Which apps let you sign up without a phone number?
In short
- Proton Mail offers a CAPTCHA or an email code instead of SMS, and LinkedIn says a phone number is optional.
- Microsoft sometimes shows a puzzle instead of asking for a number, and Bumble offers other sign-in options.
- Many apps, including WhatsApp and Signal, need a number: a one-time number keeps yours private there.
Not every app needs your phone number. Some ask for one but let you choose another way.
Apps with another way
- Proton Mail: prove you’re human with a CAPTCHA or a code to another email address, instead of SMS. See Proton’s verification.
- LinkedIn: verifying a phone number is optional.
- Microsoft: some sign-ups show a puzzle instead of asking for a number. See Microsoft accounts.
- Google: often possible without a number. See a Google account without a phone number.
- Bumble: other sign-in options as well as a phone number.
Apps that need a number
Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal register your account to a phone number, and many shopping, dating and travel apps ask for one too. Where you have to give a number but would rather not give yours, a one-time number from ReserveSMS takes the code. Ours start at $1, and the money goes back to your balance if no code arrives within 20 minutes.
Keep the account afterwards
If you use a one-time number, add an email and an authenticator app once you’re in. See keeping an account after a temporary number.
Common questions
Can I make a Proton Mail account without a phone number?
Proton offers a CAPTCHA or an email code instead of SMS, though it may only offer email or SMS in some cases, such as when you make several accounts.
Does LinkedIn need my phone number?
No. LinkedIn says verifying a phone number is optional.
What if an app insists on a number?
Use a number you keep for accounts that matter, or a one-time number to keep your own private for one-off sign-ups.