A verification code that never arrives, or is rejected when you type it, can lock you out of your inbox at the worst moment. The cause is usually simple: an expired code, a weak signal, or a wrong clock on your phone. Try these seven fixes in order, and keep your phone close while you work through them.
1. Request a New Code and Use the Latest One
Verification codes expire after a short time, and each new request replaces the earlier one. If you asked for several codes, only the most recent one works. Go back, choose Resend code, wait for the new message, and type it in right away without extra spaces.
2. Check Your Phone Signal and Number
Text messages can be delayed by weak signal or a full inbox. Make sure your phone has service, turn Airplane Mode off, and check that the number Google shows ends in the digits you expect. If it is an old number, choose Try another way instead of waiting.
3. Set Your Phone’s Date and Time to Automatic
Codes from an authenticator app depend on your phone’s clock. If the time is off even by a minute, codes can fail. On iPhone, open Settings, then General, then Date and Time, and turn on Set Automatically. On Android, turn on Set time automatically in the Date and time settings.
4. Try Another Way to Verify
On the verification screen, choose Try another way. Depending on your setup, Google may offer a prompt on a phone where you are signed in, a code from an authenticator app, a security key or a backup code. Pick whichever is easiest to reach right now.
5. Use a Backup Code
When you turned on 2-Step Verification, Google gave you the option to save backup codes. Each code works once. Find your saved list, enter one when asked, and then generate a fresh set from your Google Account security page after you sign in.
6. Re-Sync Your Authenticator App
If you use Google Authenticator, open the app menu, choose Settings, and look for Time correction for codes, then tap Sync now. This fixes codes that are rejected because the app and Google’s servers disagree about the time. Try the new code straight away. In other authenticator apps this option may be in a different place.
7. Update Your Recovery Details or Recover the Account
If you no longer have access to the phone number, you will need to update it. Sign in using another method if you can, then open your Google Account security settings and change your recovery phone and email. If you cannot sign in at all, use Google’s account recovery page from a device and place you normally use.
Still Not Working?
Wait a few hours if you have made many attempts, because Google may temporarily limit requests. Never share a verification code with anyone, even if they say they are from Google or a bank. Once you are back in, save new backup codes and add a second recovery option. See also our guides on Gmail login not working and Gmail password reset.