How to Create a Gmail Account Without a Phone Number

Here's how you can create a Gmail account without needing a phone number.

While it appears that you need a phone number to sign up for Google, that isn't always the case. In many instances, you can simply skip the step, and verify using a virtual number when Google hides the skip link. You can also recover an old account that no longer has access to your phone. Details on each method follow:

How to create a Gmail account without a phone number

Typically, you'll see a 'Skip' link next to the phone field. If it's there, you'll just need your email address to complete the signup process.

1. Open a standard window on Chrome or Firefox (not Incognito or using a VPN).
2. Go to accounts.google.com/signup.
3. Enter your first and last names and the desired Gmail address.
4. Create a strong password and proceed.
5. On the screen asking for your phone number, look for the 'Skip' link beneath the field and click it.
6. Add a recovery email, provide your birth date and gender, and accept the terms of service.

How to verify Gmail with a virtual number

If Google hides the 'Skip' link, your signup session has been flagged as suspicious. However, a virtual number from MoreMins will still pass verification, and your account will work the same as one verified with your own phone.

1. Activate a MoreMins number in the app (any country will work, though UK and EU numbers tend to be the most reliable).
2. On the Google verification screen, enter the MoreMins number including its country code.
3. Google will send a 6-digit code via SMS.
4. Open your MoreMins inbox to view and copy the code.
5. Paste the code into Google to complete the signup process.
6. Be sure to add a recovery email afterwards, so you don't have to rely on the virtual number in the future.

How to recover a Google account without a phone number

If your existing Google account no longer has access to your phone, there are several ways you can get back in.

1. Go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery and enter your Gmail address.
2. When asked for an SMS code, click 'Try another way'.
3. Choose 'Send recovery email' if you have one set up.
4. Or select the authenticator app option if you've enabled 2-Step Verification with it.
5. As a final option, choose 'Verify your identity another way' and fill in the form. You'll need to provide past passwords and your account creation date, and review may take 3-5 business days.
6. Once you're back in, add a MoreMins number and a regularly checked backup email address to your account.

Skipping the phone works when Google allows it, a virtual number is the most reliable backup when the skip link disappears, and an authenticator app or recovery email helps you get back into your old account. One MoreMins number can also be used to receive SMS for other services you sign up for online.