4 min read
Why Amazon asks for a phone number
Amazon asks for a mobile number when you create an account or when it wants to confirm a sign-in. It sends a 6-digit one-time password (OTP) by SMS.
Can you skip the phone on Amazon?
Amazon accounts can be created with an email address, but Amazon often adds a phone check before the first order or login.
Your options without a SIM card
Amazon may refuse virtual numbers or numbers already linked to another account.
- Email or Google/Apple sign-in, when the app allows it. Free, and no number at all.
- A second SIM or eSIM. Costs a monthly plan, but the number stays yours.
- A private temporary number from CoveSMS. Only you see the code, and you pay nothing if it doesn’t arrive within 20 minutes.
Step by step: get the Amazon code online
- Buy an Amazon number in your dashboard.
- Choose the country on Amazon’s mobile number screen and paste the number.
- Ask for the code by text.
- Enter the OTP from your dashboard.
If the code doesn’t arrive
- Each Amazon store (amazon.com, amazon.co.uk…) works best with a number from the same country.
- If Amazon says the number is already used, cancel for your balance back and buy another.
- No code within 20 minutes means the price goes back to your balance automatically.
After you’re in: stop depending on the number
A temporary number is single-use. Set up another way in before it closes:
- Turn on 2-Step Verification with an authenticator app: Your Account › Login & security.
- Keep your own email on the account for password resets.