By Alex Carter, Editor at GetVerifyCode
To get a verification code without a phone, use a backup method the service already offers: a saved backup code, an authenticator app, a security key, a passkey or another device that is already signed in. Pick "Try another way" on the sign-in screen. If you set none of these up, start the service's account recovery.
Key facts
- Google says its backup codes are 8 digits, come in sets of 10, and each code works only once.
- Google says that when you create a new set of backup codes, the old set stops working.
- Google lists other ways back in after a lost phone: another signed-in phone, another number added in 2-Step Verification, a security key or a passkey created on another device.
- Google says that with 2-Step Verification on, account recovery can take 3-5 business days.
Use backup codes
Backup codes are the closest thing to a verification code that doesn't need a phone. You make them ahead of time, store them somewhere private, and type one in when your phone isn't with you.
For a Google account, Google's backup codes help gives these steps:
- Sign in to your Google Account with your password.
- On the verification step, click "Try another way".
- Choose "Enter one of your 8-digit backup codes".
- Type an unused code, then mark it as used, since each code works once.
Many other services offer the same idea, often called recovery codes. Look in the account's security or 2-step settings. Keep them private: anyone with a backup code and your password can sign in as you. Make them before you need them, because you can't create them once you're locked out.
Use another trusted device, security key or passkey
If you have no codes saved, the service may still trust something else you own. Google's 2-Step Verification help lists these options when your phone is lost or stolen:
- Another phone signed in to your Google Account.
- Another phone number you added in the 2-Step Verification section.
- A hardware security key you added to the account.
- A passkey created on another device.
- A computer where you ticked "Don't ask again on this computer", which may let you sign in without a second step.
If the phone was lost or stolen, Google also recommends signing out of it and changing your password once you're back in.
Authenticator apps vs SMS codes
An authenticator app makes codes on the device itself, so it doesn't need a text message, signal or a phone number. It does need the device it's installed on. If that device is the phone you lost, the app can't help unless you also set it up on a second device. For the basics, see what OTP means and two-factor vs two-step verification.
How the usual second steps compare:
- SMS code: needs your phone number and signal, is lost with the SIM or number, best as one of several options.
- Authenticator app: needs the device with the app, works offline, is lost with that device unless set up on two, best as a main second step.
- Backup codes: need only the saved list, work from any device, are lost if you lose the list, best as a last-resort fallback.
- Security key or passkey: needs the key or the device that holds the passkey, no code to type, best for important accounts.
If you have no backup method: account recovery
If none of those work, use the service's own account recovery. Each service runs its own form and decides what proof it needs, such as an email address you can reach or details about the account. For Google accounts with 2-Step Verification, Google says recovery can take 3-5 business days because of the extra checks.
Don't pay anyone who offers to recover an account for you, and never type a code into a page someone sent you. For banks, payment apps and crypto wallets, contact the company through its own app, website or phone line.
If you're changing numbers, read how to get a new phone number without losing access. If the old number still works, see how to use an old phone number for verification.
New sign-ups without your personal number
For a new account, you may not need your phone at all. Some services accept email verification, so check the sign-up options first.
Where a site insists on a phone number and the account is low-risk, such as a trial, a one-off sign-up or testing your own app, a separate number can keep your personal one private. See how to keep your personal number private on app sign-ups and our comparison of free and paid receive-SMS numbers.
GetVerifyCode lists numbers in 190+ countries, and the live catalog covers 1,600+ services. Top up your wallet from $1. Each number is priced live per service and country, and you see the quote before you confirm. If no SMS arrives in about 20 minutes, the unused credit returns to your wallet. You can get started here or check pricing.
Some apps reject virtual numbers. Acceptance is decided by the app, not by us. A temporary number won't get you back into an account you already have, because recovery codes go to the number saved on that account. Don't use one for banking, payments, crypto or any account you need to keep.
Using a temporary number to protect your privacy, travel, or test your own app is generally lawful in many places, but laws differ by country and each app sets its own terms. Check both. Never use it for fraud, impersonation, or getting around a ban. More in are temporary phone numbers legal and our acceptable use policy.
Related guides
- Didn't get the verification code? 12 fixes
- What Is a Verification Code? SMS Codes Explained
- G.co/sc Security Code: How to Get One From Google
- Verification code invalid or expired? Fixes
About the author: Alex Carter is the editor at GetVerifyCode. Alex tests SMS verification routes across services and countries and writes plain-language guides on receiving OTP codes safely.
GetVerifyCode is not affiliated with the apps named in this article. Follow each app's terms and local law.
FAQ
FAQ
Usually only through the service's own alternatives, such as email, backup codes, an authenticator app, a security key or a passkey. For a new sign-up, a separate number you control may work where the app accepts it. For an existing account, the code goes to the number already saved on it.
They're one-time codes you create in advance so you can sign in when your phone isn't available. Google says its backup codes are 8 digits, come in sets of 10, and each works once. A new set turns the old set off, so keep only the latest list somewhere private.
No. Recovery codes go to the number on the account, not to a new one. Temporary numbers aren't meant for accounts you need to keep, and never for financial accounts. Use a backup method or the service's account recovery instead.
Only if the app is also set up on another device you still have. If not, use a backup code, a security key, another signed-in device or account recovery.
