2025 Guide: What to Do If You Can’t Receive Telegram SMS Verification Code
- You must use the official mobile Telegram app for first-time registration.
Using the desktop version (PC) or third-party clients (like modified apps) won’t receive the SMS code, and registration cannot be completed. To register, you must use the official Telegram app on your phone.
- When logging in, the code is usually sent to a device that is already logged in.
For example, if you’ve already logged into Telegram on your phone, and you try to log in from your computer or another device, the verification code will be sent to the logged-in device, not via SMS. You can manually request “Send SMS code” on the login screen. If you're switching devices or reinstalling, it’s a good idea to remove the old device from your Telegram settings first.
- Many people claim they “didn’t receive a code,” but often it wasn’t even sent.
Sometimes it’s just due to poor network, timeout, or still being stuck on the phone number input screen. Check the on-screen prompts carefully—it may not be Telegram’s fault.
- Telegram tells you where the code is sent—SMS or another device.
Look at the interface: it will clearly say if the code is sent via SMS or to another logged-in device. Always read the on-screen instructions.
- +86 numbers (China) and Google Voice can receive SMS verification codes.
However, there are cases where some people can’t receive them. There’s no clear explanation—sometimes it’s just Telegram’s sending system acting up. Telegram uses third-party platforms to send SMS (not directly via Telegram), and the message might not mention “Telegram” at all. It could be something like “ecloud.”
Example: 【ecloud】Your login code is 39335. Please complete verification within 300 seconds.
- Try logging in via the web version.
Alternatively, try logging in through the Telegram web app, or download Telegram X (an official alternative client), log in through it first, then switch to the main Telegram app. This sometimes resolves the issue.
- Since 2024, new registrations also require email binding.
Note: The email binding process still requires successful SMS verification first—only then is the email officially linked.
- Final truth: Not receiving the SMS code is sometimes just... unexplainable.
Some people get it, some don’t. It might be Telegram’s fault. There’s no fixed pattern or rule. As of now, there is no completely reliable solution.
Be cautious of people online who offer to “receive the code for you”—they might be trying to scam you or steal your account.
If you’re trying to register a new account, you can use SMS receiving platforms (https://grizzlysms.com/cn and https://sms-activate.world/cn) to test multiple numbers. If you don’t receive a code, you won’t be charged. Tested and works.
