Why the code does not reach you
Most Indian OTPs are sent by SMS to the Indian number registered with the bank or service. From the Gulf, a few things get in the way:
- The Indian SIM is not roaming, or roaming is switched off on the phone.
- The SIM has lapsed. Indian prepaid numbers need a regular recharge to stay active, even if you only receive messages.
- The phone has the Gulf SIM in its only slot, so the Indian number is not in the phone at all.
- The service only sends to Indian numbers, and your registered number is now a UAE, Saudi or Qatari one.
What to try, in order
- Keep the Indian SIM active. Recharge it, and ask your operator whether incoming SMS works on international roaming in your country and what it costs.
- Use a dual-SIM phone, with the Indian SIM in the second slot and roaming on for it alone.
- Ask for email OTP. Many Indian banks can send the code to your registered email address as well as, or instead of, SMS.
- Register your Gulf number with the bank. Most banks let NRE and NRO customers add an international mobile number for OTPs and alerts. This is done through the bank, usually with a form or a branch visit.
- Use the bank's own app login where it offers device binding or an in-app code, so you need SMS less often.
Where an Indian IP address helps, and where it does not
A VPN carries internet traffic. It cannot receive an SMS, and no VPN can make a text message reach a phone that is not on the network. If the code is not arriving, fix the SIM or the registered number first.
An Indian IP address helps with the step before the OTP: some Indian sites refuse, loop or show an error to foreign connections, so you never get as far as the "send OTP" button. Connect Cybo VPN to India (a PRO server), then open the site, and stay on the same server until you have logged in and out.
Never share the code
No bank, government office or delivery company will call or message to ask for an OTP. Anyone who does is trying to take over your account. A VPN protects your connection; it cannot protect a code you read out.