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Troubleshooting

“This phone number cannot be used for verification”: causes and fixes

What apps check before sending a code, why a number gets refused, and what to try next.

3 min read

Why apps refuse numbers

  • The number type: many apps refuse VoIP and landline numbers
  • The number’s history: it was used for too many accounts on that app
  • The country: some apps only send codes to certain countries
  • A typing mistake: wrong country selected, or a leading 0 after the country code

What to try

  • Check the country in the app matches the number, and remove any leading 0
  • Try a mobile number from another country, if the app allows it
  • Wait a while if the app also mentioned too many attempts

If it happens with a CoveSMS number

A refused number isn’t charged: cancel it after 2 minutes to get the price back to your balance instantly, or let it expire and it comes back on its own. Then try another country or the other server.