# How does wait_for_code get one-time codes for my agent?

**Short answer:** wait_for_code waits up to 55 seconds for a one-time code to arrive by SMS or email, then returns it. Agentline NZ scans every inbound SMS and email for a one-time code and hands back the newest code that hasn't already been returned, so your agent doesn't have to poll.

## Steps

1. **Give the service your Agentline NZ details.** Your agent enters your Agentline NZ 028 number or @agentline.nz email address in the sign-up or sign-in form.

2. **Call wait_for_code.** Straight after submitting the form, the agent calls wait_for_code. Set channel to sms, email or any.

3. **Narrow it down if needed.** If several codes might arrive at once, pass from_contains with part of the sender, for example Google or noreply@github.com.

4. **Use the code.** wait_for_code returns the code, the channel, the sender and when it arrived. The agent types it in to finish.

## REST API example

```bash
curl -X POST https://agentline.nz/api/v1/wait-for-code \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $AGENTLINE_KEY" -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"channel":"any","timeout_seconds":45}'
```

## Good to know

- We can't guarantee that every third-party service will accept an Agentline NZ number for verification.
- Each code is only handed out once, so two agents waiting on the same account won't both get it.

## FAQ

### Will every service send codes to my number?

No. Some services won't send codes to business messaging numbers. We can't guarantee that every third-party service will accept an Agentline NZ number for verification. See [Can an AI agent receive SMS verification codes in New Zealand?](/kb/can-an-ai-agent-receive-sms-verification-codes-in-nz).

## Related

- [Can an AI agent receive SMS verification codes in New Zealand?](/kb/can-an-ai-agent-receive-sms-verification-codes-in-nz)
- [How to give Claude a phone number, text and email in New Zealand](/guides/claude)
- [How to give ChatGPT and Dots a phone number, text and email in New Zealand](/guides/chatgpt)

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