SMS/text verification codes - possible without mobile phone?

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Level 2

151 points

SMS/text verification codes - possible without mobile phone?

Hello,

I don't use a mobile phone, I simply don't need one.

However I'll need to use the new PayPal verification system and also I'll need to set up a YouTube channel, so in these cases I will have to specify a "mobile number", which can receive SMS/text verification codes.

Is this possible somehow without a mobile phone? I'm in the UK, I'm using a Mac and a landline.

(I've tried some "Twilio" numbers, but they were not accepted.)

Thank you.

iMac 27″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jun 10, 2020 6:58 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 10, 2020 8:05 AM in response to coxorange

Get yourself an inexpensive pay as you go phone.

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Answer 2

Jun 10, 2020 7:09 AM in response to coxorange

Both PayPal and YouTube have different options.

For PayPal read this --> https://www.paypal.com/uk/smarthelp/article/why-am-i-being-asked-to-complete-a-security-check-faq3567

For YouTube read this --> https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/171664?hl=en

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Answer 3

coxorange Author

Level 2

151 points

Jun 10, 2020 7:56 AM in response to LACAllen

I had asked PayPal, and they insist on a mobile phone number (so I thought of a virtual mobile phone number like Twilio).

Regarding YouTube, I found no way to contact them – unless you have set up a YouTube account!

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Answer 4

coxorange Author

Level 2

151 points

Jun 11, 2020 4:55 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

Thanks IdrisSeabright,

If there's no other way, then probably an older iPhone (SE I?) as pay as you go phone?

The only problem I see: the battery could be worn out and a replacement is more expensive than the phone.

Or what would you recommend?

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Answer 5

LACAllen

Level 8

43,584 points

Jun 10, 2020 7:46 AM in response to coxorange

I don't use a mobile phone, I simply don't need one.

Seems like you do now.

I doubt Paypal and Youtube will support any non-phone based solutions you may find.

Did you ask them for ideas?

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Answer 6

coxorange Author

Level 2

151 points

Jun 10, 2020 7:53 AM in response to SravanKrA

Thanks, I've asked Twilio regarding turning on short-code text messaging.

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Answer 7

Jun 11, 2020 7:12 AM in response to coxorange

If you have a spare phone lying around that's in reasonable shape and the PAGO carrier will accept it, that makes sense. If you only use the phone to get SMS codes, you can leave it off until you need it. So, unless the battery is completely dead, it should be fine. The cost of replacing an SE battery and buying a cheap basic phone are probably pretty close. Try the SE and see if it is sufficient. It not, buy a new phone.

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Answer 8

KiltedTim

Level 10

224,880 points

Jun 10, 2020 7:00 AM in response to coxorange

Pretty much no.

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SMS/text verification codes - possible without mobile phone?

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