How long it takes to recover from not being able to smell a cold is related to the condition, treatment, and physical fitness, so it is not reasonable to give a specific recovery time. Generally, the recovery of the sense of smell from a cold takes about 5 to 7 days. Colds are a common acute upper respiratory viral infectious disease that can manifest as nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, fever, cough, and decreased sense of smell. Decreased sense of smell is a temporary phenomenon, and the recovery time of the sense of smell depends on the treatment of the cold. Generally speaking, with reasonable treatment, the cold can improve in 5 to 7 days and the sense of smell can be restored. There is no need to worry too much if you have a cold with loss of smell, but if the symptoms worsen or continue to be unrelieved, it is recommended to consult a doctor in time to avoid delaying your condition.