Table of Contents
Introduction
Creating a GitHub account without giving a phone number is possible. This article shows how to do that while staying secure. If you need an SMS at signup, we show privacy-first alternatives. The phrase github without phone verification appears here because this guide targets that exact need.
You’ll get email-first workflows, a privacy-safe SMS fallback, and step-by-step instructions. Every recommendation balances platform rules, reliability, and developer workflows.
Problem Definition
Phone verification can block fast onboarding. GitHub sometimes requests SMS for device checks or 2FA. This causes friction for developers, contractors, and CI users.
Common pain points:
- You want to separate personal and project accounts.
- You run bots or CI that need stable access.
- You travel or live in a country where GitHub SMS is unreliable.
GitHub supports alternatives to SMS like TOTP and security keys. These methods reduce harm from SIM attacks. When SMS gets enforced by GitHub, a real SIM number often works where VoIP fails.
Solution Overview: github without phone verification
There are two reliable routes to achieve github without phone verification.
- Email-first path (preferred): Sign up with email only. Use TOTP or passkeys for two-factor authentication. This avoids tying a phone number to the account.
- Privacy-first SMS path (fallback): If GitHub insists on SMS, use a Non-VoIP SIM-based number from MobileSMS.io. These numbers are accepted by strict platforms.
Why this matters:
- Non-VoIP numbers are real SIM numbers. Platforms that reject virtual numbers will accept them.
- MobileSMS.io has offered SIM-based numbers since 2018. The service provides both one-time SMS and long-term rentals. The rentals have team-friendly features like Slack/Discord forwarding for codes.
Pricing clarity (USA examples):
- One-time SMS: from $3.50.
- Single Service 30 days: $30.
- All Services 30 days: $65.
- All Services Premium 30 days: $100 (includes Slack/Discord integration).
Recommendation: for most developers, a 30-day rental is the best balance of cost and stability. It avoids repeated re-verification and supports CI and team workflows.
Step-by-Step Guide
Two workflows are shown. Start with the email-first approach. Use the SMS fallback only when required.
Email-First Workflow (no phone)
- Create account: Visit GitHub and register using email and a strong password.
- Verify email: Confirm the code GitHub sends to your inbox.
- Set up 2FA without SMS: In Settings → Security, choose TOTP (authenticator app) or security key/passkey.
- Save recovery codes: Store backup codes in a password manager. These codes are critical if you lose your authenticator.
- Sign in from new devices: If GitHub challenges a device, verify via email or your passkey. Maintain access to the recovery email.
This path keeps you free from phone-based risk and SIM-related attacks.
Privacy-First SMS Workflow (when SMS is required)
- Open MobileSMS.io: Create an account and top up credits (minimum $5 recommended).
- Choose service type: Pick One-Time Number for a single verification or 30-Day Rental for repeated checks. The 30-day rental is recommended for CI and team access.
- Select country and platform: Choose USA if you need broad compatibility. Pick GitHub if listed, otherwise choose All Services or Other.
- Get the number: MobileSMS.io issues a Non-VoIP SIM-based number instantly.
- Enter number in GitHub: Use the provided number in GitHub’s phone prompt.
- Retrieve SMS: View the code in MobileSMS.io dashboard. Premium rentals can forward codes to Slack/Discord channels for teams.
- Complete verification: Enter the code on GitHub and then set a stronger 2FA method (TOTP or passkey) if possible.
Troubleshooting
- No SMS received: Confirm country selection and retry. Some platforms restrict certain countries.
- Number flagged: Switch to a fresh rental or upgrade to a long-term rental for stability.
- Refund: MobileSMS.io offers a refund if a number fails its intended purpose — contact support.
Comparison: github without phone verification options
Quick Decision Table
| Need | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Single one-off signup | One-Time Number (from $3.50) | Fast and disposable |
| CI or bots | 30-Day Rental ($30) | Stable, renewable |
| Multiple services | All Services ($65) | Multi-platform support |
| Team sharing | All Services Premium ($100) | Slack/Discord delivery |
Feature Table: One-time vs. 30-day Rental
| Feature | One-Time Number | 30-Day Rental (Single) | All Services | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMS receptions | 1 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Duration | Disposable | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Manual activation | No | Auto | Manual per session | Always active |
| Slack/Discord | No | No | No | Yes |
| Price (USA) | from $3.50 | $30 | $65 | $100 |
FAQs
Q: Is it possible to create github without phone verification?
A: Yes. Most new accounts can use email verification plus TOTP or passkeys. SMS is optional unless GitHub triggers a risk check.
Q: When does GitHub ask for a phone number?
A: GitHub may ask during suspicious login activity or when you enable SMS-based 2FA. It is not required for every signup.
Q: Why use Non-VoIP numbers for GitHub?
A: Many platforms reject VoIP numbers. Non-VoIP (real SIM) numbers have higher acceptance and fewer rejections.
Q: How much does this cost?
A: One-time SMS starts at $3.50. A 30-day Single Service rental costs $30. All Services is $65, and All Services Premium is $100 for 30 days.
Q: Is using a rental number legal and safe?
A: Yes. MobileSMS.io is meant for legitimate verification and privacy. Fraud and spam are prohibited by the service’s terms.
Q: What if my 2FA is lost?
A: Save recovery codes and store them in a password manager. Without recovery codes, account recovery can be difficult.
Q: How do teams share codes securely?
A: Use the All Services Premium tier to forward messages to Slack or Discord channels. This keeps codes centralized and auditable.
Q: Where can I get help or refunds?
A: Contact MobileSMS.io support via their help center or open a ticket for refunds if the number fails its intended use.
Conclusion
You can create github without phone verification by choosing email-first methods and strong 2FA like TOTP or passkeys. If GitHub requires SMS, use a privacy-first Non-VoIP number from MobileSMS.io. For most developers, the recommended choice is a 30-day rental for stability and team workflows. Ready to set up your account without exposing your personal number? Explore long-term rentals at MobileSMS.io long-term number rentals or see setup guidance in our help center.