For travelers, few frustrations are as common as being locked out of online accounts because a verification code never ...

Online SMS reception services provide a straightforward solution, enabling users to receive verification codes swiftly via virtual phone numbers.

3. Request a Code via WhatsApp Instagram sometimes allows users to receive verification codes via WhatsApp instead of SMS: On the screen where you are asked to enter the security code, tap “Try ...

This patchwork means that it can take a bit of time before you receive the verification code — when it doesn’t fail completely.

Having your mobile phone receive the SMS code, that changes to a different code each time you log in, makes the existence of a computer virus largely redundant.

With SMS an unsecure method of authentication, Google is eyeing a more robust solution with QR codes.