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How to Get an OTP Code (Phone, App, or Email)

By Alex Carter, Editor at GetVerifyCode · Updated November 7, 2026 · About and standards

Phone showing a hidden six-digit code with SMS, authenticator-app and email icons around it — how to get an OTP code

By Alex Carter, Editor at GetVerifyCode

How do you get an OTP code? Start the sign-in, sign-up or password reset on the real website or app, then pick the channel it offers: a text to your phone, an authenticator app, an email or a push prompt. Open that channel and type the newest code within a few minutes, because each one-time password expires quickly.

Key facts

  • An OTP is created for one login attempt and expires, so there is no permanent OTP to look up.
  • After you tap resend, only the newest code usually works.
  • Authenticator apps generate codes on your phone, even offline, and refresh them about every 30 seconds.
  • GetVerifyCode lists numbers in 190+ countries, and the live catalog covers 1,600+ services.

Where OTP codes come from

You never request an OTP from a separate website. The service you are signing in to creates the code and sends it through one of these channels:

  • SMS text: sent to the phone number saved on your account. Most common for sign-ups and password resets.
  • Authenticator app: Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator or a similar app shows a 6-digit code that changes every 30 seconds.
  • Email: a code or magic link sent to the address on file.
  • Push prompt or in-app code: a tap-to-approve message or a code shown inside an app where you are already signed in.

US federal guidance in NIST SP 800-63B describes these out-of-band codes as at least 6 digits and meant to be used within about 10 minutes, and it notes that codes sent over the phone network carry extra risk.

How do I get an OTP code on my phone?

  1. Open the app or website and start the action that needs a code (sign up, log in, reset a password or confirm a payment).
  2. Check that the phone number shown is yours and includes the right country code.
  3. Tap Send code or Text me, then wait up to a minute.
  4. Open your Messages app and look for a text from a short code or the service name.
  5. Type the 4 to 8 digit code exactly as shown. Some phones offer it above the keyboard; that autofill is fine to use.
  6. If nothing arrives after a minute or two, tap resend once and use only the newest code.

If you'd rather not give a site your personal number, a second number for a one-time sign-up is an option for low-stakes accounts. Our guide on keeping your personal number private explains when that makes sense. Don't use a temporary number for banking, payment or other financial accounts.

How do I generate an OTP code?

You generate an OTP with an authenticator app, not a website. The app uses a method called TOTP (time-based one-time password):

  1. Turn on two-step verification in the account's security settings.
  2. Scan the QR code it shows with your authenticator app.
  3. The app now shows a fresh 6-digit code about every 30 seconds. Type the current one when the site asks.

Our explainer on time-based one-time passwords covers how the clock-based codes work, and the guide to 6-digit login codes from an authentication app walks through setup. Avoid any third-party "OTP generator" site: a real code only comes from the service itself or from an app you linked to your own account.

How do I get an OTP code by email?

  1. Choose Email me a code if the service offers it.
  2. Check your inbox, then the spam, promotions and updates folders.
  3. Search for the service name and words like "code" or "verify".
  4. Use the newest email only, and type the code before it expires.

For more help, see how to get an email verification code.

What is my OTP code, and can I look up an old one?

Your OTP code is the short number in the latest text, email or app screen from that service. It is not stored like a password, so you can't look up an old one. Each code is created for that attempt and stops working once it expires or a newer one is sent. If you lost it, start the step again to get a new one.

Never share an OTP with anyone who calls or texts asking for it. A real company will not ask you to read it back. If you get codes you didn't request, someone may be trying your password; our post on Microsoft verification codes you didn't request explains what to do.

Which way of getting an OTP should you use?

  • SMS to your own number: easy, works on any phone, but tied to your SIM; best for most personal accounts.
  • Authenticator app: private and works offline, free, best for accounts you care about most.
  • Email code: handy as a backup, depends on inbox access, best for low-risk logins.
  • Temporary number from GetVerifyCode: keeps your personal number private, priced live per service, best for one-time sign-ups you don't need long term. Some apps reject virtual numbers. Acceptance is decided by the app, not by us.

OTP not arriving?

  • Wait a full minute before you tap resend, and resend only once or twice. Google's 2-Step Verification help notes that after a resend, only the newest code works.
  • Check signal, airplane mode and any spam-text filter.
  • Confirm the number or email on the account is correct.
  • If the code says invalid or expired, request a fresh one and type it right away.

Our full checklist is in didn't get the verification code? 12 fixes. Android users can also read not receiving verification code texts on Android, and expired codes are covered in verification code invalid or expired.

Is it legal to get an OTP with a temporary number?

Using a temporary number to protect your privacy, travel, or test your own app is generally lawful in many places, but laws differ by country and each app sets its own terms. Check both. Never use it for fraud, impersonation, or getting around a ban. This is general information, not legal advice.

Related guides

Need a second number for a one-time sign-up? Start at GetVerifyCode. Top up your wallet from $1. Each number is priced live per service and country, and you see the quote before you confirm. If no SMS arrives in about 20 minutes, the unused credit returns to your wallet. See pricing.

About the author: Alex Carter is the editor at GetVerifyCode. Alex tests SMS verification routes across services and countries and writes plain-language guides on receiving OTP codes safely.

GetVerifyCode is not affiliated with the apps named in this article. Follow each app's terms and local law.

FAQ

FAQ

  • It is the one-time number in the latest text, email or authenticator screen from the service you are signing in to. It isn't saved anywhere you can look up later, so request a new one if it's gone.

  • Start the login or sign-up, make sure your number is correct, tap Send code and open your Messages app. Type the newest code before it expires.

  • Link an authenticator app to your account by scanning the QR code in its security settings. The app then generates a new 6-digit code about every 30 seconds.

  • No. Each OTP works once for one attempt and expires within minutes. A newer code also cancels older ones on most services.

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