How to Create an Email Account Without a Phone Number

In today’s digital age, having an email account is as essential as having a phone or a wallet. It’s your gateway to communication, online services, and managing your digital life.

However, many email providers, like Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo, often require a phone number for verification during account creation.

For those who value privacy, don’t have access to a phone number, or simply want to avoid sharing personal details, this requirement can feel like a roadblock.

The good news? It’s entirely possible to create an email account without a phone number, and I’m here to walk you through the process step-by-step.

This guide is designed to be your go-to resource for setting up an email account while keeping your phone number private.

Whether you’re a privacy enthusiast, someone without a phone, or just exploring options, I’ll cover the best platforms, methods, and tips to ensure you can get online securely and anonymously. Let’s dive in!

Why Create an Email Without a Phone Number?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why you might want to avoid using a phone number when signing up for an email account. There are several valid reasons:

1. Privacy Concerns: Sharing your phone number with an email provider means they have another piece of personal information about you. This data could be used for marketing, shared with third parties, or even compromised in a data breach.
2. Avoiding Spam: Phone numbers linked to email accounts can sometimes lead to unwanted calls or texts, especially if the provider shares your data or you use the email for less-than-trustworthy websites.
3. Lack of Access: Not everyone has a phone number readily available. Maybe you’re traveling, don’t own a phone, or are setting up an account for a specific purpose that doesn’t require a phone.
4. Multiple Accounts: If you’re creating multiple email accounts (for business, personal use, or testing), you might run out of phone numbers to verify them with, as many services limit how many accounts can be tied to a single number.
5. Anonymity: For some, maintaining anonymity online is crucial. Whether you’re a journalist, activist, or just someone who wants to keep their online presence separate from their real-world identity, avoiding a phone number is a key step.

Now that we understand the “why,” let’s explore the “how.” Below, I’ll outline the best email providers and methods to create an account without needing a phone number, along with tips to ensure your account remains secure and functional.

Email Providers That Don’t Require a Phone Number

Several email providers allow you to sign up without a phone number, either by skipping verification entirely or offering alternative verification methods like an alternate email address. Here’s a rundown of the top options:

1. ProtonMail: The Privacy Champion

ProtonMail is a Switzerland-based email service renowned for its focus on privacy and security. It’s one of the best options for creating an email account without a phone number, as it doesn’t mandate phone verification in most cases.

Why Choose ProtonMail?

• End-to-End Encryption: Your emails are encrypted, ensuring only you and the recipient can read them.
• No Phone Number Required: ProtonMail allows you to sign up using just a username, password, and an optional recovery email.
• Swiss Privacy Laws: Switzerland has some of the strictest privacy laws, meaning your data is well-protected.
• Free Plan Available: The free tier is sufficient for basic email needs, though paid plans unlock additional features.

How to Sign Up for ProtonMail Without a Phone Number

1. Visit the ProtonMail Website: Open your browser and go to proton.me.
2. Click “Sign Up”: You’ll find this option on the homepage. Choose the free plan to start.
3. Fill in the Details: Enter a username (e.g., yourname@proton.me) and create a strong password. ProtonMail will check if the username is available.
4. Skip Phone Verification: ProtonMail may prompt for a verification method. Choose “Email” instead of “Phone” and provide an alternate email address (more on creating one later if you don’t have one).
5. Verify via Email: Check your alternate email for a verification code or link from ProtonMail and follow the instructions.
6. Complete Setup: Once verified, you’ll be prompted to set up your account, including optional recovery options. You can skip adding a phone number here too.
7. Start Using Your Email: You’re now ready to send and receive encrypted emails!

Tips for ProtonMail

• If you don’t have an alternate email, you can use a temporary email service (more on this below) for verification.
• ProtonMail’s free plan has limits on storage and daily email sends, so consider upgrading if you need more capacity.
• Use a strong, unique password to enhance security, as ProtonMail’s encryption relies on it.

2. Tutanota: Another Privacy-Focused Option

Tutanota is another excellent email provider that prioritizes privacy and doesn’t require a phone number for sign-up. Like ProtonMail, it offers end-to-end encryption and is based in a privacy-friendly country (Germany).

Why Choose Tutanota?

• No Phone Verification: Tutanota lets you sign up with just a username and password.
• Encrypted Everything: Not just emails but also your calendar and contacts are encrypted.
• Free and Paid Plans: The free plan is great for casual use, with affordable paid options for more features.
• Open-Source: Tutanota’s code is publicly available, adding transparency to its security claims.

