Quick Summary
- The OTP goes to the mobile number registered to your iqama in the MOI system — not necessarily your current SIM
- Most common cause: you changed your SIM card but did not update the registered number
- Try the Absher website (absher.sa) instead of the app — often more reliable
- Wait 2 full minutes before requesting OTP again — do not spam the button
- If nothing works — visit Jawazat to update your registered mobile number
- Use Muqeem.sa as an alternative to check iqama status without OTP
Why Is Your Absher OTP Not Being Received?
The Absher OTP is sent as an SMS to the mobile number that was registered to your iqama in the Ministry of Interior (MOI) system. This is a crucial distinction — it goes to the registered number, not just any Saudi SIM you currently hold.
Here are the most common root causes:
Changed SIM Card — Most Common
You got a new Saudi SIM but the old number is still registered in the MOI system. OTP goes to your old number which you no longer have.
Poor or No Signal
Your phone has no signal or is in airplane mode. SMS cannot be delivered without a network connection.
SIM Barred or Inactive
Your Saudi SIM has been deactivated due to non-use, unpaid bills or iqama expiry. Barred SIMs cannot receive SMS.
Outside Saudi Arabia
Your Saudi SIM does not have international SMS roaming activated, so OTPs cannot reach you abroad.
Network Congestion / System Delay
Absher OTP servers are occasionally slow during peak times. Delays of 3–5 minutes can occur.
SMS Blocked by Phone
Your phone's spam filter or message blocking settings may be preventing the OTP SMS from showing.
Requesting OTP Too Many Times
Clicking resend repeatedly in quick succession can trigger a temporary block on OTP delivery to your number.
App Version Issue
An outdated Absher app version may have bugs affecting OTP requests. The website version often works when the app does not.
8 Fixes — Try in This Order
Work through these fixes from top to bottom — start with the quickest and easiest. Most people solve the problem within the first 3 fixes.
Check Signal and Airplane Mode
Check that your phone has mobile signal and is NOT in airplane mode or Wi-Fi calling only mode. Absher OTPs are sent via SMS — not over the internet. Even if you have Wi-Fi, you need mobile signal to receive SMS. Turn airplane mode on and off to reset the connection.
Wait 2 Full Minutes Then Request Again
OTPs sometimes take 1–3 minutes during peak times. Do not click resend repeatedly — this can trigger a temporary block. Set a timer for 2 minutes, wait patiently, then request the OTP again exactly once. If you have been clicking repeatedly wait at least 10 minutes before trying again.
Check Spam / Blocked Messages Folder
On some phones OTP SMS messages are automatically filtered into a spam or blocked messages folder. On Android check your Messages app spam folder. On iPhone check the Unknown Senders filter in Settings → Messages. The OTP sender name is usually "Absher" or a short code number.
Try the Absher Website Instead of the App
Open your browser and go to absher.sa and try logging in there. The website is often more stable than the mobile app and uses a different OTP delivery channel. If the app is giving issues the website frequently works when the app does not. Try this before anything else if you have been stuck on the app.
Restart Your Phone and Try Again
A full phone restart refreshes your mobile network connection and clears any temporary glitches. After restarting wait 1 minute for the network to reconnect fully, then open Absher and request a fresh OTP. This fixes many intermittent network-related OTP issues.
Update or Reinstall the Absher App
Check if an Absher app update is available in the App Store or Google Play. Outdated app versions sometimes have OTP request bugs. If an update is available install it and try again. If already on the latest version try uninstalling and reinstalling the app completely — this clears corrupted cache files.
If Outside Saudi Arabia — Enable International SMS Roaming
Saudi SIM cards do not automatically receive international SMS. Contact your Saudi mobile provider (STC, Zain or Mobily) to confirm international SMS roaming is active on your number. You may be able to activate it through their app or website. Alternatively ask a trusted person in Saudi Arabia who has access to Absher to help.
Update Your Registered Mobile Number at Jawazat
If none of the above works the most likely cause is that your registered mobile number has changed — your new SIM number is not yet in the MOI system. The OTP is going to your old number which you no longer have. You must visit a Jawazat (passport) office with your iqama and passport to update the registered number. Alternatively some Saudi banks (Al Rajhi, SNB, Riyad Bank) allow this update through online banking if your iqama is linked to your account.
How to Update Your Registered Mobile Number
If the problem is that your registered number has changed, here are the ways to update it:
Option 1 — Visit Jawazat (Passport Office)
Bring Required Documents
Your valid iqama, your passport and your new Saudi SIM card (in the phone showing the number).
Visit the Nearest Jawazat Office
Go to the nearest Jawazat (General Directorate of Passports) office during working hours. Take a number and wait for your turn.
Request Mobile Number Update
Tell the officer you need to update your registered mobile number in the MOI system. They will verify your identity with your iqama and update it on the spot. The update usually takes effect within a few hours.
