Twitter users have discovered a method to create multiple accounts without supplying a personal phone number, a technique that bypasses the platform’s standard verification step. The approach relies on virtual phone numbers, which can be obtained from third‑party services that provide temporary, disposable contact information. The practice has become increasingly popular among users who wish to maintain separate identities or protect their personal data.
Background on Twitter’s Phone‑Number Requirement
Twitter has long required users to provide a phone number during account creation. The company explains that the number is used for several purposes: verifying that an account belongs to a real person, confirming that the user is not a bot, enhancing overall account security, simplifying password recovery, and helping friends locate a particular account. These measures are intended to reduce spam, fraud and unauthorized access. However, the requirement has also raised concerns about privacy and the potential for personal information to be shared or compromised.
How the Virtual‑Number Method Works
The core of the technique involves obtaining a temporary phone number that can receive SMS or voice messages. Once the user has this number, it can be entered into Twitter’s registration form in place of a personal number. The temporary number receives the verification code that Twitter sends, allowing the account to be activated. Because the number is not tied to the user’s real identity, the account can be used without exposing personal contact details.
Step 1: Acquire a Temporary Phone Number
Users can download a virtual‑number application or access an online service that offers disposable numbers. The service typically allows the user to select the type of number—such as one intended for social‑media verification, a local number from a particular country, or a number that can receive calls and texts. After choosing the desired category, the user may be prompted to select a specific number, choose a plan, and complete a purchase. Some services offer discounts for annual subscriptions or provide free trials, which can reduce the cost or eliminate it entirely for short‑term use.
Step 2: Register on Twitter
With the temporary number in hand, the user navigates to Twitter’s sign‑up page or opens the mobile app. The user fills in the required fields: desired username, the temporary phone number, and date of birth. Twitter then displays a privacy confirmation screen stating that it does not store personal data on external servers; the user proceeds by clicking “Next.” A subsequent screen confirms the information entered and prompts the user to click “Sign up.”
Step 3: Verify the Phone Number
Twitter sends a verification code to the temporary number. The user opens the virtual‑number application, retrieves the code, and enters it into the designated field on the Twitter sign‑up page. After entering the code, the user sets a password and may choose to upload a profile photo or skip that step. Once the final confirmation is made, the account is activated and the user can begin using Twitter.
Step 4: Manage Account Settings
After activation, the user can select a username from a list of suggestions or type a custom one. Profile details can be edited by accessing the “Profile” menu. Because the account is linked to a temporary number, it can be deleted or replaced without affecting personal data.
Implications for Users and Twitter’s Policies
The ability to create accounts without a real phone number may appeal to privacy advocates and individuals who wish to avoid sharing personal contact information. However, it also raises questions about the effectiveness of Twitter’s verification process. If users can easily circumvent the phone‑number requirement, the platform’s defenses against spam, bot activity and fraudulent accounts could be weakened. Twitter has not yet announced any specific policy changes in response to this trend, but industry observers suggest that the company could consider implementing additional verification steps such as email confirmation or identity checks for users who register with disposable numbers.
Future Developments
Twitter’s next steps will likely involve monitoring usage patterns of accounts created via virtual numbers and assessing the impact on platform security. The company may also explore partnerships with mobile network operators or identity‑verification services to provide more robust confirmation methods. Users who wish to maintain anonymity may continue to rely on temporary numbers, but they should remain aware that Twitter’s policies and enforcement mechanisms may evolve. As of now, the virtual‑number approach remains a viable route for users who need multiple Twitter identities without exposing personal phone numbers.
