The TripoSIM US Virtual Number receives texts from US and Canadian senders and verification codes (OTP SMS) from apps, including WhatsApp, PayPal and Google. When a code is slow and the sign-up screen is counting down, the cause is usually easy to find. Work through the fixes below in order. If you want the basics of how texts reach the number first, read how receiving texts on a US number works.

Is the problem the sender or your phone?

Start by testing the number itself. Ask someone in the US or Canada to text your US number.

  • Their text arrives: your number and app are fine. Go to the sender-side checks.
  • Their text does not arrive: check the app and phone settings first.

This one test saves a lot of guessing.

Which fixes should you try first?

Try these in order. Each one takes a minute or two.

  1. Check the number you entered. Use +1, then the area code, then seven digits. No leading zero, no spaces in the wrong place. Pick “United States” in the country list, not your current country.
  2. Open the TripoSIM app. Make sure you are signed in and the number shows on the home screen.
  3. Check your connection. Texts arrive over Wi-Fi or mobile data. Open a web page to confirm the connection works.
  4. Wait for the timer. Request the code once and wait the full countdown before asking again.
  5. Try a voice call. If the service offers “call me instead”, use it. Incoming calls ring in the app.
  6. Contact TripoSIM support if the code still has not come after these steps.

What should you check on the sender’s side?

The sender is outside the US or Canada. The TripoSIM US Virtual Number receives texts from US and Canadian senders. Some international services send codes from a sender in another country, and those often cannot reach a US number. Look for a “US” or “North America” option in the app’s settings, or use a voice call.

You asked too many times. Many services pause codes after several requests in a short time. Wait an hour, then try once.

You typed a different number. A missing +1 or the wrong country in the list sends the code somewhere else. Check the number shown on the sign-up screen.

Which app and phone settings matter?

If even an ordinary text from a friend does not arrive, check these.

  • Notifications. Allow notifications for the TripoSIM app. TripoSIM says calls ring even when the app is closed once notifications and the microphone are allowed; a phone that is off, offline or has notifications blocked does not ring, and callers reach voicemail. On iPhone, also check that Focus modes are not silencing the app.
  • The right app. On iPhone, add the TripoSIM web app to your Home Screen. On Android, install the TripoSIM app. Open it from that icon, not a browser tab.
  • Battery saving. On Android, set the TripoSIM app to “Unrestricted” or “Don’t optimise” in battery settings. On iPhone, Low Power Mode can delay notifications. Our guide to making the number ring reliably covers each setting step by step.
  • Your plan. Check your plan is active. If a plan ends, the number is paused, and texts stop arriving until you renew.

Notifications can lag behind the inbox. If a notification does not appear, open the app and check the inbox directly before requesting a new code.

Which apps send codes to the number?

Apps send their verification codes to the number. TripoSIM tested 22 apps from October 3 to 18, 2026, including WhatsApp, WhatsApp Business, Google, PayPal and Wise, and each sent its code. That list shows examples, not a limit. Our guide to using a US number for verification codes has the full list and setup steps.

Do not use public “free SMS” inbox sites instead. Anyone can read those codes.

When should you contact support?

If a text or code from a US sender does not arrive after you have checked the settings above, contact TripoSIM support. Include the sender or service name, the approximate time with your time zone, and a screenshot of anything shown on screen. Never send the code itself.

Keep the accounts you rely on safe

A number that receives your codes is part of your account security. Keep the plan active for as long as accounts use it. If a plan ends, the number is held 30 days (yearly) or 90 days (monthly), then released. Read how number recycling affects your accounts before you cancel.