When logging into a Telegram account, the app requests a one-time code. This code, consisting of five or six digits, can be sent to the user in different ways:
- If the account is already logged in on a device, the auth code will be sent to that device via the messenger itself from Telegram’s official account.
- If there are no devices with an active session, the code will be sent to the SIM card either as a phone call or an SMS message.
In the second case, Telegram users often face problems receiving one-time codes. The user enters their phone number, the app indicates that the code has been sent, but then nothing happens: neither a call nor an SMS message is received.
We are going to explain all the conditions and measures that can affect the delivery of a one-time code outlined in three sections.
Required conditions
If any of these requirements are not met, it’s likely that receiving (and sometimes even requesting) the code will not be possible.
- Use a mobile device running Android or iOS. Requesting the code via a PC is not possible.
- Use the official mobile app: on Android – Telegram or Telegram X, on iOS – Telegram. Requesting the code through other apps, such as the web version (WebA and WebK) or unofficial clients created by third-party developers, is not possible. Some unofficial apps still offer the option to request the code, but this violates Telegram’s terms of use, which the messenger actively enforces.
- If you are using an Android device, make sure it has Google services. Receiving the code on a device without Google services is not possible. If you have a Huawei smartphone, install Telegram from AppGallery.
- Use a SIM card with a phone number that can receive incoming calls and SMS from authentication services. Ensure that the SIM card is operational and that its balance allows for receiving incoming calls and messages, including from authentication services. Sometimes, especially in roaming, operators deliver regular messages to the SIM card but do not deliver messages from services that mass-send such SMS. To check whether your SIM card can receive such SMS, you can request a password recovery for your Google account via SMS: the codes for entering a Telegram account are sent from the same sender.
Recommended actions
Sometimes the code arrives even when the below requirements are not met. However, if the code does not arrive, we recommend following these suggestions:
- Use the latest version of the mobile app. If it’s outdated by a couple of versions (e.g., 10.1 instead of 10.3), it’s likely not critical, but using a version released half a year to a year ago can significantly reduce the chances of receiving the code.
- Insert the SIM card into the device from which you are requesting the code. This can be important for the Firebase Authentication system, which has been used in the Telegram Android app since early 2023.
- Use a device with official firmware and without root access. For Firebase Authentication to work, the device must successfully pass the SafetyNet/Play Integrity API check.
- Turn off VPN if it’s enabled. It may be important for Telegram’s server that the region of the connection matches the region associated with your mobile number’s country code. Similarly, if you are in roaming, try connecting through a VPN located in your SIM card’s home region or at least in the country that issued your phone number.
What to do if the code still doesn’t arrive?
If you have met all the above requirements and the code still doesn’t arrive, try the following:
- If you have an Android device, try logging in through a different application. There are two official applications: Telegram and Telegram X, and Telegram is available in two variants: Google Play version and direct version. Try all three applications.
- Try logging into your account on a different device. If you’re using someone else’s device, remember to disable contact synchronization at the login screen: otherwise, all contacts from the other person’s phone book will be saved in your account, and in the future, you’ll regularly see new empty chats with people you don’t know.
- Try switching to a different type of internet connection: if you are connected to Wi-Fi, switch to mobile data, and vice versa.