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Why OTP Verification Codes Don’t Work with VoIP Numbers.

We often get asked whether it’s possible to receive OTP (One-Time Password) codes from banks, WhatsApp, Instagram, Amazon or other services..

📵 The Short Answer: #

Most online platforms and financial institutions do not deliver OTPs to VoIP numbers, even if they’re from reputable carriers. This is not a limitation from your VoIP provider it’s due to security policies and industry-wide restrictions implemented by the platforms themselves.

📛 What Services Are Affected? #

The following platforms and services typically reject OTP delivery to VoIP or non-mobile numbers:

  • WhatsApp / WhatsApp Business
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Telegram (in some cases)
  • Gmail / Google (depending on number range)
  • Amazon, eBay, Microsoft (including short code SMS)
  • Bank OTPs (including short code SMS from financial institutions)

🛡️ Why This Happens #

1. Strict Security Policies #

Platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and most banks require numbers that are registered with recognized mobile carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.).
VoIP numbers are classified as non-mobile, even if they support SMS or voice. These line types are blocked to prevent:

  • Fraudulent signups
  • Bot activity
  • Abuse of disposable/temporary numbers

Many services used to allow VoIP verification, but have recently tightened restrictions. Even if it worked in the past, it’s likely to stop working across all VoIP ranges soon.

2. Industry Line-Type Registries #

When you enter your number on a website or app, the platform performs a line-type lookup using carrier databases (e.g., LRN in the US). If your number shows up as VoIP or landline, the OTP message is automatically blocked or discarded.

3. Short Code Campaigns Won’t Help #

Some ask whether enabling short codes (like leasing a 5–6 digit sender) would solve this. Unfortunately:

  • Short codes can only send; they’re not meant to receive third-party OTPs.
  • Even if you lease a short code (very expensive), banks and apps will not route OTPs to it.
  • Strict A2P (Application-to-Person) rules prohibit routing OTPs to non-mobile endpoints.

✅ What Does Work #

To reliably receive OTPs, you must use a:

  • Mobile number registered to a major carrier (e.g., AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon)
  • SIM-based line not a virtual or hosted number
  • (In some cases) a landline for voice-only OTPs (not always supported)

⚠️ Real-World Example: WhatsApp & Instagram #

Meta (WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram) has explicitly blocked VoIP numbers from registering or receiving verification codes via SMS. Only mobile numbers are accepted, and in rare cases, voice calls might still work temporarily.

📝 Final Note #

If your use case depends on receiving OTPs from banks or third-party services, you must use a traditional mobile carrier. VoIP, SIP trunks, and cloud communications platforms are excellent for business communication but they are not designed or supported for authentication with third-party apps.

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