Create a Google Account Without a Phone Number

Why a Google account without a phone?

Not everyone has a mobile number or wants to share it with Google. Fortunately, in many cases it is possible to create a Google account without a phone number. This article explains how to do that.

Need help? At Theory7 we are happy to help you create accounts and protect your privacy online. Feel free to contact us, with no obligation!

What do you need?

• A computer (a desktop or laptop works better than a phone)
• An internet connection
• An existing email address for account recovery
• Patience: you may have to try several methods

Creating an account step by step

Method 1: Skip it directly

Step 1: Use a desktop browser

Open Chrome, Firefox or Edge on a computer. Mobile browsers ask for a phone number more often.

Step 2: Go to the sign-up page

Go to accounts.google.com/signup and start signing up.

Step 3: Enter your basic details

Enter your name, the email address you want and a password.

Step 4: At the phone number step, look for "Skip"

When Google asks for your phone number, check whether there is a Skip link. It is often small and placed at the bottom.

Step 5: Add a recovery email address

Enter an existing email address. This is important for account recovery if you do not use a phone number.

Method 2: Through YouTube

Step 1: Go to YouTube

Open youtube.com and click Sign in in the top right.

Step 2: Click Create account

Below the sign-in form you will see Create account. Click it.

Step 3: Follow the sign-up process

YouTube sometimes asks for a phone number less often than the direct Google sign-up.

Method 3: Use a landline number

Step 1: Use a landline number

Google also accepts landline numbers. You will then receive a spoken verification code.

Step 2: Listen to the code

An automated voice reads out the verification code. Write it down and enter it.

Securing your account without a phone number

Alternative security options

1. Recovery email address: Always add a second email address
2. Security questions: Set these up if Google offers this option
3. Google Authenticator: Install this app for two-step verification without SMS

Important

Without a phone number, recovering your account is harder. Make sure you:

• Remember your password well or store it in a password manager
• Keep your recovery email address up to date
• Add a number later if you want to

First steps after creating your account

• Check your recovery email: Make sure you have access to this address
• Save your password: Use a password manager such as Bitwarden or LastPass
• Set up an authenticator: Download Google Authenticator for extra security
• Generate backup codes: Go to your security settings and create backup codes

Frequently asked questions

Why does Google sometimes ask for a phone number and sometimes not? Google uses risk analysis. A new browser, a VPN or a suspicious IP address can make phone verification mandatory. Try again at another time or on another computer.

Can I add a phone number later? Yes, you can always add a phone number later in your Google account settings for extra security.

What if none of the methods work? If Google keeps asking for a phone number, you can temporarily use a prepaid SIM card, or ask a friend or family member to help with verification.