How to Sign Up for Tutanota Without a Phone Number

1. Go to Tutanota’s Website: Navigate to tutanota.com.
2. Select “Sign Up”: Choose the free plan to begin.
3. Enter Your Details: Pick a username (e.g., yourname@tutanota.com) and create a strong password.
4. Skip Verification: Tutanota typically doesn’t require phone or email verification for free accounts, but if prompted, you can use a temporary email address.
5. Agree to Terms: Accept Tutanota’s terms and conditions, and you’re done!
6. Access Your Inbox: You’ll be taken to your new inbox, ready to use.

Tips for Tutanota

• Tutanota’s interface is clean and user-friendly, but it may feel less polished than Gmail. Give it a try to see if it suits your needs.
• If you encounter a CAPTCHA during sign-up, complete it to prove you’re not a bot.
• Tutanota’s free plan has a 1GB storage limit, so manage your emails wisely.

3. Mailfence: Secure and Collaborative

Mailfence is a lesser-known but highly secure email provider that doesn’t require a phone number. It’s based in Belgium and offers a suite of tools, including email, calendar, and contacts management.

Why Choose Mailfence?

• No Phone Requirement: Sign-up is straightforward with just an email and password.
• End-to-End Encryption: Like ProtonMail and Tutanota, Mailfence prioritizes security.
• Group Features: Ideal for teams or collaborative work, with shared calendars and document storage.
• Free Plan: The free tier offers 500MB of email storage, sufficient for light use.

How to Sign Up for Mailfence

1. Visit Mailfence: Go to mailfence.com.
2. Click “Sign Up”: Select the free plan.
3. Fill in Details: Choose a username and password. You may be asked for a recovery email, which is optional.
4. Complete CAPTCHA: Prove you’re human by solving a CAPTCHA, if prompted.
5. Finish Setup: You’ll be taken to your dashboard, where you can access your email and other tools.

Tips for Mailfence

• Mailfence’s interface is slightly more complex due to its collaborative features, so take time to explore.
• Use a recovery email to ensure you can regain access if you forget your password.
• The free plan is limited, so consider upgrading if you need more storage or features.

4. Temporary Email Services: A Quick Workaround

If you need an email account for a short period or want to bypass phone verification for mainstream providers like Gmail, temporary email services are a fantastic option. These services provide disposable email addresses that you can use for sign-ups without revealing personal information.

Popular Temporary Email Providers

• Temp-Mail (temp-mail.org): Offers temporary email addresses that last for a short period (usually 10 minutes to a few hours).
• 10MinuteMail (10minutemail.com): Provides an email address valid for 10 minutes, with an option to extend.
• Guerrilla Mail (guerrillamail.com): Allows you to create a temporary email with a customizable address.
• Mailinator (mailinator.com): Offers public inboxes that don’t require sign-up, though they’re less private.

How to Use a Temporary Email Service

1. Visit a Temporary Email Site: For example, go to 10minutemail.com.
2. Get Your Temporary Email: The site will generate a random email address (e.g., random123@10minutemail.com).
3. Use It for Sign-Up: Go to the email provider of your choice (e.g., Gmail, ProtonMail) and use the temporary email for verification.
4. Check the Temporary Inbox: Return to the temporary email site to retrieve the verification code or link.
5. Complete the Sign-Up: Enter the code or click the link to finalize your account creation.

Tips for Temporary Emails

• Temporary emails are great for one-off sign-ups but aren’t suitable for long-term use, as they expire quickly.
• Be cautious with sensitive accounts, as temporary email inboxes are often public or easily accessible.
• If you’re using a temporary email to sign up for a privacy-focused service like ProtonMail, ensure you set up a recovery method to avoid losing access.

Bypassing Phone Verification on Mainstream Providers

While privacy-focused providers like ProtonMail and Tutanota are ideal, you might prefer a mainstream service like Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo. These providers often request a phone number, but there are ways to bypass this requirement.

1. Gmail: Google’s Email Giant

Gmail is one of the most popular email services, but it typically asks for a phone number during sign-up. Here’s how to get around it:

Method 1: Use an Alternate Email

1. Go to Gmail Sign-Up: Visit accounts.google.com.
2. Fill in Details: Enter your name, desired username (e.g., yourname@gmail.com), and password.
3. Skip Phone Number: When prompted for a phone number, look for an option like “Use email instead” or “Skip.”
4. Provide a Recovery Email: Use a temporary email or another email address you control.
5. Verify via Email: Check the alternate email for a verification code and enter it to complete the process.

Method 2: Adjust Account Settings

• During sign-up, if Google insists on a phone number, try changing your age to 15 or younger (Google doesn’t require phone verification for minors in some regions).
• Be aware that this may limit access to some Google services, so use this method cautiously.

Method 3: Use Incognito Mode

• Open an incognito/private browsing window to reduce tracking and profiling, which may lower the likelihood of Google requiring a phone number.
• Clear your browser cookies and cache before starting.

2. Outlook: Microsoft’s Email Service

Outlook is another popular choice, and Microsoft sometimes allows you to skip phone verification.

