How to fix Google Duo unable to send request problem when signing up with a phone number

Google Duo is a great video calling app that helps you stay connected with your professional and personal network with ease. The app has multiple capabilities and even allows for VoIP on low-signal networks. Adding friends and colleagues on the app is really simple. You simply need to sync your contacts and everyone using the app on their device should appear in your contact list.

You can also use Google Duo on your PC thanks to the availability of a web version. Even more, you can even install the Duo Android app itself on your PC with a little hack and use the app itself on your PC.

What is ‘Unable to send request’ error

While signing up for the app and joining a video call is easy, you can run into an error. One such is error is the ‘unable to send the request‘ error that you may get when signing up with a phone number.

We have compiled a simple, easy to use guide that will help you along the way. Let’s get started.

Why am I unable to sign up Google Duo?

• Bug in the app
• Botched installation process
• Denied necessary permissions
• Low balance in your phone account
• Network error

All of these issues can prevent you from inviting someone on Google Duo. Let’s take a look at some of the common fixes that you can apply in order to overcome this problem.

How to Fix the Google Duo Unable to send request error

Here are few simple tips to fix the issue.

Method 1: Restart the device

The simplest solution may often be the best solution. Give your device a restart by holding the power button, and then tapping on Restart/Power off.

When it reboots, open the Duo app again and try to sign in.

Method 2: Update the app

If you experience bugs in the app and are using an older device running on an older Android then it is likely that your app might be experiencing a bug. The best way to get rid of bugs is to update your app from the Play Store. If you do not know how to do so, simply follow our step by step guide listed below.

Step 1: Open the ‘Play Store’ on your phone.

Step 2: Tap on the ‘Menu icon’ in the top left-hand corner and select ‘My apps & games’.

Step 3: You will now see a list of all the apps with pending updates on your phone. Scroll until you find Google Duo in the list and tap on ‘Update’ beside it.

The app should now automatically update itself and any bug that was preventing you from signing up should be ironed away.

Method 3: Give SMS permission

If none of the above fixes work for you, then there is a high chance that you haven’t granted Google Duo SMS permissions in order to send a message to get an OTP to verify your number. Follow this guide to grant the necessary permissions.

Note: Make sure you have enough balance in your cellular account in order to send an SMS via your network if you are on a prepaid plan. Alternatively, also make sure that your network does not charge extra for sending out special service messages in order to avoid extra charges.

Step 1: Open the ‘Settings’ app on your phone and head over to ‘Apps & Notifications’.

Note: Depending on your manufacturer and ROM, this option could also be called ‘Manage Apps’, ‘Apps & Permissions’ or ‘Installed Applications’.

Step 2: Scroll the list until you find ‘Google Duo’. Tap on it and select ‘App Permissions’.

Step 3: Now tap on the permission titled ‘SMS’ and select ‘Allow’ on the next screen.

Note: Depending on your manufacturer, this permission could also be called as ‘Telephone’. If you do not see this permission, then simply enable all the permissions.

Step 4: Launch the Google Duo app again and try to sign up now.

Method 4: Reinstall the app

If updating the app does not work for you, you can always try reinstalling the app. App installations can often get botched due to low network, power loss issues and low RAM which can cause inherent bugs with your installations. These issues can be fixed by simply uninstalling and reinstalling the app.

Note: Make sure you have enough free RAM and charge on your phone during the installation process to avoid the same issues all over again.

Step 1: Uninstall Google Duo from your phone. You can do this by long holding on the app icon and then dragging it to the top right-hand corner of your screen to the ‘Uninstall’ option. You can also head over to the app list in your Settings application and uninstall Google Duo from there.

Step 2: Once the app is uninstalled, head over to the Play Store and search for ‘Google Duo’ using the search bar at the top of your screen.

Step 3: You will now see all the search results from the Play Store. Google Duo should be at the top of the search results, simply tap on the ‘Install’ option beside the app.

Play Store will now download and install Google Duo in the background. Launch the newly installed app and try to sign up again.

We hope this guide helped you fix the request error and sign up with Google Duo. How has your experience been with Google Duo? Feel free to share your opinions with us in the comments section below.