You tap "Resend Code" for the fourth time. Nothing. Your screen stays blank, and you cannot finish setting up your new device or downloading that essential app. This moment of friction with Apple’s verification system often stems not from your actions, but from the origin of the number you provided. Apple’s identity checks aggressively filter out cloud-based lines and software-generated ranges, leaving many international users locked out.

Why Your Apple Verification Code Never Arrives

There are two primary reasons why an SMS fails to land in your inbox during the Apple ID setup. Understanding them saves you from repeating the same steps with the same poor results.

1. Your Number is Filtered by the Network

Apple cross-checks every number against carrier databases. If the line originates from a cloud-based provider or a software-generated range, the automated system drops the message before the carrier even processes it. These virtual ranges are widely published in abuse databases, and Apple blocks them by default. A temp number for Apple ID verification works only when it originates from a genuine mobile line registered on a physical network.

2. Regional Rate Limiting and Country Mismatch

Apple applies invisible velocity checks. Requesting a code from a country code +34 while your IP address points to a location in Southeast Asia triggers a silent block. The same logic applies when a single IP address requests multiple codes in a short window. This is a separate issue from the number type, but it compounds the problem when combined with a non-carrier line.

Recognizing the Problem Across Scenarios

This issue surfaces in multiple situations. You might see it when creating a fresh Apple ID for a regional App Store, setting up two-factor authentication on an existing account, recovering a locked device, or attempting to change the trusted phone number tied to your iCloud settings. In every case, the underlying mechanism remains the same: Apple refuses to negotiate with a number it cannot verify as a real phone number on a recognized carrier.

A Straightforward Path to Receiving Your Code

The process is simple once you switch from a blocked number type to a carrier-connected one. Here is how you get your SMS activation code:

Open the CodesSender platform. Create an account or log in.
Top up your balance. Use any available payment method.
Select Apple as the service. The system needs to know which OTP to route.
Pick a country. For the highest delivery rates, we recommend the United States (+1), the United Kingdom (+44), or Poland (+48).
Copy the number. Use it in the Apple ID setup form immediately.
Request the SMS. Wait up to 30 seconds for the code to appear on your dashboard.

Country	Country Code	Apple Acceptance	Availability	Solution Page
United States	+1	Excellent	Instant	US Numbers
United Kingdom	+44	Excellent	Instant	UK Numbers
Poland	+48	Very Good	Instant	Poland Numbers
Germany	+49	Very Good	Instant	Germany Numbers
France	+33	Good	Instant	France Numbers
Spain	+34	Good	Instant	Spain Numbers
Canada	+1	Very Good	Instant	Canada Numbers

How to Stop This from Happening Again

If you manage multiple Apple IDs for testing, regional content access, or development work, avoid using free web-based numbers. Those public lines are blacklisted within hours. Instead, use a fresh carrier-connected number for each verification. For users who need consistent access, a rental number for Apple delivers codes repeatedly without degradation over time.

Common Questions About Apple SMS Verification

I still see a “Code Not Received” error with a real number. What now?

Check if your IP location broadly matches your number’s country code. If you are using a VPN, switch to a server in the same country as your selected number, or disable the VPN entirely. Also, verify that your Apple device’s date and time are set to automatic. A clock drift of more than a few minutes can invalidate a time-based OTP attempt.

Does the code expire?

Yes, Apple SMS codes typically expire within 10 minutes. If you do not enter the code within that window, request a new one from the Apple interface and ensure your number is still active on your CodesSender dashboard.

Can I use one number for multiple Apple accounts?

Apple throttles the number of accounts that can be tied to a single line. A fresh physical SIM card hosted on a network works best for one Apple ID verification. If you need to verify a second account, use a new number to avoid triggering a security hold on the first.