Rate limit
Definition
A cap on how many codes or attempts a service allows in a period, after which you must wait.
Rate limit, explained
A rate limit restricts how often you can perform an action, such as requesting a verification code, entering a code or creating accounts from one device or IP address. Services use rate limits to stop abuse and protect their SMS budgets. If you tap Resend code several times quickly, you may be told to wait minutes or hours, and some apps silently stop sending codes. When a code is slow, waiting a minute before requesting another is usually better than retrying repeatedly. Rate limits are also one reason bulk account creation does not work, and Noir SMS prohibits it anyway.
Related terms
Where you'll meet this term
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Read the guide →TroubleshootingDiscord Phone Verification Not Working: VoIP, “Already in Use” and Rate Limits
Fix Discord phone verification: VoIP numbers rejected, “number already in use,” rate limits, and codes that never arrive.
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See the comparison →SMS code vs Voice call verificationSMS code vs voice call verification
Some apps can read your code by phone call instead of texting it. How voice verification differs from SMS, when each works, and why landlines need it.
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