Introduction
Amazon asks for a phone number when you create an account and again for 2-Step Verification and account recovery. If you would rather not hand your personal number to one more service, a temporary number can receive that one sign-up code. This guide shows how it works, when it is a good idea, and when you should use a number you keep long-term instead.
Quick Answer
- A temporary number can receive Amazon's sign-up code and keeps your personal number private.
- The number appears immediately and the code usually lands within the ~20-minute activation window.
- If no code arrives, unused credit refunds to your wallet automatically.
- For a long-term account with saved cards or Prime, switch to a number you control and add an authenticator app.
Table of Contents
- Why Amazon Asks for a Phone Number
- When a Temporary Number Makes Sense
- When It Doesn't Make Sense
- How to Get an Amazon Code with GetVerifyCode
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
- What Not to Do
- Legality
- FAQ
Why Amazon Asks for a Phone Number
Amazon uses phone verification to enhance account security. This process helps in two key areas:
- 2-Step Verification: Adds an extra layer of security when logging in.
- Account Recovery: Allows users to regain access to their accounts if they forget their passwords.
Amazon may also ask for a phone number again later, making it important to consider how you manage your contact information.
When a Temporary Number Makes Sense
A temporary virtual number can be beneficial in various scenarios:
- Privacy: Keeps your main number confidential during registration.
- Travel: Ideal for travelers who may not have access to their primary phone.
- Testing: Useful for developers testing applications without using personal numbers.
In these cases, a temporary number can help you maintain privacy while still completing the necessary verification steps.
When It Doesn't Make Sense
Using a temporary number may not be suitable for:
- Main Shopping Accounts: If you have saved payment methods, a long-term number is advisable.
- Prime or Seller Accounts: Use a number you control long-term to avoid complications.
Additionally, consider adding an authenticator app for 2-Step Verification to enhance your account security.
How to Get an Amazon Code with GetVerifyCode
Follow these steps to obtain a temporary number for Amazon verification:
- Create an account at getverifycode.com/start.
- Add wallet credit and check rates on getverifycode.com/pricing.
- Pick Amazon and a country, e.g., Amazon USA numbers or Amazon UK numbers, matching the Amazon store region you use.
- The number appears immediately.
- Enter it on Amazon and request the SMS.
- The code shows in your dashboard as soon as Amazon sends it. Keep the page open; the activation window is about 20 minutes. For more details, check how to check an OTP on a virtual number.
- If no code arrives before the window ends, unused credit refunds to your wallet automatically.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter issues with Amazon phone verification, consider these troubleshooting steps:
- No Code: Ensure the number is active and check for SMS delivery delays. For more help, visit Didn't receive a verification code?.
- This Number Can't Be Used: Check this guide for solutions.
- Number Already Used: Refer to this fix.
- Wrong Region: Ensure you selected the correct country.
- Resend Only Once: If you need to resend the code, do it only once.
- Expired Window: If the activation window expires, start a fresh activation.
Remember, one activation gets one code. Update to a long-term number before the window ends if you plan to keep the account.
What Not to Do
Avoid the following practices:
- Do not use free public SMS inboxes for verification.
- Do not attempt to create multiple accounts with different numbers.
- Do not use number generators that may violate Amazon's policies. For more information, see our acceptable use policy.
Legality
Temporary numbers are generally legal in many countries for lawful privacy use. However, Amazon's terms and local law apply, and this is not legal advice. For more details, check Are temporary phone numbers legal?.
Live prices and routes: Amazon SMS verification
FAQ
FAQ
Yes, a temporary number can be used for Amazon phone verification, especially for privacy during sign-up.
If you lose access, you may have difficulty recovering your account. It is advisable to switch to a permanent number for long-term accounts.
An activation is for one code within about 20 minutes. It is not a number you keep, so do not rely on it for future logins or recovery.
Yes. You can update your mobile number in your Amazon account's Login & Security settings, which is what we recommend before relying on the account long-term.
Generally yes for lawful privacy use in many countries, but Amazon's terms and your local law apply, and this is not legal advice.

