How to Create an Apple ID Without a Phone Number

So, you want to make an Apple ID but don’t feel like handing over your phone number?
Get it. Maybe you’re trying to keep things private, maybe you don’t even have a SIM right now, or perhaps you’re just setting up an account for your kid.

Good news, you can do it. Apple ID Without a Phone Number, and even when they do, there are workarounds. I’ve tried this myself (and helped friends do it), so I’ll walk you through exactly how to pull it off… and keep your account secure after.

 

Can You Create an Apple ID Without a Phone Number?

Yup. You can create an Apple ID using just your email.
But, and here’s the catch for certain things (like two-factor authentication), Apple might push you to add a number later.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Apple ID basics → Your account is tied to your email, not your number. 
• Phone number role → Mainly for verification and account recovery. 
• When you can skip it → Some sign-ups (especially on the web) let you choose “Don’t use” or just leave it blank. 
• When you can’t → 2FA setup, approving a new device, password resets. 
• The risk → If you ever get locked out, recovery without a number is trickier. 

Pro tip: If it’s just about privacy, you can always use a temporary number for sign-up, then remove it later.

 

Step-by-Step – Create Apple ID Without Phone Number

Here’s exactly what I do when I’m making a no-phone Apple ID:

1. Head to appleid.apple.com (or start the setup on your device). 
2. Fill in your name, birthday, email, and password. 
3. When it asks for a phone number, hit “Don’t use” or leave it blank (if the option’s there). 
4. Check your email for Apple’s code → pop it in to verify. 
5. Set up extra recovery stuff: backup codes, a recovery key, or trusted devices. 

💡 Web sign-up is usually more chill about skipping numbers than doing it directly on an iPhone.

How to Verify Apple ID Without a Phone Number

Skipped your number? You’ve still got options:

• Email verification → The classic method. 
• Trusted device approval → If you already own another Apple gadget. 
• Backup codes → Generate them and stash somewhere safe. 
• Virtual number from PVAPins → Grab one online, get your OTP in seconds. 

Example: I once helped a friend in another country set up an Apple ID with no SIM — used PVAPins, got the code instantly, and was done.

 

Recover Apple ID Without Phone Number

If you’ve lost your number and need to get back in:

1. Go to iforgot.apple.com 
2. Enter your Apple ID email. 
3. Pick email recovery. 
4. Answer your security questions (if set). 
5. Use your recovery key if you’ve got one. 

Fun fact: Apple says your recovery chances go way up if you have more than one method set.

 

Create iCloud Account Without Phone Number

Since iCloud is tied to your Apple ID, it’s the same deal:

• Visit iCloud.com 
• Sign in or hit Create Account 
• Skip the number field 
• Verify via email 

Perfect for kids, work accounts, or secondary storage.

Bypass Apple ID Two-Factor Authentication Without Phone Number

2FA is great for security, but yeah, it loves phone numbers. If you’re going number-free:

• Approve sign-in from a trusted device 
• Use your recovery key 
• Backup codes 
• Or… use a PVAPins temp number just to get the code 

Heads up: If you have none of these, you’re locked out.

 

Change Apple ID Phone Number Without Access

Lost your old number? Do this:

1. Sign in at appleid.apple.com 
2. Go to Sign-In & Security 
3. Delete the old number 
4. Add a new one… or skip entirely 

Note: Removing all numbers can limit some recovery options.

 

Use iMessage or FaceTime Without a Phone Number

You don’t need a number to chat or video call:

• Open Settings → Messages / FaceTime 
• Sign in with your Apple ID email 
• Deselect your number 
• Use your email for messaging 

Great for iPads or iPods with no SIM slot.

Temporary Virtual Number for Apple ID Verification

When Apple won’t budge without a number:

1.  That’s where a free virtual number for SMS verification comes in clutch: no SIM card, no second phone, no hassle. 
2. Select Apple as the service 
3. Pick a country + number type 
4. Enter it into Apple’s form 
5. Get the OTP instantly in your PVAPins dashboard 

This is a lifesaver if you’re travelling or setting up an account for another region.

 

GEO-Specific: Create Apple ID Without Phone Number in India

The steps are the same, but:

• Works on iPhone, iPad, and Mac 
• You can skip the Indian SIM 
• Verify via email 
• Optional: Use a PVAPins Indian number to avoid stricter checks 

 

Security Tips When Using No-Phone Apple ID

If you’re skipping the number, you have to be extra careful:

• Set a recovery email 
• Enable backup codes 
• Store your recovery key somewhere offline 
• Keep a trusted device logged in 

More recovery options = safer account.

 

FAQs – Create Apple ID Without Phone Number

Can I use Apple ID without a phone number?

Yep, just use email or a virtual number.

How do I get the verification code without a phone?
Email, trusted device, backup codes, or a temp number.

Can I recover with just email?
Yes, if you still have access to it.

Is using a virtual number safe?
Yes, with a solid provider like PVAPins.

Can I set up iMessage without a number?
Just use your Apple ID email.

Can I skip the number on iPhone setup?
Sometimes choose “Don’t use” if available.

Does 2FA require a number?
Not strictly, but you’ll need an alternative method.