Question

Paypal: SMS code does not arrive - you can do that

Answer 1

Quick solutions if the PayPal SMS does not arrive
Last resort: contact your provider

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Do you need a code for two-factor authentication from PayPal, but the SMS does not arrive? We explain why that could be..

Image: <span> wichayada suwanachun / Shutterstock.com </span>

PayPal's two-factor authentication increases the protection of your account. This function requires that you enter a code when logging in, which you will receive from PayPal via SMS. But what if you don't get this text message? Can you then no longer log into your account at all? Don't worry, it's not that bad. Because the problem can easily be solved with a little patience.

• Fast solutions
• Last resort: contact your provider

Quick solutions if the PayPal SMS does not arrive

The security code that you receive via SMS from PayPal is one of the most common methods for two-factor authentication. This is because it is easy to set up and only requires a telephone number. All you have to do is look for the security settings in your account and save your mobile phone number there. But if you cannot confirm your identity with the code because the SMS did not reach you, then there is still nothing to worry about. Here are some possible solutions that might help:

• Restart your smartphone. While this may sound simple at first, restarting can often solve problems. It is possible that your smartphone is not properly connected to the network and therefore the SMS does not reach you. If the device is switched off for a short time, temporary files and incorrect settings are reset.
• If you can, use your SIM card with another device. If you have set up your SIM in another phone, have the SMS code sent to you again and see whether it works then.
• Wait a few minutes. Depending on the load on the network or the strength of your connection, it may happen that the SMS arrives at you with a delay.
• Check your network connection. Do you have enough bars? Try moving to a different place where the connection might be better.
• However, you may also have stored a different telephone number with PayPal to which the confirmation SMS was sent.
• If nothing works, you can also use another method of authentication. For example, PayPal also makes it possible to receive a code via an authentication app such as Google Authenticator. Of course, this only works if you have already activated and set up this function in your account.

Last resort: contact your provider

PayPal uses several special five-digit numbers to send you your confirmation code. It is not uncommon for such numbers to be blocked by your network provider. In this case, your code will not arrive either. So you may not have received an SMS from PayPal because there is a filter for SMS messages on your phone. We recommend that you contact your wireless service provider and ask them to allow all text messages on your phone, especially from short numbers.

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