Quick answer
Didn’t get the code? Request a new one, then try the voice call option instead of text. Still nothing? Use a number from a different carrier. Seeing “This phone number has already created the maximum number of accounts”? YouTube allows 2 channels per number per year, so use a different number.
Does this match what you see?
- You asked for a verification code and nothing came.
- You see “This phone number has already created the maximum number of accounts”.
- You can’t upload long videos, add custom thumbnails or go live.
Computer (browser)iPhone & iPadAndroid
Based on YouTube Help’s “Verify your YouTube account” page, read at the site owner’s request.
Why this happens: the possible causes
Why the code doesn’t arrive, according to YouTube.
| Cause | Fix |
|---|---|
| Carrier doesn’t support Google messages | Try voice call, or a number on another carrier |
| Text is delayed | Wait a few minutes, then use voice call |
| Number used for too many channels | Use a different number (limit: 2 channels per year) |
- Carrier supportCheck this first
YouTube says most carriers support Google’s texts, but not all support texts and/or voice calls from Google.
- Delayed textsPossible
YouTube says texts can be delayed in densely populated areas or where carrier infrastructure is poorly maintained.
- Number limitPossible
YouTube says a phone number can be linked to no more than 2 channels per year.
Try these 60-second checks first
- Check you typed the phone number correctly, with the right country code.
- Make sure the phone has signal and can receive texts.
How to fix it, step by step
Work through these in order. They start with the quickest, safest checks and only move to steps that sign you out or remove data later.
Fix 1: Request a new code
YouTube says the code should arrive immediately, and you can ask for a new one if it doesn’t.
- On the verification screen, request a new code.
- Our check: confirm the number and country code are right before you send it again.
Did it work? The code arrives and YouTube accepts it.
Did Fix 1 solve it?
Great, you fixed it with Fix 1. Tell us it worked, or bookmark this page in case it happens again.
Fix 2: Switch to a voice call
YouTube says if a text hasn’t arrived after more than a few minutes, try the voice call option.
- Choose to get the code by voice call instead of text message.
- Answer the call and enter the code it reads out.
Did it work? You get the code by phone call.
Did Fix 2 solve it?
Great, you fixed it with Fix 2. Tell us it worked, or bookmark this page in case it happens again.
Fix 3: Use a number on a different carrier
YouTube says that if you still get no code by text or call, your carrier may not support Google’s texts or voice messages.
- Use a phone number from a different mobile carrier, for example a family member’s number with their permission.
- Request the code by text or voice call to that number.
Our note: each number can only be linked to 2 channels per year, so choose a number that hasn’t been used for other channels recently.
Did it work? The code arrives on the other number.
Did Fix 3 solve it?
Great, you fixed it with Fix 3. Tell us it worked, or bookmark this page in case it happens again.
“This phone number has already created the maximum number of accounts”
YouTube says a phone number can be linked to no more than 2 channels per year. If you see this error, use a different phone number. YouTube doesn’t describe a way to raise the limit.
Why YouTube asks for your phone number
YouTube says phone verification helps protect its community and combat spam and abuse. It uses the number to send your verification code, and says it doesn’t sell personal info to anyone. You may also be asked to verify when you sign up.
What verifying unlocks
YouTube says once your channel is verified you can:
- Upload videos longer than 15 minutes.
- Add custom thumbnails.
- Live stream (see YouTube Live not working for the other requirements).
- Appeal copyright claims.
For advanced features, YouTube says you first need phone verification, then either enough channel history or verification with ID or a video.
How to know it worked
- Your account is verified, and longer uploads, custom thumbnails and live streaming are available.
Still not working? Your next steps
- Can’t sign in at all? See can’t sign in to YouTube. Upload stuck? See YouTube upload stuck.
Official help routes
SocialAppFix can’t see or change your account. For account decisions, recovery and appeals, only the platform’s own tools can help. These links go to the official sites.
Frequently asked questions
Why am I not getting my YouTube verification code?
YouTube says your carrier may not support Google texts, or the text may be delayed. Request a new code, try the voice call option, or use a number from another carrier.
How many YouTube channels can one phone number verify?
YouTube says a phone number can be linked to no more than 2 channels per year.
What does verifying a YouTube account do?
YouTube says it lets you upload videos longer than 15 minutes, add custom thumbnails, live stream and appeal copyright claims.
Does YouTube sell my phone number?
YouTube says it doesn’t sell personal info to anyone, and uses the number to send your verification code.
Did this solve your problem?
Your answer stays in your browser — nothing is sent or stored. The “tell us” link opens your own email app.
Out of date or didn’t work? Email us — never include passwords or codes.
Sources and how we checked this guide
We base steps on the platforms’ own help pages and the phone makers’ official guides. Menu names change often and can differ by device, app version and region. Where a platform page could not be independently read, we link it so you can check the current wording yourself.
Last reviewed 6 November 2026 by the SocialAppFix editorial team against the sources above. Next scheduled review: 6 May 2027. How we write and review guides.
What changed
- 6 November 2026: First published.
SocialAppFix is an independent guide and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Google or YouTube. We never ask for passwords, login codes or payment to fix an account.