Payees

Recover your phone number or verification code

If you can't log in because of a problem with your phone number or verification code, this guide will help you get back into your account. Your issue depends on whether the code isn't arriving, you lost access to your phone number, or Dots can't find your account.

First: Identify your situation

Check which scenario matches your problem:

  • You're receiving codes but they arrive late or expire — The code eventually arrives but won't work when you enter it. See Code is delayed or expired.

  • You no longer have access to your registered phone number — You changed numbers, lost your phone, or can't receive SMS at that number anymore. See Lost access to your phone number.

  • Dots says it can't find your account — Your phone number or email isn't recognized, or support can't locate your information. See Can't find your account.

  • An error appears before a code is sent — The request fails the moment you ask for a code, before any SMS arrives. See Code fails before it's sent.

  • You see "Rate limit exceeded" — Code requests are blocked because too many were requested in a short time. See Rate limit exceeded.

  • You've reached the daily message limit — Requests stop because you've hit the cap on verification messages for today. See Daily message limit reached.

  • Your code is rejected or expired — The code you enter is refused or no longer valid. See Code is rejected or expired.

Code is delayed or expired

Most verification problems are caused by SMS delivery delays, not an account issue. Try these steps:

  1. Wait 2–3 minutes. Carrier networks can delay SMS, especially during peak times or when you're roaming.

  2. Tap "Resend code" once. Request a new code from the verification screen. Avoid requesting multiple codes quickly—this can trigger temporary rate limits that delay delivery further.

  3. Check your cell signal. Weak signal or being in airplane mode prevents SMS delivery.

  4. Restart your phone. A restart can resolve carrier connection issues.

  5. Toggle airplane mode. Turn it on for 10 seconds, then off again to force a fresh network connection.

  6. Check for spam filters. Some devices or carriers filter messages from short codes. Check your spam or blocked messages folder.

  7. Switch from 5G to 4G/LTE. In some regions, 5G interferes with SMS delivery. Temporarily disable 5G in your phone settings.

  8. Clear your browser cache and cookies. If the code arrives but the page says it's expired, session issues might be causing the problem. Clear your browser data and try again.

If you're traveling internationally, SMS delivery may be unreliable. Wait 12–24 hours and try again, or use a different device or browser if available.

If the code still doesn't work

After trying the steps above:

  • Wait for the on-screen countdown before tapping Resend code. Dots allows up to 5 code requests per phone number every 30 minutes, and extra requests trigger a temporary block (see Rate limit exceeded).

  • If codes arrive but repeatedly expire before you can enter them, try using a different browser or device.

  • If you've tried multiple times over 24 hours and still can't log in, contact the company that created your Dots account for help.

Code fails before it's sent

When a code request fails before an SMS is delivered, you see an error message on the verification screen instead of receiving a code. This is a delivery failure, not a problem with your account or your phone number.

  • Unknown error occurred — A generic delivery failure happened before the message was sent. Wait a few minutes, then tap Resend code once and try again.

  • This phone number appears to be invalid. Please check the number and try again. — The number you entered isn't recognized. Re-enter the number exactly as it's registered on your account.

  • This phone number cannot receive text messages. Please use a mobile number. — The number can't accept SMS. Use a mobile number that can receive text messages.

  • This phone number has opted out of receiving our messages. Please use a different number or contact support. — The number has opted out of our messages. Use a different number.

  • This number has been temporarily blocked. Please try again later or use a different phone number. — The number is temporarily blocked. Wait and try again later, or use a different number.

If the error doesn't resolve after a few retries, contact the company that created your Dots account. They can confirm the phone number registered on your account and update it if the wrong number is on file.

Rate limit exceeded

If you request verification codes too often, Dots blocks new requests and the verification screen shows an error that says Rate limit exceeded. Wait for the limit to clear, then request a single code.

  • The limit is 5 code requests per phone number every 30 minutes. When you hit it, no new code is sent until the limit clears.

  • The Resend code button is disabled for 60 seconds after each request and shows a countdown like Resend code in (60s). This timer is only a pause between requests on your screen. The 30-minute limit is enforced on Dots' servers and is not reset by the timer.

