Can’t Receive Telegram Code?Causes & Solutions Explained

As one of the world’s fastest-growing encrypted messaging platforms, Telegram now has over 800 million active users. While offering top-tier security, Telegram also requires phone number verification, which can create a barrier—especially in regions with policy restrictions or special network environments. In such areas, verification codes often fail to arrive, becoming a major obstacle for new registrations and existing user logins.

This article offers a comprehensive overview of the causes and effective solutions, so you can resolve the issue of not receiving Telegram codes in just 5 minutes!

I. Root Causes for Not Receiving Telegram Verification Codes

1. Carrier and Regional Restrictions

Many carriers have built-in filters for international SMS, and Telegram’s verification messages are often automatically blocked or delayed.

Although Telegram uses third-party SMS services, in some regions its service is partially restricted by local policies—meaning users with local numbers might not be able to receive verification codes at all.

2. Risky Network Environment

Since Telegram’s servers are located outside of many countries, some users rely on relay networks or proxies to access the platform. If you're using a public proxy and the IP address has been overused for registrations—or is blacklisted—Telegram may classify it as a “high-risk IP,” blocking all SMS code delivery. An unstable network can also cause failed requests or SMS gateway timeouts.

3. Device and Software Conflicts

• System Limitations: Devices using HarmonyOS, such as Huawei and Honor phones, lack Google services, which are needed to pass Telegram’s SafetyNet security checks. This can cause verification failures.

• Unofficial Clients: Many users download “Chinese versions” or third-party modified Telegram apps. Since 2023, Telegram has restricted these clients, and they can no longer receive verification codes.

• Incorrect Settings: Security or anti-spam apps may mistakenly block Telegram’s messages as junk.

4. Account and Server Issues

If your phone number is frequently used for verification, it may trigger Telegram’s risk control system and be temporarily blocked. Also, Telegram’s Singapore data center is known for occasional instability. During outages, the app stays in a “Connecting…” state, and verification codes won’t send at all.

II. Solutions

Don’t panic if you’re not receiving the code—try the following methods:

1. Use Email to Receive the Verification Code

• Open Telegram → Enter your phone number → Choose “Send code via SMS” (even if prompted that the code has been sent to another device, insist on using SMS)

• After receiving the SMS, log out immediately

• Repeat the steps to trigger the email binding process

• When the “Bind Email” pop-up appears → Enter a secure email (e.g., Gmail/Outlook)

• The system will send a final SMS code → Enter it to complete the email binding

2. Use a Clean and Dedicated Network Environment

Even with certain tools (e.g., VPNs or proxies), Telegram may still fail to work properly. A clean, dedicated network setup is essential. You can resolve the issue by using a dedicated residential IP. A high-quality dedicated IP proxy like IPFoxy can help:

• Stable, overseas, dedicated static residential IPs to bypass verification barriers

• Optimizes the environment for receiving codes from Telegram, WhatsApp, LINE, etc.

• Prevents account linking, anomalies, or bans

Important tip: After enabling a proxy, refresh Telegram or restart the app before requesting the code again!

3. Check SMS Filtering Settings

• Turn off junk SMS filtering

• Add Telegram to your SMS whitelist

• Check the “Spam” or “Blocked Messages” folder in your messaging app

4. Use Voice Call Verification

If SMS still doesn’t arrive, Telegram may offer a “Receive code via voice call” option. You’ll get an automated call that reads out the verification code.

5. Long-Term Number Solutions

• Google Voice Number (GV): Register with a GV number to solve overseas verification issues (GV itself should also be registered in a clean environment)

• Buy a foreign physical SIM card or an anonymous Telegram virtual SIM

Conclusion

Telegram is a powerful communication tool, but not receiving verification codes can be a major headache. With the above analysis and practical solutions, most users should be able to solve the problem. It’s recommended to always pay attention to the quality of your number, network environment, and phone settings—and avoid using risky methods like SMS platforms or unregistered phone numbers.