When looking to create a free email address, many email platforms now require mobile phone number verification. This measure is intended to enhance security and reduce the number of fraudulent accounts. However, there may be situations where you prefer not to share your phone number, or perhaps you do not have one. Discover in this article why providers ask for your phone number when you create an address, what methods are available to avoid revealing this information, as well as their pros and cons.
Why Do Email Providers Require Phone Number Verification?
Here are some of the main reasons why phone number verification by email providers has become common:
Account Security
Phone number verification is an additional security precaution. In case of a lost password or access issue, the provider can send you a verification code via SMS to help you recover your account. This prevents unauthorized third parties from accessing your personal information.
Fraud Prevention
Phone number verifications can help reduce the number of fraudulent accounts, spam accounts, and accounts used for malicious purposes. By requiring a valid phone number, providers can better track and identify users, which helps maintain the quality of the service.
Authentication
Phone number verification helps authenticate a user, meaning the provider can have more confidence in the identity of the person creating the account. This can also be useful in combating online identity theft.
Urgent Communication
In some cases, a valid phone number may be essential for email providers to contact users in case of security issues or to inform them about important updates.
Phone number verification is not required by all email providers, and some services allow you to create accounts without this verification. However, it has become a security standard for many services, particularly for accounts containing sensitive information or for users who want increased protection for their email accounts.
2 Methods to Create an Email Address Without Phone Number Verification
1) Use Temporary Email Services
Temporary email services, such as Temp Mail, Guerrilla Mail, Mailinator, or 10 Minute Mail, allow you to create a temporary email address without needing to provide a phone number. These platforms are perfect if, for example, you need to register for newsletters or other online services that require an email address.
However, be aware that these addresses are usually only active for a short period and therefore are not suitable for long-term use.
2) Use Anonymous Email Services
Some platforms, like ProtonMail, Tutanota, Mailfence, Hushmail, or Yandex Mail, offer the possibility to create an email address without phone number verification. These services focus on security and privacy, with end-to-end encryption of information.
However, it is important to note that creating an anonymous account may have some restrictions and may not be completely anonymous if you use your personal IP address.
Using Email Services Without a Phone Number: Pros and Cons
Advantages
Privacy Protection – Using email services without a phone number can help protect your privacy by avoiding the disclosure of your personal number.
Anonymity – If you wish to remain anonymous, you can create an email account without revealing your real identity.
Flexibility – You don’t need to own a phone number, which can be convenient if you don’t have one or prefer not to use it for verification.
Reduced Tracking – Free email services that don’t ask for a phone number can limit the amount of personal information collected about you.
Disadvantages
Less Security – The absence of a phone number associated with an email account can reduce the security of the account, as recovery in case of a lost password might be more complicated.
Limitations – Some free email services that don’t require a phone number may have limitations in terms of storage, security features, or customer support.
Risk of Spam and Abuse – Email accounts created without phone number verification can be used for spam, abuse, or malicious activities, which can affect the quality of your email experience.
Choosing to use an email service without a phone number depends on your personal preferences, needs, and concerns about security and privacy. Before deciding, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons to ensure that this solution fits your situation.