Test Absher After the Update
Once updated try logging into Absher again. Request a new OTP — it should now arrive on your current Saudi SIM within 1–2 minutes.
Option 2 — Through Your Saudi Bank (Faster)
Several Saudi banks allow you to update your MOI-registered mobile number through their online or mobile banking platforms — without visiting Jawazat. This works if your iqama is linked to your bank account.
- Al Rajhi Bank — Al Rajhi Mobile app → Settings → Update National ID Mobile Number
- SNB (Saudi National Bank) — SNB AlAhli app → Personal Settings → Update Mobile Number
- Riyad Bank — Riyad Mobile app → Profile → Update Absher Number
- Other banks — check their app settings for "Update iqama mobile number" or "Absher number"
Access Iqama Information Without Absher OTP
While you are resolving the OTP issue you can still access some iqama information through alternative platforms that do not require Absher login:
Muqeem.sa
Check iqama status, expiry date and sponsor details using just your iqama number and Hijri date of birth. No OTP or Saudi SIM needed. Works from any country.
Qiwa.sa
Check your employment contract, employer details and file labour complaints. Uses its own login system separate from Absher — may have different OTP options.
Visit Jawazat Directly
For urgent iqama status checks or renewal matters visit a Jawazat office in person with your iqama and passport. They can check your status without Absher.
Ask Trusted Person
Ask a trusted colleague or friend in Saudi Arabia to check your iqama number on Muqeem.sa on your behalf if you are abroad with no access.
How to Prevent This Problem in Future
- Update MOI registration when you change SIM — every time you get a new Saudi SIM card update your registered number through Jawazat or your bank immediately. Do not wait until you need to use Absher urgently.
- Keep your Saudi SIM active — even on vacation ensure your Saudi SIM has credit or an active plan so it does not get deactivated. A deactivated SIM cannot receive OTPs.
- Enable international roaming before leaving Saudi Arabia — activate international SMS roaming on your Saudi SIM before any international trip. Contact STC, Zain or Mobily to enable this.
- Screenshot your Absher information before travel — before leaving Saudi Arabia check and screenshot your iqama expiry, exit visa status and Huroob status. This information stays with you even if you cannot log in abroad.
- Keep the Absher website bookmarked — absher.sa works when the app does not. Bookmark it so you can switch instantly if the app has problems.
Related Guides You Should Read
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Absher OTP going to my old number?
The Absher OTP is sent to whichever mobile number is registered against your iqama in the MOI database — not to your current SIM automatically. When you get a new Saudi SIM card the system does not update automatically. You need to manually update your registered number at Jawazat or through your Saudi bank. Until you update it the OTP goes to your old number.
Can I access Absher without an OTP?
No — the OTP is a mandatory security verification for every Absher login. You cannot bypass it through any method. However you can check your iqama status without Absher by using the Muqeem website at muqeem.sa — this shows iqama expiry and status using just your iqama number and date of birth with no OTP required.
My Absher OTP is not received when I am outside Saudi Arabia. What do I do?
Saudi SIMs do not automatically receive international SMS. You need to activate international SMS roaming on your Saudi SIM by contacting STC, Zain or Mobily. If your Saudi SIM is already inactive or you cannot do this, use Muqeem.sa to check iqama status without OTP. For full Absher access you need an active Saudi SIM with roaming enabled or must update your registered number when you next visit Saudi Arabia.
How long should I wait for the OTP to arrive?
The Absher OTP usually arrives within 30 to 60 seconds. During peak times it may take up to 3 minutes. Set a timer for 2 full minutes and wait — do not click resend before the 2 minutes are up. Clicking resend too quickly can cause a temporary block on OTP delivery. If after 3 minutes nothing has arrived try the other fixes in this guide.
I clicked resend many times and now no OTP is arriving at all. What happened?
Clicking resend multiple times quickly can trigger a temporary rate-limit block on OTP delivery to your number. Wait at least 10 to 15 minutes without trying again. Then try once on the Absher website (absher.sa) rather than the app. If still not arriving after waiting check if your SIM is active and has signal before trying again.
Can I update my Absher registered number online without visiting Jawazat?
Yes — if your iqama is linked to a Saudi bank account you can update your MOI-registered mobile number through Al Rajhi Bank, SNB (Saudi National Bank) or Riyad Bank mobile apps without visiting Jawazat. Look for "Update National ID mobile number" or "Absher number" in the app settings. This is faster and can be done from anywhere. If your iqama is not linked to a Saudi bank account you must visit Jawazat in person.
The Absher app keeps crashing before the OTP step. What do I do?
Use the Absher website at absher.sa on your phone or computer browser instead of the app. The website provides full Absher functionality without any app installation or crash issues. If the app keeps crashing try uninstalling and reinstalling it from the official App Store or Google Play — but always try the website first as it is more reliable.