How to create a Google account without a phone number

Google doesn’t ask everyone for a phone number when they create an account. It decides with its own checks, which it doesn’t publish; they appear to weigh things like the device, the network and how many accounts have been made from them lately. So the same person can be asked on one try and not on the next. Try these in order.

1. Look for Skip

On many sign-ups the phone number is optional, with a Skip link under the box. If it’s there, use it, and add a recovery email when Google offers: that’s the better way back into an account anyway.

2. Sign up on a phone instead of a computer

Some people find Google doesn’t ask for a number when the account is made on a phone. On Android, open Settings, then the accounts section (called Accounts, Passwords & accounts or Users & accounts, depending on the phone), then Add account and Google. On an iPhone, add the account in the Gmail app. It isn’t guaranteed, but it costs nothing to try.

3. Use another number you have

A family member’s number they’re happy to lend, or a work phone, works straight away. If Google says the number has been used too many times, see our guide to that message.

4. Use a one-time number for the code

A number like ours costs $1, paid from your balance. Pick Google and a country, enter the number on Google’s page, and the code shows on your order page when the text arrives. Google can turn down any number, ours included: if no code arrives within 20 minutes, the $1 goes back to your balance, and you can try a number from another country. Get a number for Google.

After you’re in

Google can ask for a code again later, on a new phone for example, and a one-time number won’t receive it. As soon as the account is open, add a recovery email and turn on 2-Step Verification with an authenticator app or a passkey. Our guide on securing an account after signing up has the steps.