9 Ways to FIX Telegram Not Sending SMS Code [How-To Guide]

So, you’ve decided to join the Telegram revolution but are stuck at the SMS verification step.

You’re not alone! Let’s dive into why this SMS verification is so important in the first place.

Why Telegram SMS Verification is Crucial

Telegram uses SMS verification to ensure you’re the rightful owner of the number you’re registering. It adds a solid layer of security to your account and keeps those pesky imposters at bay.

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How to FIX Telegram Not Sending SMS Code

Here are the nine (9) ways you can use to rectify the issue;

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Method 1: Switch to Voice Call Verification

If the SMS codes a no-show, why not try voice call verification?

Think of it as a backup band when the main act cancels. It’s a feature Telegram offers when SMS doesn’t get through.

Tools Needed:

• Your smartphone
• A quiet environment to receive a call

Step-by-step Guide:

1. Initiate Voice Call:
   • Start the Telegram login process as usual, entering your phone number.
   • After waiting a minute for the SMS that never arrives, you’ll see an option that says “Haven’t received the code?” Click on it.
   • Among the options presented, choose “Request a voice call.”
2. Receive and Enter Code:
   • Pick up the incoming call from Telegram.
   • Listen carefully to the spoken code and jot it down.
   • Enter the voice code in the Telegram app to complete your verification.

Why This Method Works:

Voice call verification is like the trusty old landline in a smartphone-obsessed world. It’s less susceptible to the typical issues that plague SMS delivery, such as carrier restrictions or network congestion.

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Method 2: Use a Different Phone Number

Sometimes, switching your phone number can be the winning play.

You can use a different number, either a secondary phone or a family member’s, to receive that vital Telegram code.

Tools Needed:

• A secondary phone with a different phone number
• Access to Telegram login page

Step-by-step Guide:

1. Log Out of Telegram:
   • If you’re stuck in the verification process on your main phone, cancel it.
2. Start Fresh:
   • Open the Telegram app again and this time enter the different, secondary phone number.
3. Verify:
   • You should receive the SMS code on the secondary phone. Enter the code in your main device to complete the verification.

Why This Method Works:

Using a different number rules out the possibility that the issue is specifically tied to your primary number. Maybe it’s on some kind of carrier blocklist or facing other restrictions you’re unaware of.

Note: By the way, if you're intrigued by the different verification methods, you might want to check out our article on how to bypass Gmail phone verification.

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Method 3: Check for Proper Signal Reception

Your phone can’t receive that precious SMS code if it’s not correctly connected to the cellular network. Here’s how to ensure you’re “in the field” when Telegram throws that code your way.

Tools Needed:

• Your smartphone
• Your carrier’s coverage map (available on their website or app)

Step-by-step Guide:

• Check Signal Bars:
  • Look at the top corner of your smartphone. Those tiny bars aren’t just for decoration; they indicate your signal strength. Make sure you’ve got at least 3 bars.
• Move to a Different Location:
  • If the signal is weak, move to an area where your carrier’s coverage is stronger. Outdoors or near a window usually works better.
• Toggle Airplane Mode:
  • Turn on Airplane Mode for about 30 seconds, and then turn it off. This can refresh your connection to the cellular network.

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Method 4: Clear Telegram Cache

Alright, time to talk about the clutter. A cluttered app cache could interfere with SMS code delivery just like a desk buried under heaps of papers won’t help you work efficiently.

Let’s declutter and make room for that elusive Telegram code to come through.

Tools Needed:

• Your smartphone
• Access to Telegram app settings

Step-by-step Guide:

1. For Android Users:
   • Go to ‘Settings’ on your phone.
   • Tap on ‘Apps & notifications.’
   • Find Telegram and tap on it.
   • Choose ‘Storage & cache,’ then tap ‘Clear Cache.’
2. For iOS Users:
   • Unfortunately, iOS doesn’t allow you to clear cache for a specific app through settings. However, you can uninstall and reinstall Telegram to achieve the same effect. Just ensure you back up your chats first!

Why This Method Works:

Clearing the cache is like doing spring cleaning. It removes temporary files that might cause glitches or conflicts within the app, including the problem of not sending SMS codes.

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Method 5: Check for Outages or Maintenance

You wouldn’t blame your TV for a bad signal during a storm, right? Sometimes the issue is beyond your control, like when Telegram itself is down for maintenance or experiencing an outage.

In this case, you’re basically trying to shop at a store that’s temporarily closed.

