Fix SMS verification issues when you add a bank account on Google Pay

Confirm phone number

Confirm that the number linked to your bank account matches the number which you use to send SMS.

If you have a dual SIM phone:

Make sure that you send SMS with the number that’s linked to your bank account.
If your SMS settings are set to “Ask every time,” you must set the SIM linked to your bank account as the primary SIM.
1. On your mobile device, go to Network and settings.
2. Select SIMs SMS.
3. Change your SMS settings.

Clear messaging app cache

On your mobile device, open the Settings app.
Tap Apps & notifications.
Select your messaging app.
Tap Storage Clear cache.

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) limits the number of SMS messages used for bank account verification to 3 attempts within a 24-hour period. If you try more than 3 times within 24 hours, your account will be blocked for the next 24 hours.

Before you try again, you must wait 24 hours after your last attempt. Any attempt made before the 24-hour period expires, extends the block for another 24 hours from the time of the attempt.

Check network

To send or receive messages, check if your phone has a strong network connection.

Enable SMS

Send a test SMS to yourself or someone you know. If it fails, check with your operator if you have an active outgoing SMS pack.

Tip: Some SMS recharge packs don't have outgoing SMS enabled. If you’re a prepaid mobile user, check your plan details.

Check prepaid balance

If you’re a prepaid mobile user, follow the steps below:

To send a message, confirm whether you have the required SMS balance.
To check your balance, follow the steps given by your operator.
To check your balance with different operators, dial the following:
- Jio: 333#
- BSNL: *123*1#
- Airtel: *121*7#
- MTNL: *123#
- Tata: *111#
- VI: *199*1*8#

Refresh your Short Message Service Center (SMSC)

Contact your manufacturer or operator.

Remove & re-add inactive bank account

To remove an account:

On your mobile device, open the Google Pay app .
At the top right, tap your profile picture Bank account.
To activate the bank account, tap it.
- When it prompts you to set a UPI number, tap Not now.
On the “Payment methods” page, tap the activated bank account.
Tap More Remove account Continue.

To re-add a bank account:

Add a Bank Account now

If you still have issues

Continue to try these steps up to 3 times every 24 hours.

If you try more than 3 times within 24 hours, your account will be blocked for the next 24 hours. You’re unable to use Google Pay within the blocked period.

If you still have these issues 7 days after your first try, contact your phone operator.

Useful information

Activate a bank account on Google Pay without SMS

To activate your bank account, you should send an SMS through Google Pay as mandated by NPCI. This step is critical to verify the identity of an onboarded user, and is followed by all third-party application providers on UPI.

Issue with SMS delivery

If you’re a prepaid user, check if you have a valid outgoing SMS pack with a minimum balance. If the issue still continues, it might be due to network issues from the provider's end.

Common steps to resolve SMS issues

Follow the steps mentioned in this article, that includes:

Clear cache
Refresh SMSC
Turn on network connectivity
Make sure you have enough SMS balance

If the issue still continues, it might be due to network issues from the provider's end.