How to Verify Your Phone Number for OpenAI

OpenAI is the developer of ChatGPT, one of the most popular artificial intelligence systems. Users can write texts, get answers to questions, solve problems, edit documents, and even modify images with it. However, to register an account and access the AI, users are required to link their phone number. But why provide personal data? In this guide, we’ll explore the reasons and explain how to verify your OpenAI account.

Why Phone Number Verification is Required

In today’s world, personal data has become increasingly valuable. Thus, it’s essential to ensure its protection. Many platforms implement mandatory phone number verification for several reasons:

1. User Identification. Phone verification ensures that you are a real user and not a bot, reducing the likelihood of fraud and spam.
2. Enhanced Security. Most platforms offer two-factor authentication (2FA) or send alerts for suspicious activity to your phone. Requiring a mobile code in addition to a password makes accounts harder to hack.
3. Simplified Account Recovery. If someone attempts to hack your OpenAI account or you forget your password, linking a phone number makes recovery much easier by confirming your identity.

OpenAI recognizes users' concerns about phone number security and assures that user data is stored securely.

How to Verify Phone Number

Here’s the step-by-step process for registering and verifying your phone number in ChatGPT:

1. Access the System. Visit the official ChatGPT website at chatgpt.com and click "Sign up" in the top-right corner.
2. Registration and OpenAI Phone Number Verification. Enter your email address or log in via Gmail, Microsoft, or Apple. You will then see a prompt to verify your phone number. Enter your phone number in the international format.
3. Receiving the Verification Code. You’ll receive a six-digit SMS code at the phone number provided. Use this code to complete the verification process.

Troubleshooting:

• Ensure the phone number is entered correctly.
• Confirm your phone is connected to a mobile network.
• If you still don’t receive the code, try using a different phone number.

Note that ChatGPT is unavailable in some countries (e.g., Russia), and phone numbers from these regions cannot be used for registration.

Now you can use OpenAI’s services. You may also integrate the API into your projects. To do so, log into your account, navigate to the "API Dashboard," and generate an API key.

Using SMS-Activate for Verification

If you prefer not to use your personal phone number but want to secure your OpenAI account, you can opt for a virtual phone number. These numbers work over the internet and can be purchased for account activation or long-term use, such as registering on other services.

Benefits of SMS-Activate:

• Over 9 years in operation.
• 24/7 technical support.
• Multiple payment methods, including cryptocurrency.
• Free trial for virtual phone numbers.
• Refunds if SMS doesn’t arrive.

Steps to Use a Virtual Phone Number for OpenAI Registration:

1. Register on SMS-Activate and Add Funds. Create an account on the SMS-Activate website and deposit funds using your preferred payment method.
2. Purchase a temporary phone number for ChatGPT. Once funds are added, select and buy an appropriate phone number from the menu on the left.
3. Configure the SIM Settings. Choose your preferred activation or rental option, verification method, and the country associated with the phone number. Add the number to your cart and purchase it.
4. Register Your OpenAI Account. Use the purchased phone number during registration. Receive SMS verification code in your SMS-Activate dashboard.

If you purchased a number for activation only and later need the same number, you can request reactivation. However, this depends on the number provider and is not always guaranteed.

Benefits of Alternative Verification Methods

Many users are hesitant to provide their personal phone numbers due to concerns about data leaks. Alternative verification methods — such as disposable or fake phone numbers and prepaid phones — can offer a viable solution.

Here are the key benefits:

1. Increased Privacy. By not sharing your personal number, you reduce the risk of your data being exposed, even in the event of a breach.
2. Protection from Spam. Data leaks can lead to spam messages and numerous unwanted calls. Using an alternative number can prevent this.
3. Flexibility and Convenience. There’s no need to buy a physical SIM card or install it in a device. If you live in a country where OpenAI is not accessible, you can simply purchase a SIM card from a supported country and use the service.

Although OpenAI assures users that their data is secure, alternative methods can provide peace of mind during registration and SMS verification.

Troubleshooting Verification Issues

Verifying your phone number with OpenAI is usually straightforward, but issues may occasionally arise. Here’s how to address them:

1. Double-check the Phone Number. Ensure the number is entered in the correct international format, including the country code. Verify that the temporary phone number is active and connected to a network.
2. Check Your Internet Connection. Unstable internet can disrupt the process. If you’re experiencing issues, try again later or restart your router or device.
3. SMS Verification Code Not Received. Verify that your mobile carrier isn’t blocking SMS from short numbers. Ensure your device has enough storage to receive new messages. If the problem persists, use a different phone number.
4. Invalid Verification Code. Double-check the digits you entered. If you received multiple codes, use the one from the most recent message.

If none of these solutions work, contact OpenAI support for assistance.

If you receive a verification code you didn’t request, it may indicate an attempt to hack your account. Change your account password immediately.

Enhancing User Experience Without Phone Number

You can improve your experience with OpenAI without providing a phone number by following these tips:

• Provide Feedback. Use the “Provide Feedback” button or leave comments through the platform interface to share your thoughts with OpenAI developers.
• Stay Updated. Engage with the OpenAI community on forums and social media to discuss updates, connect with other users, and stay informed.
• Use Secure Methods. Utilize temporary email addresses and VPNs for enhanced security. Log in through trusted services like Gmail or Microsoft to avoid sharing personal phone numbers.

Professionals can also enhance OpenAI’s offerings by testing and training models via provided APIs, submitting functionality improvement requests, or participating in beta testing of new features — all without linking a phone number.

Contacting OpenAI Support

OpenAI offers various ways for users to access support and interact with the platform’s developers:

1. Help Center. Visit the Help Center on OpenAI’s official website for detailed guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting instructions. The information is regularly updated.
2. Support Chat. Use the chat feature on the website. If the bot can’t resolve your issue, your query will be forwarded to a support specialist.
3. Community Forums. Participate in discussions, share experiences, and propose new features at community.openai.com.
4. Social Media. Reach out on X (formerly Twitter) at @OpenAI, or explore OpenAI’s instructional videos on YouTube.
5. Email Support. For complex queries requiring detailed consideration, email [email protected].

Tips for Effective Support Requests:

• Check the FAQ and documentation for solutions before reaching out.
• Provide a detailed description of your issue, including steps to reproduce it, if applicable.

Conclusion

OpenAI develops AI-based products that simplify information retrieval and task resolution. Occasionally, users may encounter issues, but these can be resolved by contacting technical support using the options outlined above.

While phone numbers are required for account registration to enhance security, alternatives like virtual or disposable numbers (e.g., SMS-Activate) can be used for added privacy.

FAQs

How to verify phone number on OpenAI?

Enter your phone number correctly and request a verification code. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and an active mobile network. If the code doesn’t arrive, double-check your number or use a different one.

How to change mobile number in OpenAI?

OpenAI currently doesn’t allow users to change their phone numbers. The account remains linked to the number provided during registration.

How many ChatGPT accounts per phone number?

Only one ChatGPT account can be created per personal or temporary phone number. This helps prevent multiple account creation.