This Phone Number Can't Be Used for Verification

By Alex Carter, Editor at GetVerifyCode

"This phone number can't be used for verification" means the app's risk system refused that specific number, not your account. Usually the number has reached its account limit, received too many code requests, or belongs to a range the app blocks. Check the format, wait out any cooldown, then try a different number.

Key facts

• GetVerifyCode lists numbers in 194+ countries.
• The live catalog covers 1,600+ services.
• A temporary activation stays live for about 20 minutes.
• If no SMS arrives before the timeout, the hold returns to your wallet.

Quick Answer

• Re-enter the number in full international format and drop any leading 0.
• Stop requesting codes and wait out the cooldown, often several hours and sometimes a full day.
• Try a different mobile number you control, or a number from another country if the app doesn't support yours.
• Some apps reject virtual numbers. Acceptance is decided by the app, not by us. Updated October 22, 2026.

Why does an app say a phone number can't be used?

Apps such as Google, Microsoft and OpenAI score every number before they send a code. When the score is too risky, you get this message instead of an SMS. The usual causes:

The number has reached its account limit

Many apps cap how many accounts one number can verify. For example, OpenAI's help centre says a number can be used for phone verification up to 3 times. Once a number hits the cap, it is refused for new sign-ups even if it is yours.

Too many code requests

Pressing "resend" again and again, or trying several accounts in a row, can put the number on a temporary block. The app may not tell you how long the cooldown lasts.

The app doesn't accept VoIP or virtual numbers

Some apps block internet-based number ranges. OpenAI's page on what phone verification looks like says landlines, VoIP numbers, Google Voice numbers and premium numbers aren't supported. Other apps make similar choices without publishing them.

The country or carrier isn't supported

An app may not send codes to some countries or carriers. Google has its own guide for when your country isn't supported.

The number is in the wrong format

A missing country code, an extra trunk 0, or a typo makes the number look invalid, and some apps show the same "can't be used" message for that.

How to fix "this phone number can't be used for verification"

1. Check the country code and remove the leading 0 from the local number.
2. Stop requesting codes. Wait several hours, or up to 24 hours if you sent many requests.
3. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data and turn off any VPN, since some apps weigh your location too.
4. Try your own mobile number, or another SIM you control, if you used a different one first.
5. Use email, an authenticator app or another option the app offers instead of SMS. For Google accounts, Google's guide to common 2-Step Verification issues lists the other sign-in methods.
6. If the number is already linked to another account, follow our guide to a number that's already used.

When a fresh temporary number helps

If your own number keeps getting refused and you only need a one-time sign-up code, a fresh number can get you past the block while keeping your main line private.

1. Open GetVerifyCode and create an account.
2. Top up your wallet on the pricing page.
3. Pick the app and a country. Our guide on choosing a country for a temporary OTP number helps you pick.
4. The number is shown right after you confirm. Enter it in the app and request the code once.
5. Read the code in your inbox. If no SMS arrives in about 20 minutes, the unused credit returns to your wallet (see how holds, timeouts and credit returns work).
6. If the app refuses that number too, try another country instead of retrying the same one.

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.

How the options compare when your number is refused:

• Your own SIM: not private / works for most apps / your plan cost / best for banking and accounts you must recover
• GetVerifyCode temporary number: private / works for many apps, each app decides / live price per service and country / best for a one-time sign-up code
• Free public SMS sites: not private (public inbox) / rarely work / free / low-stakes tests only

For a long-term account, keep a number you control on file so you can recover it later.

Related problems

• Didn't get the verification code? 12 fixes
• Verification code invalid or expired
• How to check an OTP sent to a virtual number
• Telegram phone number rejected
• VoIP vs non-VoIP numbers for verification

Is it legal to use a temporary number?

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. Read whether temporary phone numbers are legal and our acceptable use policy.

Related guides

• Google verification codes
• Microsoft verification codes
• WhatsApp verification codes
• Microsoft and Outlook account verification
• Google SMS verification with a temporary number
• How to get a temporary phone number for verification
• Temporary USA number
• Temporary UK number
• Temporary Canada number
• Temporary Germany number
• Temporary Brazil number

Need a fresh number now? Get a number and receive the code in your inbox.

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.