How to Sign Up for Outlook Without a Phone Number

1. Visit Outlook Sign-Up: Go to outlook.com and click “Create free account.”
2. Enter Details: Choose a username (e.g., yourname@outlook.com) and password.
3. Skip Phone Prompt: If asked for a phone number, look for a “Use email instead” option or click “Skip.”
4. Verify via Email: Use a temporary email or another account to receive the verification code.
5. Complete Setup: Enter the code and finalize your account.

Tips for Outlook

• Microsoft’s verification requirements can vary by region, so try using a VPN to appear as if you’re in a different country if you encounter issues.
• Ensure your password is strong, as Outlook accounts are often targeted by hackers.

3. Yahoo Mail: A Classic Option

Yahoo Mail is less stringent than Gmail or Outlook in some cases, making it another viable option.

How to Sign Up for Yahoo Mail

1. Go to Yahoo Sign-Up: Visit login.yahoo.com and click “Create an account.”
2. Fill in Details: Enter your name, desired email address, and password.
3. Skip Phone Number: Yahoo may allow you to skip the phone number field or use an alternate email for verification.
4. Verify and Finish: Complete any CAPTCHA or email verification steps to activate your account.

Tips for Yahoo

• Yahoo’s interface is dated compared to Gmail, but it’s still functional for basic email needs.
• Be cautious, as Yahoo has had data breaches in the past, so avoid using this account for sensitive information.

Using a VPN for Added Privacy

To further enhance your privacy when creating an email account, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN masks your IP address, making it harder for email providers to track your location or link your account to your real identity.

Recommended Free VPNs

• ProtonVPN: Offers a free plan with unlimited bandwidth and servers in a few countries.
• Windscribe: Provides 10GB of free data per month, sufficient for browsing and sign-ups.
• TunnelBear: User-friendly with 500MB of free data per month (use sparingly for sign-ups).

How to Use a VPN

1. Sign Up for a VPN: Choose a provider and create an account (many free VPNs don’t require a phone number).
2. Connect to a Server: Select a server in a privacy-friendly country like Switzerland or the Netherlands.
3. Clear Browser Data: Delete cookies and cache to start fresh.
4. Proceed with Email Sign-Up: Follow the steps for your chosen email provider while connected to the VPN.

Security Tips for Your New Email Account

Once you’ve created your email account, it’s crucial to keep it secure, especially since you’re bypassing phone verification. Here are some tips:

1. Use a Strong Password: Combine letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid reusing passwords across accounts. Consider a password manager like Bitwarden to generate and store complex passwords.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): If your email provider offers 2FA, enable it using an authenticator app (e.g., Google Authenticator or Authy) instead of a phone number.
3. Set Up a Recovery Email: Add a secondary email address to recover your account if you lose access. Avoid using your primary personal email for this purpose.
4. Be Cautious with Links: Avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails, as phishing attacks are common.
5. Regularly Check Account Activity: Most email providers have a “Recent Activity” or “Security” section where you can monitor logins and devices accessing your account.
6. Avoid Public Wi-Fi: When accessing your email, use a secure connection or a VPN to prevent eavesdropping.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Creating an email account without a phone number isn’t always straightforward. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

1. Provider Insists on Phone Verification

• Solution: Switch to a privacy-focused provider like ProtonMail or Tutanota, which don’t require phone numbers. Alternatively, use a temporary email for verification.

2. CAPTCHA Issues

• Solution: Ensure your browser is up to date, disable ad blockers, or try a different browser. Using a VPN can sometimes help bypass strict CAPTCHAs.

3. Account Gets Flagged or Suspended

• Solution: Avoid creating multiple accounts in quick succession from the same IP address. Use a VPN to change your IP, and space out account creations.

4. Limited Features Without Phone Verification

• Solution: Some providers limit features (e.g., Google services) if you skip phone verification. Consider whether you need those features or if a privacy-focused provider is a better fit.

Ethical Considerations

While creating an email account without a phone number is legal and often necessary for privacy, it’s important to use these accounts responsibly. Avoid using anonymous emails for illegal activities, harassment, or spamming, as this could lead to account suspension or legal consequences. Respect the terms of service of the email provider to ensure a smooth experience.

Conclusion

Creating an email account without a phone number is not only possible but also straightforward with the right tools and knowledge. Whether you choose a privacy-focused provider like ProtonMail or Tutanota, use a temporary email service, or bypass verification on mainstream platforms, you have plenty of options to maintain your privacy online. By following the steps outlined in this guide and implementing security best practices, you can enjoy a secure, private email experience tailored to your needs.

If you’re ready to take control of your digital privacy, start by picking one of the providers above and following the sign-up steps. With a little effort, you’ll have a fully functional email account without ever sharing your phone number. Happy emailing!