Background
When connecting the SMS or Phone Call services, IFTTT sends a PIN to the phone number you enter as part of the connection process. The SMS service delivers this PIN by text message, while the Phone Call service delivers it through an automated call.
The Phone Call service Connection Screen
In some cases, the PIN does not arrive because your phone is blocking messages or calls from unknown numbers. The steps below can help you identify and adjust these settings on both iOS and Android devices.
SMS PIN not being received
To connect to the IFTTT SMS service, go to ifttt.com/sms and press Connect. Enter your phone number, then press Send PIN.
If you do not receive the SMS PIN, your phone may be filtering or blocking messages from unknown senders. Follow the steps below to troubleshoot:
iOS
Open Settings
Select Messages
-
Scroll down to the Unknown Senders heading and check:
Screen unknown senders: If this is turned on, your device may move the PIN message into a separate list or block it entirely.
- Filter Spam: If enabled, your device may be inadvertently blocking the message.
Try temporarily turning these settings off, then request the PIN again.
If you receive the PIN, the message was likely being filtered. Add the IFTTT SMS number to your contacts, then re-enable your desired filtering in the Messages settings.
Android
(Android settings vary by device and manufacturer, but the steps below cover the most common locations.)
Open Messages
Select Settings
-
Look for:
Spam protection
Block numbers and spam
Block unknown or private numbers
Block messages from unknown senders
If any of these are enabled, temporarily disable them, then request the PIN again.
If you receive the PIN, add the IFTTT SMS number to your contacts to prevent future issues. After that you can re-enable your spam filtering settings.
Phone Call PIN not being received
To connect to the IFTTT Phone Call service, go to ifttt.com/phone_call and press Connect. Enter your phone number, then press Send PIN.
If the automated call does not reach your phone, call blocking or call screening settings may be active. Follow the steps below to troubleshoot:
iOS
Open Settings
Select Phone
-
Scroll down and check the following:
-
Under the Silence Unknown Callers heading:
If Silence or Ask Reason for Calling are enabled, your phone may send the IFTTT call directly to voicemail.
-
Under the Call Filtering heading:
Unknown Callers: If enabled, this may move the call to the unknown callers list, preventing you from receiving it.
Spam: If enabled, this setting may inadvertently block IFTTT’s call.
-
Try turning these settings off, then request the call again.
If the call comes through, add the IFTTT call number to your contacts, then re-enable your preferred settings.
Android
(Android settings vary by device and manufacturer, but the steps below cover the most common locations.)
Open the Phone app on your Android device.
Tap the three‑dot menu or More icon, then select Settings.
-
Look for the following options:
Caller ID & spam / Spam and Call Screen
If your phone shows a Caller ID & spam or Spam and Call Screen section, open it.
Turn See caller and spam ID on if it is off. Google Help
If available, turn Filter spam calls off temporarily. This setting may send suspected spam calls to voicemail or block them before they reach you. Google Help
Blocked numbers
In Phone app > Settings > Blocked numbers, check whether unknown or unidentified callers are blocked.
If any of these are turned on, temporarily disable them and try connecting again.
If the PIN call comes through, add the IFTTT phone number to your contacts. After that you can re-enable your desired call filtering settings.
Still having trouble?
If you have confirmed that your phone is not blocking messages or calls and you still do not receive the PIN, contact our support team for help.