Telegram login code or call not arriving: how to sign in
Telegram login code or call not arriving: where Telegram sends the code, why there is no call when you register, what a two-step verification code is and how to sign in without SMS.
A Telegram login code does not always come by SMS. If you recently used Telegram on another device, the code may be sent there instead, to the service chat called "Telegram". A code read out over a phone call, according to Telegram's FAQ, is only available for accounts with two-step verification turned on, so a brand-new account should not expect a call. If nothing arrives, check the number format, look at your other devices and ask for another delivery method.
Where Telegram sends the code
According to Telegram's FAQ and its developer documentation, a login code can reach you in several ways:
- In Telegram on another device. If you recently used Telegram on another device (another Telegram app on the same phone counts too), the code may be sent there instead of by SMS. It sits in the verified service chat "Telegram" with a blue check mark.
- By SMS to the mobile number of the account.
- By a phone call, where a synthesized voice reads out the code. Per the FAQ, for security reasons this is only available for accounts with two-step verification enabled.
- By email. The developer documentation says that if you sign in often enough, Telegram asks you to verify an email address and then sends login codes there.
- Through Fragment, for anonymous +888 numbers: the code is shown on the Fragment website, not sent by SMS (+888 numbers).
The SMS or call does not arrive: what to check
- Number format. Telegram asks for the international format: a plus sign, the country code, the area or carrier code, then the number. Check that the country code is right and there are no extra digits.
- Type of number. A Telegram account can only be tied to a mobile number. Landline numbers are not supported.
- Your other devices. Open Telegram on a tablet, a computer or a second phone: a code sent "via Telegram" waits there.
- Time. Per Telegram's documentation, if the code is not received within the allotted time, it moves on to the next delivery method. Ask for it in the app rather than pressing "send code" again and again.
- Do not request a code ten times in a row. The number of login attempts per phone number per day is limited; after the limit, no code arrives until the next day.
- Support. If nothing helps, use the form at telegram.org/support: the FAQ names it for login and registration problems.
Why there is no call when you register
The rule in Telegram's FAQ: a code read out by phone is available only for accounts with two-step verification enabled (Settings → Privacy and Security). A new account does not have it yet, so wait for the SMS or check another device where you are already signed in.
What is a two-step verification code
It is not a separate code but the cloud password you chose yourself. Per Telegram's FAQ, with two-step verification you need both the code from the message and the password to sign in. If you forgot it, tap "Forgot password?": when a recovery email is set, a code arrives there. With no recovery email, see Telegram password.
Signing in without the SMS code
- QR code on a computer or in the web version. Telegram Web shows a QR code, and an app where you are already signed in scans it: Settings → Devices → Link Desktop Device (Add Device in newer versions).
- Passkey. Per Telegram's blog, you can confirm a sign-in with the device PIN, a fingerprint or Face ID instead of an SMS code. Set it up in Settings → Privacy and Security → Passkeys. A cloud password, if you have one, is still asked for.
Do not rely on codes "via Telegram" instead of a number. Telegram's FAQ warns that the account must be tied to an up-to-date number you control, otherwise you risk losing access for good. Number lost: how to recover a Telegram account. Need a different one: how to change your number.
Never tell anyone your login code
Telegram's FAQ says login codes should never be shared with anyone. Whoever gets the code (and the cloud password, if one is set) can enter the account, and your Stars and gifts are in it. See Telegram scams and stolen gift or Stars: what to do. The Shiba Bank bot sends Stars and Premium by @username and never asks for a login code or a password.
Frequently asked questions
Telegram call with a code is not coming — what should I do?
Per Telegram's FAQ, a call with a code is only available for accounts with two-step verification on. Without it, wait for the SMS or open Telegram on another device where you signed in.
Why is there no call when I register in Telegram?
A new account has no two-step verification, and Telegram reads codes out by phone only for such accounts. Check that the number is a mobile one in international format, then wait for the SMS.
Where does the Telegram login code come to?
To an SMS, to the "Telegram" chat on another device of yours, by a phone call (only with two-step verification) or to an email verified for login. For +888 numbers, Fragment shows it.
What is the two-step verification code in Telegram?
It is the cloud password you set yourself, needed together with the code from the message. If you forgot it, tap "Forgot password?" and enter the code from your recovery email.
How many times can I request a Telegram code?
The number of attempts per phone number per day is limited. Telegram does not publish the figure; after the limit, no code arrives until the next day.
What are Telegram verification codes?
Codes of other services that Telegram delivers to a separate verified chat called "Verification Codes". Login codes for Telegram itself arrive in the "Telegram" chat or by SMS. If an unexpected code shows up, tap it and choose Report: per the FAQ, your account stays secure.
