Telegram code not received: why, and how to fix it

When a Telegram code "does not arrive", it has usually gone somewhere else: Telegram sends the code inside the Telegram app on any device already logged in to that number, and only falls back to SMS when there is none. On a brand-new number the SMS should come; if Telegram shows "check your Telegram app", look for the option to get the code by SMS instead. If it says too many attempts, stop and wait - retrying makes it worse.

Where the code went

• Into the Telegram app on another phone or computer already signed in to the number.
• Into a call instead of an SMS, if you waited on the screen long enough for Telegram to switch.
• Nowhere, if Telegram has limited the number after repeated attempts.

Fixes, in order

1. Look for "Send code via SMS"On the code screen, Telegram may offer to send the code by SMS after a short delay. Take it.
2. Check the number formatCountry from the list, number without its country code. A doubled code is the commonest typing error.
3. Stop after "too many attempts"Telegram limits repeated requests. Wait the time it shows; every extra try restarts the clock.
4. On a rented number, switch rather than retryIf a rented number was used for Telegram before, the code goes to that old session and never reaches the page. Let the order expire - it refunds itself - and take another number.

After you are in

Set a cloud password (Settings, Privacy and Security, Two-Step Verification) before anything else. A rented number is given to someone else later, and the password is what stops them taking the account.

Common questions