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How to Fix “We cannot send a text message” on Twitter

Are you getting a “We cannot send a text message to this phone number” error on Twitter?

Here’s the second part of the error, “because its operator is not supported”.

2-factor authentication on Twitter adds an extra layer of security to your account.

However, if you lose your phone or text messages aren’t working, you won’t be able to access your account.

If you’ve enabled 2-factor authentication, you’re required to enter a code when you log in.

You’ll receive the code via text message and you need to have an internet connection.

However, a lot of users are not receiving the code even though they have a valid phone number.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix “We cannot send a text message to this phone number because its operator is not supported” on Twitter.

Why can’t Twitter send me a text message?

Twitter phone number FAQ

Twitter can’t send you a text message (2-factor authentication code) because you’ve blocked a 40404 number.

A 40404 number comes from Twitter, so you need to unblock it to receive messages.

According to the Twitter team, they are aware that some people are experiencing difficulty with requesting and receiving codes.

Hence, if you don’t have any blocked numbers but you still can’t receive codes, the error is caused on Twitter’s end.

Here’s what @TwitterSupport tweeted back in November, “We’re looking into the few cases where SMS codes aren’t being delivered”.

Users were livid in the comments and most of them said that they have an issue with receiving codes.

“Hey @TwitterSupport, my account is still pending for SMS codes, but they are still not arriving”.

“I haven’t received the SMS confirmation code for over 5 days now”.

“My Twitter access is gone due to lack of access to 2FA. Please help @TwitterSupport”.

How to fix “We cannot send a text message” on Twitter

We cannot send a text message to this phone number because its operator is not supported

To fix “We cannot send a text message” on Twitter, you need to unblock 40404 numbers or all of your blocked contacts.

After you’ve unblocked your contacts, try sending the code again.

Alternatively, you can turn off 2FA on a device that’s already logged in to Twitter.

If you’re still not receiving the 2FA code, you need to wait until Twitter fixes the issue on their end.

According to Twitter, they are aware of the issue and are actively working on a fix.

If all else fails, you need to contact Twitter to remove 2FA for you.

Method 1: Unblock phone numbers

Not receiving 2FA code on Twitter

How to unblock phone numbers on iOS:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Scroll down and select “Phone”.
  3. Select “Blocked Contacts”.
  4. Tap on “Edit” and tap on the “-” icon on 40404 numbers or all numbers.
  5. Open Twitter and try sending the code again.

How to unblock phone numbers on Android:

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Tap on the three dots icon.
  3. Select “Settings” followed by “Blocked numbers”.
  4. Select the “X” icon followed by “Unblock” on 40404 numbers or all numbers.
  5. Open Twitter and try sending the code again.

Method 2: Turn off 2FA on a device that’s currently logged in to Twitter

  1. Open Twitter on a device that’s currently logged in to Twitter (for example, if you’re still logged in to Twitter on your computer, you can still access it there).
  2. Go to Settings and support > Settings and privacy > Security and account access.
  3. Security > Two-factor authentication > Turn off “Text message/Authentication app/Security key”.

Note: As long as you have a device that’s currently logged in to Twitter (e.g., computer, laptop, tablet), you can turn off 2FA there.

Method 3: Contact Twitter support

  1. Go to https://help.twitter.com/en/forms/account-access/regain-access/2fa-problem (or go to the Twitter Help Center and search for “2FA”).
  2. Enter your Twitter username and email address.
  3. Describe that you’re not receiving the confirmation/verification code and you need help accessing your account.
  4. Submit the form and wait for a few days for Twitter’s response.

Note: Due to the overwhelming number of requests, it can take a few days to get a response from Twitter.

Further reading

How to Fix Instagram Security Code Not Sending

Why is Twitter Blue Not Showing?

How to Find Deleted Tweets on Twitter

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About the author

Lim How Wei

Lim How Wei is the founder of followchain.org, with 8+ years of experience in Social Media Marketing and 4+ years of experience as an active investor in stocks and cryptocurrencies. He has researched, tested, and written thousands of articles ranging from social media platforms to messaging apps.

Lim has been quoted and referenced by major publications and media companies like WikiHow, Fast Company, HuffPost, Vice, New York Post, The Conversation, and many others. One of his articles about the gig economy was quoted by Joe Rogan who hosts The Joe Rogan Experience (arguably the most popular podcast in the world), in the This Past Weekend podcast by Theo Von.

In his free time, Lim plays multiple games like Genshin Impact, League of Legends, Counter-Strike, Hearthstone, RuneScape, and many others. He creates guides, walkthroughs, solutions, and more on games that he plays to help other players with their progression.