Another Waymo question

Question

Hi we are currently in San Francisco from the UK. We have downloaded the Waymo app. It is asking for a phone no. We have put in our U.K. mobile and a number will be sent via text to the phone number but no text is received. We have tried two different UK phone no . So any ideas what we are doing wrong thanks

Answer

Short answer: most likely the app is expecting an international-format number (country code) and some UK carriers block or filter OTP/SMS messages from U.S. short codes — so try entering your number in international format (with +44 and drop the leading 0), make sure your phone can receive international SMS while roaming, then try again. If that still fails, contact Waymo support from the app or try a temporary U.S. number/workaround. Below are step-by-step checks and alternatives.

Most load-bearing points are listed first so you can try the quick fixes immediately.

1) Enter the phone number in international format: use the plus sign (+), country code, then the rest of your number without the leading 0. Example for the U.K.: use +44 7XXXXXXXXX (drop the initial 0 from the UK mobile). Many users report this fixes the “invalid number / no SMS” problem.
2) Make sure your phone can receive SMS from international senders: verify you have data/roaming enabled and that your UK carrier allows inbound international SMS/short-code messages while roaming. Some UK carriers block one-time codes sent from foreign short codes — call or check your carrier’s support if you suspect blocking. Community reports show mobile networks sometimes filter OTPs.
3) Try alternate input styles if + doesn’t work: if the app rejects +44, try the international numeric prefix 0044 (e.g. 0044 7XXXXXXXXX). Some apps accept either + or 00. If the app still rejects the number, note the app may only accept numbers from supported regions — keep this in mind and proceed to the support step below.
4) Check the phone’s message settings and spam folders: ensure SMS is not being filtered into an “unknown senders” or spam folder, and that iMessage/other messaging apps aren’t intercepting — sometimes verification messages are misdirected.
5) If SMS fails repeatedly, try these workarounds:
- Ask your hotel concierge or a friend in the U.S. for a U.S. mobile number you can use temporarily (Waymo’s verification usually accepts U.S. numbers).
- Get a temporary U.S. number (Google Voice, an eSIM that provides U.S. SMS, or a paid temporary SMS service). Note temporary/SMS-forwarding services sometimes get blocked; Google Voice requires a U.S. account to set up ahead of travel.
- Try the app’s “call me” or voice-code option if it offers one (some services provide a voice call alternative to SMS). If Waymo does not show this option, proceed to contact support.
6) Contact Waymo support if nothing works: use the Waymo Help / Contact pages or the in-app Support button to report the verification failure — you can chat or email and they can advise or manually enable your account. The Waymo site lists contact/support options. If you contact them, mention you are a UK visitor, the exact phone format you tried, and your phone carrier.

Extra notes & cautions:

Waymo has occasionally imposed region restrictions on signups; if the app is limited to U.S. numbers in your current city, support can confirm whether UK numbers are allowed. User forums show mixed experiences — some travelers succeed with +44, others needed a U.S. number.
Avoid public “temporary SMS” websites for account verification if you plan to keep the account long-term — they’re insecure and sometimes blocked by services. If you only need a single ride, a hotel/concierge or paid U.S. eSIM are safer.