By default, verification codes (2FA, OTP) sent via SMS are blocked on your Beside number.

You can turn on Verification Codes for a line to allow these codes through - but delivery still isn't guaranteed, since some services block codes sent to non-carrier numbers like Beside's.

This setting is per phone line. It's available on Beside on the web and on the Beside mobile app on iPhone and Android - once enabled, codes can be delivered to that number no matter which app you use to check your texts.

Turn on Verification Codes for a line

On Beside on the web:

Go to Settings → Phone Numbers → [your line] → General
Under Verification Codes, toggle it on
Read the Before you turn this on disclaimer and click Turn on to confirm

Turning it off is immediate - no confirmation needed.

On the Beside mobile app

Open the Beside mobile app, go to Number (on your main Chat tab), then scroll to the Text Messages section, then toggle Verification Codes on.

Either way, turning it on shows a note that delivery to that number isn't guaranteed.

💡 Not guaranteed: Even with this on, some services still block verification codes sent to non-carrier numbers. Keep an authenticator app or your carrier number as a backup for anything critical.

What a blocked code looks like

When Verification Codes is off for a line and a service texts you a code, the message still arrives - but the code itself is removed, and Beside adds a short note pointing you to that line's phone number settings, where you can turn Verification Codes on.

Turn the setting on, then ask the service to resend the code. The original message can't be recovered once the code has been removed.

Why delivery still isn't guaranteed even when this is on

Most services send verification codes from shortcode numbers or automated systems that are not compatible with Beside's phone infrastructure. Turning on Verification Codes allows these codes to reach your line, but some services still block them before they arrive - this is outside Beside's control.

This applies to all types of authentication codes, including login verification, password resets, and account recovery codes.

What to do if a service still doesn't deliver

If Verification Codes is on but a specific service still won't deliver, keep your two-factor authentification (2FA) on a number that can receive it reliably:

Use your carrier number (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, etc.) for all SMS-based 2FA
Switch to an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy, etc.) where possible - this is more secure than SMS-based 2FA and works independently of your phone number

⚠️ Important: If you're considering porting your carrier number to Beside, keep in mind that verification code delivery to that number still isn't guaranteed once ported, even with Verification Codes on. For most carrier users, 📖 call forwarding is the better option - it keeps your carrier number active for 2FA while routing calls to Beside.

FAQ

Can I receive verification codes (2FA, OTP) on my Beside number?

Yes, if you turn on Verification Codes for that line - on Beside on the web or the Beside mobile app on iPhone or Android. Delivery still isn't guaranteed for every service - some providers block codes sent to non-carrier numbers regardless of this setting.

I got a text but the code was removed - what does that mean?

Verification Codes is turned off for that line, so Beside stripped the code out and added a note telling you where to turn the setting on. Enable Verification Codes for the line, then ask the service to send a new code - the original one can't be recovered.

Is Verification Codes available on iOS or Android?

It's available on iPhone, Android, and Beside on the web. Once enabled on any platform, it applies to that phone number everywhere, including the mobile app.

I ported my number to Beside and now I can't receive verification codes - what should I do?

First, check whether Verification Codes is turned on for that line in Beside on the web or the Beside mobile app. If it's already on and the code still isn't arriving, that specific service may be blocking codes sent to non-carrier numbers - update your 2FA settings on that service to use a different phone number or switch to an authenticator app. If you're locked out of an account, contact that service's support team directly for account recovery.

Does call forwarding let me keep receiving verification codes (2FA, OTP)?

Yes. With call forwarding, your carrier number stays active and continues to receive SMS-based 2FA codes normally. Only calls are forwarded to Beside - texts stay on your carrier.
📖 Port your number vs set up call forwarding

Receive authentication codes