Netflix Verification Code: Why You Get One and What to Do

Published 4 min read
Netflix verification code

A Netflix verification code is a short code that Netflix sends by text message or email to confirm it’s really you. You get one when you sign in with a code, when you add or change the phone number on your account, and when a TV or device outside your Netflix Household asks for temporary access.

Asked for it? Enter it within 15 minutes. Didn’t? Don’t share it. To keep Netflix’s texts off your personal phone, use a second number you keep.

Why does Netflix send you a verification code?

When What Netflix sends How it arrives
Signing in with a code A 4-digit code, valid for 15 minutes Email or text message
Adding or changing your phone number A code to confirm the number Text message
A device outside your Netflix Household A 4-digit temporary access code, valid for 15 minutes The account owner’s email, or a text if there’s no email on file

Got a Netflix code you didn’t request?

An unexpected code can mean someone typed your email or phone number on Netflix’s sign-in screen. Netflix even sends a sign-in code when you sign in with your password.

  • Don’t share it with anyone outside your home. Netflix says codes “should only be shared with members of the Netflix Household.”
  • Secure your account. Netflix recommends that you “sign out of unrecognized devices or change your password in order to protect your account.”
  • Watch for fakes. “If you get an email or text message (SMS) asking for your Netflix account email, phone, password, or payment method it probably didn’t come from Netflix.” Don’t tap its links: forward it to phishing@netflix.com, as Netflix’s phishing advice explains.

Which numbers can you use for Netflix?

Netflix doesn’t list accepted number types, but one rule is clear: “Only one account can have your verified phone number on it. Verifying your phone number will also remove it from any other accounts it is tied to.”

The number is also for your own account only. Netflix’s advice: “Don’t buy an account or shared sign-in info, and don’t share your account.”

A PVADeals number is a real mobile number from a carrier (non-VoIP), so Netflix sees an ordinary phone. It receives SMS only. Read more about VoIP vs non-VoIP numbers.

How to add a PVADeals number to Netflix

  1. Create a free PVADeals account and add credits: crypto from $3, or a card through Stripe from $5.
  2. Choose Netflix with a US number. For a UK number, look for Netflix in the list of websites, and if it isn’t listed, rent an All services number instead, which works on any website.
  3. Pick a long-term rental (3, 7, 14 or 30 days, from $0.70) and turn on auto-renew, so the number stays yours.
  4. Open Netflix’s Mobile phone page, confirm your identity, choose the country, enter the number and choose Next.
  5. Copy the code from your PVADeals dashboard, where it appears as soon as it arrives, and enter it to confirm the number.

Short-term or long-term for Netflix?

Netflix keeps using the number: it “makes sign-in easier, improves account security, and can help you get back into your account if you ever forget your password.” A short-term number lasts 20 minutes and reuse afterwards isn’t guaranteed, so later codes would go to a number you no longer have.

Use a long-term number on auto-renew (it stays the same while you renew), an All services plan ($12.99 a month in the US; $6.99 a month or $11.99 for 3 months in the UK), or your own number. Keep your email current too: household codes go to the account owner’s email first.

How to change the phone number on Netflix

On the Mobile phone page, confirm your identity, then edit the number and choose Next, or choose Delete Phone Number. Netflix texts a code to the new number to confirm it, as its phone number guide explains. Switch before a rental ends.

If the Netflix verification code doesn’t arrive

  • Give it two minutes. “Most sign-up links/sign-in codes arrive within 2 minutes.”
  • Check the details. “Make sure your email or phone number is entered correctly.”
  • Resend or switch. Select Resend code, or Get Help, then Use password instead. If Netflix can’t send another code right now, wait a few minutes.
  • Carrier delay. “If you aren’t getting text messages to the phone number on your account, there could be a delay from your carrier.”
  • No SMS on a PVADeals number? If an eligible number receives no SMS during the rental, its cost comes back to your balance automatically as store credit.

Keep your personal number off Netflix

A long-term non-VoIP number from PVADeals receives your Netflix verification code without your personal number, from $0.70 for 3 days or $2.25 for 30 days. See the prices and our US phone numbers, or read about getting a second phone number and YouTube phone verification.

Frequently asked questions

Why did I get a Netflix verification code?
Netflix sends codes when someone signs in with a code, adds or changes the account’s phone number, or asks to watch on a device outside the Netflix Household. If you didn’t request it, don’t share it, and consider changing your password and signing out of devices you don’t recognize.
Is a Netflix verification code text a scam?
Not necessarily: Netflix does text sign-in codes. But a message “asking for your Netflix account email, phone, password, or payment method” probably isn’t from Netflix. Don’t tap its links: forward it to phishing@netflix.com and delete it.
Why am I not getting my Netflix verification code?
Most codes arrive within 2 minutes. Check that your email or phone number is entered correctly, then select Resend code or sign in with your password instead. Codes expire after 15 minutes, and a missing text can be a delay from your carrier.
Can I use a temporary number for Netflix?
Use a number you keep. Netflix uses it to sign you in and to recover the account, and only one account can have a verified number. A long-term PVADeals number on auto-renew stays yours; a 20-minute number is the wrong tool here.

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