Issue
SMS is a best effort protocol, meaning our carrier partners will do its best effort to deliver the message to handsets but there may be failures. Sometimes due to high network traffic or spam filters users won't receive the text message.
Product
Authy
Resolution
There are some things users can try to improve the chances of receiving a code:
- Install the Mobile App. Opening http://www.authy.com/install on your phone browser will tell you if we have an app for your phone. If we do, simply install it and configure it. Make sure you use the same phone number as you have in the websites you use Two-Factor Authentication for. If you don't see the token there, please use this form to update your number.
- Try with a Phone Call: Phone calls usually arrive much faster. If SMS are not arriving, try receiving the token via phone call. Note, this will require a live phone not behind an extension or going straight to voicemail, as you will need to enter codes into the phone.
- Check with your carrier: Some cell providers may actually be pretty helpful in diagnosing the problem if you ask. For example, some US Sprint customers may not realize their phone plan default denies SMS from 'short codes' Authy may be using. You can try texting 'Allow 78156' to the number 9999 to see if Authy's primary US short code 78156 can reach your handset after being approved by you. Similarly, T-Mobile users may have opted out of this type of message without knowing it, and these messages might be blocked.
- Try another number: If you don't get the token after several attempts, please use this form to update your number. You can temporarily use a friend or family member's number then log in to the site you are locked out of and turn off two-factor authentication as it may not be a good solution for your security needs.