Top 4 Ways to Fix Google Not Sending a Security Code

Quick Tips

• Ensure your device is connected to a stable internet network.
• Make sure Do Not Disturb mode is off, as it can block notifications, including SMS.
• If you receive a Try again later message, wait a few minutes before requesting a new code.

Preliminary Fixes

• Check the Network Connection: A stable internet connection is essential for receiving security codes via email. So, ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi or has an active mobile data connection.
• Check Your Carrier Plan: If you’re supposed to receive the security code via SMS, ensure that your mobile carrier plan supports this service. To check, try sending a text to another number to verify.
• Check Google Status: Sometimes, the issue might be on Google’s end due to server downtime or other technical problems. Visit third-party websites like Down Detector to see if other users report similar issues with Google services.

Fix 1: Check Message Spam

The default Messages app on iPhone and Android comes with a spam filter to hide irrelevant messages. Sometimes, it may get aggressive and send important security codes to the spam box.

On Android

Step 1: Open Messages on your Android phone.

Step 2: Select the hamburger menu at the top and tap Spam & blocked.

Check your security code from Google.

On iOS

Step 1: Launch the Messages app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Select Filters in the top-left corner.

Step 3: Tap All Messages and find your code.

Fix 2: Try Alternative Ways to Confirm Your Identity

Step 1: When you are stuck on the 2-Step Verification screen, select Try another way.

Step 2: You can receive a security code via email, use a device prompt, or a third-party authenticator app.

Google will send a verification code to your recovery email to let you access the account.

Fix 3: Check Email Spam

You need to check the Spam inbox in your Gmail account. It may have sent the security code straight to spam.

Step 1: Open Gmail in a web browser on your desktop.

Step 2: Select Spam from the left sidebar.

Step 3: Check your security code to authenticate.

Fix 4: Add Another Way to Authenticate Your Account

After you get back access to your account, you can add other effective ways to complete two-factor authentication. Here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Open your Google account page in a web browser and sign in with your details.

Step 2: Select Security from the sidebar.

Step 3: Open the 2-Step Verification menu.

Step 4: Use backup codes, an authenticator app, or set up a security key as a verification method.

We advise setting up printable backup codes that can be used as one-off passcodes. They also allow you to confirm your identity while away from the phone.