Does ChatGPT Need a Phone Number? OpenAI Verification Explained

Does ChatGPT require a phone number? Not generally: you can create an account and use ChatGPT without verifying one. Phone number verification does come up in a few places, though: mainly your first API key and Codex in the ChatGPT desktop app.

This guide covers when OpenAI asks, which numbers it accepts, the limit per number, and how to receive the code without your personal number.

Does ChatGPT require a phone number?

OpenAI’s help center says: “Phone verification is not generally required to create an OpenAI account or use ChatGPT. However, you may be asked to verify your phone number when accessing Codex in the ChatGPT desktop app.”

For the API, OpenAI is specific: phone verification “is now mandated on platform.openai.com for generating your initial API key, though not for any subsequent API key generation after that.”

Which phone numbers does OpenAI accept?

OpenAI sends codes by SMS or, in some countries, WhatsApp. They “cannot be sent by email or phone call,” and WhatsApp isn’t on the list for the US or the UK. Three more rules matter:

• Mobile numbers only. “Landlines, VoIP numbers, Google Voice numbers, and premium numbers aren’t supported because these types of numbers are often associated with higher instances of fraud or abuse.”
• Three uses per number. “A phone number can only ever be used for phone verification up to 3 times.”
• No changing it later. “OpenAI does not offer the option to change or update the phone number associated with your account.”

A non-VoIP number is a real mobile number from a carrier, so OpenAI sees an ordinary phone. Not sure what you have? See how to check if a number is VoIP.

How to verify OpenAI with a PVADeals number

1. Create a free PVADeals account and add credits: crypto from $3, or a card through Stripe from $5.
2. Choose OpenAI/ChatGPT and the United States or the United Kingdom.
3. Pick a rental (see below).
4. Enter the number when OpenAI asks, with its country code (+1 or +44), and get the code by SMS. PVADeals numbers receive SMS only.
5. Copy the code from your PVADeals dashboard, where it appears as soon as it arrives.

Short-term or long-term?

The API check happens once, for your first key, so a short-term number (20 minutes) is usually enough. The number stays on your account, though, because OpenAI doesn’t let you change it. If you use Codex or expect to verify again, a long-term number (3 to 30 days, renewable) keeps it available to you. See the prices below.

Don’t put a rented number on a phone-only account. There the number is your login: you reset your password by SMS, and a phone-only account can’t turn on MFA until you link an email. Sign up with an email address instead, then turn on MFA.

Calling 1-800-ChatGPT

If you want a phone number to reach ChatGPT itself, OpenAI runs 1-800-ChatGPT: “You can interact with ChatGPT via phone calls at 1-800-CHATGPT without needing an account.” Call 1-800-242-8478 from a US or Canadian number. You get 30 minutes a month free, and standard carrier fees may apply. In the European Economic Area, you can also message the same number on WhatsApp. PVADeals numbers can’t make calls, so use your own phone for this one.

If OpenAI won’t verify your number

• Try another mobile number. OpenAI says you can try “another supported mobile number you control while staying signed in to the same OpenAI account.”
• Wait if the error asks you to, then try again.
• “Too many signups with this number”? OpenAI says “recycled or reused phone numbers can lead to this error.” Use a different number, or contact OpenAI Support.
• Supported country, still an error? Contact Support with the exact error message.
• No SMS at all? If an eligible PVADeals number receives no SMS during the rental, its cost comes back to your balance automatically as store credit.

Verify OpenAI without your personal number

A real non-VoIP number keeps your own phone off your OpenAI account. See our US phone numbers and UK phone numbers, or read our guides to Twilio phone number verification and AWS phone verification.