4 min read
Why ChatGPT asks for a phone number
OpenAI may ask for a phone number when you create an account, when it flags a sign-in, or before using some API features. It sends a 6-digit code by SMS.
Can you skip the phone on ChatGPT?
Many ChatGPT accounts are created with email, Google, Microsoft or Apple sign-in and never see a phone screen. The request usually comes later, or on the API platform.
Your options without a SIM card
OpenAI refuses many VoIP numbers and numbers it has already seen, and limits how many accounts one number can verify. Public SMS sites hit that limit quickly.
- 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 ChatGPT code online
- Buy a ChatGPT number in your dashboard.
- On OpenAI’s verification screen, pick the country and paste the number.
- Click Send code.
- Enter the 6-digit code from your dashboard.
If the code doesn’t arrive
- “This phone number is already linked to the maximum number of accounts” means it was used before. You aren’t charged: cancel and buy a fresh one.
- Some countries aren’t supported by OpenAI. US, UK and Canada numbers avoid that.
- 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 multi-factor authentication with an authenticator app: Settings › Security.
- Sign in with Google, Microsoft or Apple if you prefer, so recovery goes through that account.