Tools Needed:

• Internet access
• Social media platforms or outage reporting websites (like DownDetector)

Step-by-step Guide:

1. Check Telegram’s Official Channels:
   • Go to Telegram’s official Twitter or their blog to see if there are any announcements about server issues or maintenance.
2. Use Outage Reporting Websites:
   • Websites like DownDetector offer real-time information on outages. Simply search for “Telegram” to check the status.
3. Wait It Out:
   • If Telegram is indeed down, you might just have to be patient until the issue is resolved.

Why This Method Works:

It helps you understand if the issue is universal, affecting all Telegram users, rather than a problem with your individual account or device.

This way, you can save time and energy on fixes that won’t work because the issue is not on your end to begin with.

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Method 6: Check Carrier Restrictions

Sometimes, the issue isn’t with Telegram or your device; it’s your carrier playing hard to get. SMS codes may not reach you due to carrier restrictions or issues like spam filtering.

Tools Needed:

• Your smartphone
• Access to carrier settings or customer service

Step-by-step Guide:

1. For All Users:
   • Log in to your carrier’s online portal or app.
   • Navigate to the ‘Settings’ or ‘Account Management’ section.
   • Look for any SMS or spam filters that could be blocking incoming messages from Telegram.
2. Alternative: Contact Customer Service
   • If you can’t find the settings or aren’t sure, reach out to your carrier’s customer service for assistance. Ask them to ensure that SMS from short codes are not being blocked.

Why This Method Works:

Carriers sometimes classify automated messages like verification codes as spam or promotional content.

By checking these settings or contacting customer support, you ensure that the pathway for Telegram’s SMS code is clear.

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Method 7: Update the Telegram App

Updating the app can often fix bugs, including ones related to SMS code delivery.

Tools Needed:

• Internet connection
• Access to Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS)

Step-by-step Guide:

1. Go to Your App Store:
   • Open Google Play Store on Android or the App Store on iOS.
2. Search for Telegram:
   • Type ‘Telegram’ in the search bar and hit enter.
3. Click Update:
   • If there’s an ‘Update’ button next to Telegram, tap it. If it says ‘Open,’ you’re already up to date.

Why This Method Works:

Updates usually come with bug fixes and new features. Updating your Telegram app could resolve any compatibility issues with your phone’s OS that might be preventing the SMS code from coming through.

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Method 8: Restart Telegram App

Simple yet effective, restarting the Telegram app can sometimes be the quick fix you’re searching for.

It’s like when your coffee machine isn’t working, and you realize it’s just because you forgot to hit the “on” button—sometimes, simple is better.

Tools Needed:

• Your smartphone with Telegram installed

Step-by-step Guide:

1. Close Telegram:
   • Swipe up to your recent apps and swipe Telegram away, or go to your settings and force stop the app.
2. Wait a Moment:
   • Take a breather, count to 10 or take a sip of your coffee. Give the app a second to shut down completely.
3. Relaunch Telegram:
   • Open the Telegram app again and try the verification process anew.

Why This Method Works:

Restarting the app refreshes its internal state and can resolve temporary glitches or freezes. It’s the least invasive troubleshooting method and often a good first step before trying more drastic measures.

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Method 9: Re-install Telegram App

Last resort? Maybe. Effective? Definitely. Re-installing an app is like moving out of your cluttered apartment and into a fresh, new space.

This often solves issues that other troubleshooting steps can’t touch.

Tools Needed:

• Internet connection
• Access to your phone’s app store

Step-by-step Guide:

1. Uninstall Telegram:
   • Go to your phone’s settings, find the Telegram app and uninstall it. For Android, it’s under ‘Apps & notifications.’ For iOS, long-press the app icon and choose ‘Delete App.’
2. Restart Your Phone:
   • Turn off your phone and then turn it back on. This ensures all temporary cache is cleared.
3. Re-install Telegram:
   • Head to Google Play Store for Android or App Store for iOS, search for ‘Telegram,’ and hit the ‘Install’ button.

Why This Method Works:

Re-installing is the tech version of a hard reset for an app. It can fix underlying issues by replacing old files with new, clean ones. It’s especially useful if the app update didn’t resolve the issue.

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Conclusion

There you have it, folks! We’ve dived into the nitty-gritty of why Telegram might not be sending that all-important SMS code and given you nine foolproof methods to get things back on track.

We’ve covered all bases from restarting your app to the more drastic step of re-installing it.

Remember, technology isn’t perfect; it’s kinda like us in that way—quirky but fixable.

The next time you find yourself staring at your phone, waiting for that elusive Telegram SMS code, just come back to this guide. We’ve got your back!

If you’re still in the Telegram rabbit hole and loving it, check out our take on Telegram vs. Messenger to see how it stacks up against other messaging apps.

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