Error #133016 โ "Registration or Deregistration failed because there were too many attempts for this phone number in a short period of time" โ is a Meta security measure, not an eGrow failure.
What the limit is
- Meta allows up to 10 registration/deregistration attempts per number in 72 hours.
- Past that, the number is blocked from registration for 72 hours and the API returns 400 with code 133016.
The 6-digit PIN is usually the reason
- During registration Meta asks you to set a 6-digit PIN โ you choose it, it is not sent to you by SMS.
- The same PIN is required every time you re-register that number.
- Forgetting it and trying several wrong PINs burns through the 10 attempts and triggers the block.
What to do now
- Stop trying. More attempts will not work and do not reset the counter.
- Wait up to 72 hours for Meta to unblock the number automatically.
- If you need to go live sooner, complete the setup with a different phone number.
How to avoid it next time
- Write the 6-digit PIN down somewhere safe before you submit it.
- Do not repeat a registration that failed for another reason โ fix that reason first.
Good to know: The 72 hours cannot be shortened, by us or by Meta support. Plan around it.