Google says “This phone number has already been used too many times”: how to fix it
Google limits how many accounts one phone number can verify. When a number reaches that limit, creating a new account stops with one of two messages:
- “This phone number has already been used too many times for verification.” The number has verified other Google accounts, and Google won’t use it for another one, at least for now.
- “This phone number cannot be used for verification.” Google won’t accept the number at all, often because its checks flagged the number, the network or the device you’re signing up from.
Neither means you did anything wrong. Families who share a number, people with work and personal accounts, and anyone who once helped a friend set up an account all run into it. Google doesn’t publish the limit, and it can change.
1. Use another number of your own
A second SIM, a work phone, or a family member’s number they’re happy to lend works straight away. Remember that each number has the same limit, so it may not work for many more accounts.
2. Wait, then try the same number again
Some people find a number is accepted again after a few days. Google doesn’t say when, or whether, that happens, so this is worth a try if you’re not in a hurry.
3. 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 automatically, and you can try a number from another country. Get a number for Google.
After you’re in
A one-time number won’t receive codes later, and Google sometimes asks for a code again, on a new phone or a new computer for example. As soon as your account is open, add a recovery email and turn on 2-Step Verification with an authenticator app or a passkey, so you can always get back in. Our guide on securing an account after signing up has the steps.
Google’s rules
Google lets one person have more than one account. Don’t use a new account to get round a suspended one: that breaks Google’s rules and ours (see our Acceptable use policy).