Quick Facts

• Dial: +61 Major mobile networks: Telstra, Optus, Vodafone (TPG).
• Typical OTP sender types you’ll see in Australia: Alphanumeric Sender ID (brand name like “ANZ”, “Apple”), virtual mobile numbers (long codes), and, less commonly for consumers, short codes (provider-specific availability). Replies don’t work to Alphanumeric IDs; use a normal mobile number if you must reply.
• Alphanumeric IDs must be pre-registered. Since 2023, carriers block unregistered A-to-P IDs; providers (e.g., Twilio) require preregistration. The government is moving to a mandatory national Sender ID Register (ACMA) to curb spoofing.

What this means when you try to receive a code

• Most apps send from a brand name (e.g., “ServiceNSW”). That’s normal in AU and more trusted. You can’t reply to those; the app flow handles it.
• Some apps block VoIP/virtual numbers for sign-ups (security/anti-abuse). WhatsApp, for example, does not allow VoIP numbers for registration. If you must verify WhatsApp, use a SIM-based (non-VoIP) mobile where possible.
• Two-way (reply) is available only when the sender is a standard mobile number (not an alpha ID). Australian networks fully support two-way on virtual/dedicated mobile numbers via most CPaaS platforms.

PingMe options for Australia

• Free, public AU numbers (quick, one-off codes): Use PingMe’s Receive SMS Online – Australia page, pick a number, send the OTP, then refresh to read it. Best for low-stakes sign-ups. (Note: public numbers are shared.) 
• Private AU number (repeat verifications & privacy): Get your own dedicated Australian virtual mobile via PingMe so codes aren’t visible to others. This is safer for accounts you’ll keep.
• Automation/API: Integrate PingMe’s Verification Code Helper API to programmatically allocate numbers and fetch inbound OTPs in your app or scripts.

Tip: If a specific app rejects VoIP/virtual numbers, that’s the app’s policy (common with finance, messaging). Try a different PingMe route or a SIM-based destination for that app.

Step-by-step: getting your code with PingMe (AU)

1. Open PingMe → Receive SMS Online (Australia) and choose a number.
2. Enter that +61 number in the app you’re verifying and request the code.
3. Return to PingMe and refresh the inbox to view the latest SMS.
4. For recurring use or privacy, switch to a private AU number (your messages won’t be public).
5. Need scale or automation? Use the PingMe Verification Code Helper API.

If you’re sending OTP to Australian users

• Register your Alphanumeric Sender ID with your provider; unregistered IDs are blocked in AU. Twilio: preregistration required since April 25, 2023.
• Sender ID Register (ACMA): Australia is implementing a mandatory register to stop spoofing; ACMA ran consultations in 2025. Expect tighter brand-ID checks as this rolls out.
• Spam Act 2003: OTP is typically transactional (not marketing). Marketing texts must have consent, clear sender identification, and an easy unsubscribe. (ACMA enforces heavily—see recent fines.)
• Two-way needs a real number: Replies aren’t possible to Alpha IDs; use a virtual/dedicated mobile for customer replies.

Tech details & common gotchas

• Message length/encoding: GSM-7 up to 160 chars; Unicode up to 70 per segment. Long messages are concatenated; MMS supported by many providers.
• Landlines: SMS to landline numbers will fail (e.g., Twilio error 21614). If you don’t receive a code, confirm the number is a mobile.
• M2M/IoT numbers: Delivery is best-effort only; prefer standard consumer mobiles for OTP.

What’s changing in 2025?

The government is transitioning to a mandatory SMS Sender ID Register to stop brand spoofing; ACMA has been consulting on the rules in 2025. Some providers indicate stricter enforcement timelines late-2025—watch provider notices for exact dates. 

FAQ

1. Why did my WhatsApp code not arrive to a PingMe AU number?
WhatsApp blocks VoIP/virtual numbers for registration—use a SIM-based mobile for WhatsApp signup.

2. Can I reply to an OTP sender that shows a brand name?
Usually no. Alphanumeric Sender IDs don’t accept replies; use a normal mobile sender if you need two-way.

3. Is OTP legal without unsubscribe?
Yes—OTP is transactional. But marketing SMS must have consent, identification, and an easy unsubscribe under the Spam Act.

PingMe playbook

• One-off sign-up? Use public AU PingMe numbers → get code quickly.
• Ongoing accounts/privacy? Get a private AU number (recommended).
• Teams/automation? Use the Verification Code Helper API to pull codes programmatically.