Why Google asks for your phone number to verify your account

In an effort to protect our users from abuse, we sometimes ask users to prove they’re not a robot before they're able to create or sign in to accounts. Having this additional confirmation via phone is an effective way to keep spammers from abusing our systems. The following FAQs refer to a phone number used only for SMS or voice call verification purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you don't have a phone, you can use a friend's number to request the code via text message or voice call. You don't have to worry about your friend's number being attached to your account. Google won't use this number for anything else besides one-time account verification.

Google will only use numbers given for verification purposes to send you a verification code and to make sure it is not being used to create or verify a large number of accounts.

The cost of your text or voice messages will vary depending on your plan and provider, but will likely be your standard text message and call charges. Contact your mobile phone provider for details.

Text message delivery can be delayed if you live in a densely populated area or if your carrier's infrastructure isn't well maintained. If you've waited more than a few minutes and still haven't received our text message, try the voice call option.

Some countries and carriers do not support text or voice messages from Google. If your country or carrier is not on our list of supported carriers, you might want to try a friend's phone on another carrier.

If you see the error message, "This phone number has already created the maximum number of accounts," you'll have to use a different number. In an effort to protect our users from abuse, we limit the number of accounts each phone number can create.