Alex Ruben
How To Resolve the SMS Limit for Device Registration on Google Pay
Ever run into that annoying message saying, “You have exceeded the SMS limit for device registration” when trying to set up Google Pay? Yeah, it’s a pain. Turns out, Google Pay has some security cap on how many times you can send SMS for device registration, maybe to prevent spam or fraud. But don’t worry, it’s not a permanent lock, and there are some tricks to fix this. Here’s what sort of worked on different setups—kind of weird, but these methods help.
Method 1: Wait a Day or Two
This is the classic “wait it out” move. If you just hit the error, give it some time, like 24 hours. Seems dumb, but sometimes Google’s limits reset after a bit. Basically, the system might be temporarily holding back your SMS limit, and a sleep fixes it. On some devices, it’s a one-time thing — you try again after waiting, and voilà, you’re in. No promises, but worth a shot. The reason it helps? Limits are often reset server-side after a cooldown period. When to do it? Right after you hit the error, and you’re not in such a rush. Expect to try again the next day. (Another one to try ‑‑ just in case the timing’s off; some folks said it took longer for the limit to reset.)
Method 2: Use a Different SIM or Phone
If waiting didn’t do it, maybe try swapping the SIM card with a different one or even another phone. In some cases, the limit is tied to the SIM’s number or device. Kind of a weird workaround, but if you have a spare phone lying around, give it a shot. This can bypass the imitated limit tied to your current device’s SMS history. The idea? A fresh number might not be flagged yet. When to do this? When waiting doesn’t work and the same device keeps throwing the error. Expect an alternative setup that might work where nothing else does. Unexpected, yes, but sometimes Google’s security measures just get *really* aggressive. Because of course, Windows and Android have to make it harder than necessary.
Method 3: Check Your SMS and Network Settings
Make sure your SIM’s SMS plan is active and working. Sometimes it’s just a carrier setting or balance issue. Google Pay sends a verification SMS in the background, and if your SMS isn’t working correctly, it’ll block registration. Here’s what to look for:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Network & Internet.
- Tap on Mobile Network.
- Ensure SMS and data are enabled, and that your network connection is stable.
Switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data or toggling airplane mode on/off can sometimes kick this into gear. Also, check that your SMS plan has enough balance—some prepaid providers limit SMS without credit.
Method 4: Clear App Cache and Data
This is a bit of a “sometimes it helps, sometimes not” thing, but it’s worth a try. Google Pay stores some info locally that might be cluttered or corrupted. Clearing cache and data resets this and could fix the limit glitch.
- Open Settings.
- Head to Apps & Notifications or Apps Management.
- Find and tap on Google Pay.
- Go to Storage & Cache, then tap Clear Cache and Clear Data.
On some devices, this step triggers a new attempt at SMS registration that might bypass the limit. Be aware that clearing app data might reset some preferences, so you might need to log in again.
Method 5: Reinstall Google Pay
If all else fails, uninstall Google Pay completely, restart the device, then download it fresh from the Google Play Store. Sometimes, the app just gets stuck or corrupted, and reinstalling resets the necessary data. It’s a straightforward move but can fix weird limbo states in the app. Just note, you might have to re-link your bank account and set up again.
Method 6: Reach Out to Support or Use Another Device
If none of these tips work after a while, it’s probably best to contact Google Pay support. They can sometimes lift the limit manually or advise on account-specific issues. Also, trying to register via a different phone might help — especially if your current device seems stuck in a bad limbo mode related to the SMS limit. On one setup it worked, on another… not so much.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
While troubleshooting, keep in mind:
- Make sure your mobile balance is enough for SMS, especially if you’re prepaid. Different carriers have codes to check balance quickly, like
333#for Jio or*123*1#for BSNL. These can confirm if your SMS service is active. - Ensure your phone OS is up to date. Sometimes system bugs block SMS or interfere with app permissions.
Conclusion
If you’re stuck with the SMS limit error on Google Pay, patience plus a few of these tricks might get you through. Not always straightforward, but these steps have helped some folks get their device registered again. Fingers crossed this helps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the SMS limit error mean?
The SMS limit error pops up because Google Pay caps how many SMS messages you can send for device registration, probably for security reasons. Once you hit that cap, it stops letting you register new devices until the limit resets or is bypassed.
Can I still use Google Pay if I get this error?
Sure, your existing setup remains active. You just can’t register a new device or link new numbers until the limit is cleared. It’s mainly about adding new hardware, not using your current app.
What if none of these solutions work?
If it still doesn’t work after all this, contacting Google Pay support is the next step. Sometimes, accounts get flagged, and only support can manually clear these limits. Worth a shot.
Summary
- Wait 24 hours after hitting the limit, sometimes it resets.
- Try swapping the SIM or using another device.
- Double-check your SMS plan and network settings.
- Clear app cache/data or reinstall Google Pay.
- If all else fails, contact support or use a different phone.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Good luck!