Problems with receiving SMS OTP verification codes from international numbers

[Theo77]

I know that there have been many threads already about this, but I have not found a solution so I am posting my own question. 

I have been unable to receive almost all OTP's from international numbers since February 2023 (whether I'm abroad or in the UK). This specifically effects international numbers as most OTP's from UK numbers/companies work.

I have not changed anything on my side so I assume EE is blocking these messages as suspected spam.

One interesting example of this problem is logging in to some public WiFi networks abroad. They require me to enter my phone number, and then enter a code that is sent via text message. 

As I try and connect to the same networks each year I can see how this situation has evolved:

• Before I ported my number over to EE from iD in Summer 2021,, I always received these texts within seconds

• In 2022 logging onto these same networks I mostly received the texts (one failed)

• In 2023 logging on to these same networks one was successful after a long 45 minute wait but many were not

• In 2024 none of these networks at all had a text that got through. I had to connect to WiFi using often very complicated alternative methods.

Do you think EE's spam detection systems are just getting stricter and stricter? Is there any solution without changing phone network?  

[Peter_W]

Thanks for confirming those details for us, @jusmee 

Are you in the UK at the moment, or are you overseas? 

Also when you're in the Philippines, can you successfully send texts to other numbers, and receive them as well?

Peter

[jusmee]

Currently in Philippines
Not receiving TEXTS either
Nothing! Everything was OK until last week. What has caused this please?

[Peter_W]

Thanks for confirming that @jusmee.

So are you not receiving any texts at all right now?

Have you tried sending a text as well to see if this is going through?

Peter

[jmmagat]

I'm from the Philippines with a +63 country code, two SIM cards on iPhone 15 pro max. I'm signing up for a trading platform today, that's based in the UK, and one of the sign up verifications is they would send a verification number like an OTP, in order for me to verify my account, and both my Philippine numbers are not receiving the OTP. I've tried dozens of times, including restarting my phone as well as my computer. To no avail. But my business partner, also with a +63 Philippine number WAS ABLE to receive the verification OTP. I don't know what restrictions the UK would have. I've only been to Europe in Spain earlier this year, and I've never been to the UK yet. I don't know what's wrong. Can someone have an idea what's going on?

[XRaySpeX]

@jmmagat : Your Philippine nos. have nowt to do with EE. Take it up with your Philippine provider.