  • Too many verification attempts. Please wait a few minutes and try again. (Code: DOTS-24) is a separate block from the text-message provider, not the 30-minute limit. Wait a few minutes and request a code again.

  • This limit is separate from the daily cap of 10 messages per phone number. See Daily message limit reached.

  1. Stop requesting codes. Every request counts toward the 5-per-30-minutes limit.

  2. Wait 30 minutes without requesting a code. Then request one code. If the error appears again, wait longer before the next request.

  3. Try WhatsApp instead of SMS. When you're claiming a payout link, check Send my code on WhatsApp before sending the code, or tap Send SMS instead to switch back. WhatsApp isn't offered for US and US-territory numbers, and it isn't available on the login screen. See WhatsApp verification codes.

  4. Contact the company that created your Dots account if the error continues after waiting. They can confirm the phone number registered on your account and update it if a wrong number is on file.

Daily message limit reached

Dots allows up to 10 verification messages per phone number in a rolling 24-hour period. When you reach that cap, code requests stop and you see: You have reached the maximum number of messages for today.

This limit counts the preceding 24 hours, not a calendar day, and it applies before any message is sent. Because the limit is per phone number, it clears as your earlier requests fall outside the 24-hour window.

  1. Wait for the window to pass. The limit clears as your earlier requests fall outside the last 24 hours.

  2. Contact the company that created your Dots account. They can update the phone number on your account if you need access sooner.

Code is rejected or expired

When the code you enter is refused or no longer valid, you stay on the verification screen and see an error message. A rejected code does not automatically resend a new one or clear the field you entered.

  • Incorrect authentication code or PIN provided — The code you entered doesn't match the one that was sent. Check the code and re-enter it.

  • Authentication code expired — Verification codes expire after 10 minutes. Tap Resend code to request a new one.

If you've tried multiple times over 24 hours and still can't log in or withdraw, contact the company that created your Dots account for help.

Lost access to your phone number

If you changed your phone number, lost your device, or no longer have SMS access to the number registered on your account, you won't be able to receive verification codes until the number is updated.

Dots does not have a self-serve option to change your registered phone number when you can't log in. To update your number:

  1. Contact the company that created your Dots account. This is the platform or payer who sent you the payout link or invited you to Dots.

  2. Provide them with your new phone number. They can update your account from their dashboard.

  3. Once updated, try logging in again. The change should sync and allow you to receive codes at your new number.

When you contact the company, include: your name, the email address associated with your account (if you provided one), and your new phone number. This helps them verify your identity and update your account faster.

If you don't know who created your account

If you're not sure which company or platform created your Dots account, check:

  • Text messages or emails about the payout or invitation

  • Your bank or payment app for incoming transfer notifications

  • Any platform you work with that might have sent you a payment

Can't find your account

If Dots says your phone number or email isn't recognized, or support can't locate your account, you may be trying to access the wrong account or using different information than what's registered.

Check which phone number you used

Think carefully about which phone number you used when you first claimed a payout or created your account:

  • Did you use a different number when you first signed up?

  • Have you changed numbers recently?

  • Could someone else (a family member or partner) have created an account with your information?

You might have multiple accounts

Some people have more than one Dots account—typically because they received payouts from different companies. Each account may be registered to a different phone number or email.

If you have multiple accounts:

  • Try logging in with each phone number you've used for payouts

  • If you're not sure which number to use, contact the company that sent you the payout—they can confirm the registered phone number

If none of this works

If you've tried all your phone numbers and still can't find your account, contact the company that created your Dots account. They can confirm what phone number and email are registered to your account.

Before you contact support

If you need help from the company that created your account or from Dots support, gather this information first to speed up the process:

  • The phone number you think is on your account

  • Any other phone numbers you might have used

  • Your email address (if you provided one)

  • The name of the company or platform that sent you the payout

  • Approximate date of your last payout or activity

For most account recovery issues, the company that created your Dots account is the fastest path to resolution. They can update your phone number directly and help you get back into your account.

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