app and a country, and read the SMS in your browser. Charged only when the code arrives.
Get a number+1 (415) 555-0132