While Google offers several ways to authenticate your identity, most users prefer to complete verification with a security code received on their mobile number. But Google not sending a security code can put you in an awkward situation. Here are the best ways to fix the problem.
You cannot authenticate your identity without a security code. You can’t access Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, Photos, or other company services. Before contacting Google, use the tips below to receive a verification code.
1. Check network connection
First, check the network connection status and quality on your phone. You won’t receive a security code from Google if your mobile network provider’s services are spotty around you. However, you can check this in several ways besides checking the signal strength icon on your phone.
You can turn airplane mode on and off to temporarily stop and resume all network connections. Android users can access it from the Quick Toggles menu when they swipe down from the top of the screen. iPhone users (based on Face ID) can swipe down from the top right corner to reveal Control Center. Then they can tap the airplane mode tile to turn it on, then tap again after a minute to turn it off.
If you still don’t receive a security code from Google, you can reset your phone’s network settings and try again. You can read our dedicated article to know the implications of resetting network settings.
2. Check your carrier plan
Your mobile carrier may disable messaging services if your carrier’s plan has expired. You must reactivate the package on your number and request the security code from Google again.
3. Check Spam Messages
The default Messages app on iPhone and Android comes with a spam filter to hide irrelevant messages. Sometimes it can get aggressive and send important security code to spam box.
android
Step 1: Open Messages on your Android phone.
2nd step: Select the hamburger menu at the top and tap Spam and Blocked.
Check your Google security code.
iOS
Step 1: Launch the Messages app on your iPhone.
2nd step: Select Filters in the upper left corner.
Step 3: Tap All Messages and find your code.
4. Try other ways to confirm your identity
When you do not receive a security code from Google, you can choose another method to complete authentication.
Step 1: When you’re stuck on the “2-Step Verification” screen, select Try another way.
2nd step: You can receive a security code by email, use a device prompt, or use a third-party authentication app.
Google will send a verification code to your recovery email address to allow you to access the account.
5. Check spam
You need to check the Spam inbox of your Gmail account. He may have sent the security code directly to spam.
Step 1: Open Gmail in a web browser on your desktop.
2nd step: Select Spam from the left sidebar.
Step 3: Check your security code to authenticate yourself.
6. Disable VPN
When Google detects login attempts on an active VPN connection, it may block access to the account and request additional verification. Such a VPN connection changes your phone or desktop IP address and places you in a new virtual location. Service providers such as Google, Microsoft or Apple may suspect unauthorized access and block login attempts.
You will need to disable this VPN service on your phone or computer and try again.
7. Check Google Status
If Google’s servers are down, the company won’t send a security code to your account. You can check the Google service status on Downdetector. You can visit the website and search Google. You will see high breakdown graphs and user reviews reporting the same. You have to wait for Google to fix these issues on their end. You can try after an hour or two and receive the security code with no problem.
8. Add another way to authenticate your account
Once you’ve regained 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 information.
2nd step: 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 passkey as a verification method.
Access your Google account
You may not receive a security code from Google on your mobile number when traveling to another region. We recommend setting up printable backup codes that can be used as one-time access codes. They also allow you to confirm your identity when you are away from the phone. What trick worked for you? Share your findings in the comments below.