How to fix an iPhone that’s not receiving verification texts

If your iPhone® isn’t receiving verification codes for apps you’re trying to use, you’re stuck until you figure out why. This is typically an easy fix, though, and we’ll share our simple solutions.  

At Asurion, we help people solve sticky tech issues all day, every day. Whether you’ve lost service on your iPhone or you need to get your iPhone cellular data working, we’ve got answers. Here’s our guide on what to do when you’re not receiving verification code texts on your iPhone.

Why am I not receiving verification codes on my iPhone? 

Are you wondering, “Why am I not receiving verification codes on my iPhone?” Here are several possible explanations, from the easy-to-fix to this-might-take-a-minute:

• Do Not Disturb is on.
• You have a weak signal.
• There are network issues.
• You need software or app updates.

How to get verification messages on your iPhone

Here are some fixes to try if you’ve got an iPhone that’s not getting verification code texts: 

Turn off Do Not Disturb 

Check if you’ve turned on Do Not Disturb on your phone. If you have, turn it off:

1. Open the Control Center. (On iPhone X and later, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen. On previous models, swipe up from the bottom of the screen). 
2. Tap the Do Not Disturb icon (crescent moon) to turn it off. 

Turn Airplane Mode on and off

This simple trick may solve any temporary glitches with your network. Try this:

1. Open the Control Center. 
2. Tap the Airplane icon to turn on Airplane mode. 
3. Wait a few seconds, then tap the Airplane icon again to turn it off. 

Check your network connection

Your wireless carrier may be experiencing network issues that could block verification texts on your iPhone. Check for any reported outages in your area that could impact cellular signals. 

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Make sure you have a strong signal

Check the signal on your iPhone by looking at the bars next to your carrier’s name on your screen. (Usually located at the top.) If you only have one or two bars, you may need to move your location to get a stronger signal. 

Update your software

To keep verification texts coming—and to keep your device working its best— it’s important to check for and install any available iOS® updates. Check out our guide on how to update your iPhone. 

Update your apps 

The app you’re using may need to be updated. Check out our guide on how to update apps on your iPhone. 

Reset your network connections 

Try resetting your network connections if you’re still not receiving verification code texts on your iPhone 15 or other models. This will erase your Wi-Fi network passwords and cellular settings, so make sure you have backed up your information before you continue. 

1. Open Settings > General > Reset. 
2. Tap Reset Network Settings. 
3. Enter your passcode if prompted and confirm.

Check for a carrier settings update 

The carrier settings on your iPhone could block verification texts. Check for an update with these steps:

1. Open Settings > General > About.
2. If a carrier update is available, you’ll be prompted to install it. 

Contact your carrier

If you still don’t receive verification texts when signing into apps on your iPhone, consider contacting your carrier to troubleshoot further.