A text message is only one way to get an Apple Account verification code. Apple also shows the code on any trusted device that is already signed in, and the "Didn't Get a Code?" link on the code screen offers the other options.
The message readers report seeing on Apple Support Communities and Reddit is "Verification failed. Verification codes cannot be sent to this phone number at this time." It appears when you sign in on a new device or the web, or when you turn on two-factor authentication. The steps below follow Apple's own support pages (as of October 2026).
How do you get the Apple code another way right now?
Work through these in order. Most people stop at step 1.
- Check a trusted device. Apple's verification code guide says: "When you sign in, the verification code is displayed automatically on your trusted devices." Pick up any iPhone, iPad or Mac already signed in to the same Apple Account. Look for the sign-in notification and "Choose Allow to receive your verification code." Type the six digits on the new device or browser.
- Ask for a text or call instead. On the verification code screen, select "Didn't Get a Code?" or "Can't get to your devices?", then "Choose to have the code sent to your trusted phone number." You can choose a text message or a phone call to that number.
- Check the Unknown Senders filter. Apple's guide says: "If you use the Unknown Senders filtering in the Messages app, check there for your verification code." To have those messages notify you: "Go to Settings and tap Apps. Tap Messages, then scroll to the Unknown Senders section and tap Allow Notifications."
- Stop requesting and retry later. If the problem looks temporary, more taps add nothing. Close the screen, wait, and try once more later, ideally with a trusted device nearby so step 1 is available. Apple also notes that "in some cases, your trusted phone number can be automatically verified in the background on your iPhone."
- Start account recovery only for permanent loss. If you will regain your trusted devices or number soon, Apple says "the fastest way to get access to your account is to wait until you have access in the next few days." If the number is gone for good, choose "Can't use [phone number]" when prompted and follow the onscreen steps. Apple warns that recovery can take days or longer, and contacting Apple does not speed it up.
Where is the 6-digit code?
Look on your other Apple devices first, not in Messages. A signed-in iPhone, iPad or Mac shows a sign-in prompt. The code appears only after you choose Allow.
Which route fits what you still have?
Match the route to what is in your hands. Each route needs something different.
| What you still have | Route to the code | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| A signed-in iPhone, iPad or Mac | Sign-in notification, then Allow | Code displayed on that device |
| The trusted number, but no text arrives | Didn't Get a Code?, then text or call | Also check Unknown Senders in Messages |
| Devices or number back within days | Wait, then sign in normally | Apple calls this the fastest way back in |
| Neither, permanently | Can't use [phone number] | Account recovery, days or longer |
The most common mistake is requesting a new text over and over while an iPad sits signed in on the desk. The trusted device route never touches your phone number, so it skips whatever is stopping the text.
How do Apple verification codes work?
Apple asks for two things on first sign-in. Apple's two-factor authentication page says: "When you sign in to your Apple Account for the first time on a new device or on the web, you need:" your password and "the six-digit verification code that's automatically displayed on your trusted devices or sent to your trusted phone number."
A device that has already signed in does not ask again. In Apple's words: "After you sign in the first time, you won't be asked for a verification code on that device again unless:" you sign out completely, erase the device, or need to change your password for security reasons. So avoid signing out of your only working trusted device while you sort out the number. That device is your route to the code.
Where do you check your security settings?
Your trusted number and devices live in one menu. Apple's path: "Go to Settings on your iPhone or iPad, or System Settings on your Mac." Then "Choose [your name], then Sign-In & Security." Open it on a device that is still signed in to confirm which phone number is listed as trusted and that it is a number you can still receive texts on.
On the web, "Go to account.apple.com and sign in to your Apple Account." Apple notes that "you might need to enter a code that's sent to your email address or answer security questions." If you are turning on two-factor authentication from the web, Apple's step is "Tap Upgrade Account Security and follow the onscreen instructions."
Can you turn two-factor authentication off instead?
Only in a narrow case. Apple says: "If you recently enabled two-factor authentication, you have the option to lower your account security within two weeks of enrollment." The window exists only if you recently enabled it.
Some accounts have no off switch at all: "If your Apple Account was created using two-factor authentication, this extra protection can't be removed." For those accounts, the trusted device and trusted number are the only routes. Keep both in working order.
What number should be your trusted phone number?
Your trusted phone number is where Apple codes reach you for years, so pick one you will keep. A number you might drop, lose to a carrier change, or let lapse is the setup that ends in account recovery. Protect it with your carrier too: SIM swap attacks on verification numbers covers how attackers take over a number and how to lock yours down.
For your Apple Account, keep a trusted phone number you will hold for years, because codes and account recovery depend on it. VoidMob: mobile proxies on real 4G/5G devices, non-VoIP SMS verification and eSIM. It is for other services where you want a separate non-VoIP carrier number:
- One-time codes: US numbers active for 15 minutes. You are refunded automatically if no SMS arrives, except on services marked non-refundable.
- Rentals: the same US number for 3, 7, 14 or 30 days, for one service.
- Dedicated monthly numbers: one number reserved to you, usable across platforms, offered per country. See dedicated numbers by country.
If codes from other apps are also missing, not receiving verification codes walks through the general causes. For a platform that rejects a number outright, see this phone number cannot be used for verification.
How long does the Apple verification code block last?
Stop requesting codes, wait, and try once later. A signed-in trusted device skips the text entirely, so use one if you have it. If you will regain your trusted devices or number soon, Apple says the fastest way back in is to wait until you have access in the next few days.
How many verification code requests are allowed?
Treat each request as one attempt and stop after the first one fails. Repeated requests do not make a text arrive faster. Switch to the trusted device notification, or check the Unknown Senders filter in Messages before asking again.
Which phone numbers work as an Apple trusted number?
Choose a number you control and expect to keep for years, because Apple sends codes there when your devices are not available. Review which number is listed under Settings, [your name], Sign-In & Security on a signed-in device.
How do I get an Apple code without my trusted phone number?
Use a trusted device: Apple displays the code automatically on iPhones, iPads and Macs already signed in to your account, after you choose Allow on the sign-in notification. If you have lost the number for good, choose "Can't use [phone number]" when prompted and follow the onscreen steps to start account recovery.
How does Apple account recovery work, and how long does it take?
When prompted, choose Can't use [phone number] and follow the onscreen steps. Apple says recovery can take days or longer and that contacting Apple does not speed it up, so use it only when your trusted number and devices are gone for good.
Non-VoIP numbers for your other services
One-time US codes with automatic refunds if no SMS arrives, multi-day rentals, and dedicated monthly numbers.