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Getting hit with a verification prompt when you don’t have access to your phone number is the kind of small problem that suddenly becomes small. You’re ready to check out, and boom, blocked.
Here’s the deal: most no-phone-number situations aren’t really about never using a phone number again. They’re about getting an old number unstuck, codes not arriving, your device quietly filtering texts, or needing a legit way to update your account info. I’ll walk you through what’s actually possible, what Affirm requires, and the cleanest fixes, plus a privacy-friendly OTP path with PVAPins if SMS is the bottleneck.
Can you verify Affirm without a phone number?
Short answer: In many cases, no, at least not with a zero phone number involved. Affirm lists a US SMS-capable mobile number as a requirement to create an account, so the real win is choosing the right path for your situation: update your number, fix code delivery, use passkeys if available, or use a privacy-friendly OTP option where it’s allowed.
What Affirm requires vs what users mean by verify
Most people say verify, but they usually mean one of these:
- Sign-up verification: creating an account and confirming you can receive a code.
- Sign-in verification: logging in and getting an OTP (one-time passcode).
- Identity verification: confirming your identity details (common in financial apps).
Affirm’s setup leans heavily on the phone number as the anchor. So if your issue is access to that number, you’re not alone, but yeah, you do need to handle it the clean way.
The 4 scenarios that change the answer
Your next move depends on which bucket you’re in:
- You’re trying to create a new account
- You can’t sign in because your old number is gone
- The SMS verification code isn’t arriving
- You’re getting codes you didn’t request (security/fraud signal)
Pick the right one, and everything gets way less chaotic.
Quick decision tree: choose your situation in 20 seconds
Pick your bucket sign-up, old number, code not arriving, or suspicious codes because each one has a different fastest fix.
Trying to create an account
If you’re creating an account, you’ll generally need a US SMS-capable number (Affirm says so in its requirements). So the real no-phone-number goal becomes: I need a number I can access for OTP.
Before you do anything else, decide what level of access you need:
- Just a one-time setup code (one-and-done)
- Ongoing access for re-logins/recovery
We’ll cover the choice of the right number type piece later without pretending there’s a perfect, guaranteed hack. (There isn’t.)
Can’t sign in
If your old number is still tied to the account and you can’t receive SMS anymore, the best option is to use Affirm’s official update process. Affirm also warns that creating a new account won’t work and may delay updates. Annoying? Yes. Clear? Also yes.
Verification code not arriving.
Before you do anything drastic, troubleshoot delivery. A surprising number of OTP issues are:
- cooldown/rate limits
- device message filtering
- carrier-level blocking
Do the fast checks in the next section first. It saves a lot of wasted time.
Got a code you didn’t request
Treat this like a security event. Don’t share it. Don’t test it. Just secure your access and contact support if needed.
Affirm’s guidance on unrequested PIN notifications is worth reading once
Fix the issue where the Affirm verification code isn’t received before you make any changes.
Direct answer: when an Affirm verification code doesn’t arrive, it’s usually cooldowns, carrier filtering, or device message settings. Fix those first, then escalate to phone update/support if it’s still broken.
Cooldowns & resend rules
Let’s be real: Resend code feels harmless until it isn’t.
Try this simple approach:
- Request the code once
- Wait 60–120 seconds
- Request one resend
- If it keeps failing, stop spamming and switch tactics (support/update flow)
If you tap resend 5 times in 30 seconds, and the system rate-limits you. That doesn’t mean the number is bad. It usually means the system thinks you’re not behaving like a human.
Carrier filtering & blocked SMS basics
Carrier filtering is the silent killer of OTPs.
Quick checks that actually matter:
- Confirm the number format is correct (country code + digits)
- Ask your carrier whether SMS short codes are blocked (sometimes it’s literally a toggle)
- Check if spam protection is filtering unknown senders
If you’re using a second number service for OTP, reliability often depends on route type (shared vs private)—more on that in the Free vs low-cost section.
iPhone checks vs Android checks
On iPhone, check:
- Focus modes (some can silence or filter messages)
- Unknown Senders filtering
- Blocked contacts list (rare, but it happens)
On Android, check:
- Spam protection in Messages
- Blocked numbers/settings
- OS-level permissions if you’re using app-based flows
If you’ve done all that and nothing arrives after a few attempts across a reasonable window, it’s time to move to phone update/support.
How to change your phone number on Affirm
Direct answer: Affirm says you must update your phone number through its Update Phone Number process. This is the only way to update it, and creating a new account won’t work and may delay requests.
Update Phone Number flow.
Expect to keep it simple, prove it’s your process. You’ll typically want:
- Your account email (make sure you can access it)
- The old phone number (if you still remember it)
- The new number you want to use
- Timestamps/screenshots if you’re stuck in an error loop
Micro-opinion: Write your details down before you start. Support flows go faster when you’re not guessing mid-form.
Number already in use, and what to do next
If you see a number already in use, it’s usually tied to another account.
Your next steps:
- Don’t keep retrying the same number
- Don’t create another account to test it
- Use the official support path so it can be resolved properly
Identity verification on Affirm: pass it cleanly
Direct answer: identity verification is about proving you’re clean, consistent details and good document uploads matter more than retrying 20 times.
If Affirm asks for identity verification, treat it like a checklist:
- Use clear, well-lit photos (no glare, no blur)
- Make sure names/addresses match what you entered
- Don’t rapid-fire re-upload the same doc; minor improvements (lighting, framing) help
Your ID lists you as Jonathan A. Smith, but your account lists you as Jon Smith. That mismatch can slow things down. Fix the account details first (if you can), then upload.
Reduce future SMS headaches: passkeys app lock options.
Direct answer: if you don’t want to depend on SMS every time, Affirm supports passkeys as a sign-in option and offers app-level protections like a passcode or biometrics (fingerprint/Face ID). These can reduce lockouts when texts are delayed.
Official resources:
- Sign-in options overview
- Set up a passkey
- Set up passcode/fingerprint/Face ID
Sign in with a passkey.
Passkeys are basically a no-password sign-in tied to your device security (Face ID/fingerprint). If your device supports it and your account has it enabled, it can save you from a lot of SMS drama.
Practical tip: keep your OS/browser updated. Passkeys are great when your setup is up to date.
App passcode, fingerprint, Face ID as a backup
Even if you still use SMS sometimes, app-level locks help keep your account safer:
- Set a passcode inside the app
- Turn on Face ID/fingerprint if available
- Don’t share devices where your BNPL apps are signed in (common sense, but still)
If passkey/app options fail and SMS is still required in your flow, that’s where planning a reliable OTP route matters.
Contacting Affirm support: what to send so you don’t get bounced
Direct answer: when self-service doesn’t work (old number, code loops, number already in use), support is faster when you include the exact error, timestamp, device/OS, and what you already tried.
Send this the first time (it saves back-and-forth):
- Screenshot of the error message
- Time and date it happened
- Device model + OS version (iPhone/Android, version)
- Whether it’s a sign-in code problem or a phone update problem
- The steps you already tried (short list)
Safety note (non-negotiable): never share OTP codes with anyone. If someone asks for it, that’s a scam.
Free vs low-cost virtual numbers: which should you use for verification?
Direct answer: free public inbox numbers can work for quick testing, but they’re shared and more likely to be filtered. If you need reliability, especially for re-logins, choose between one-time activations (fast) and rentals (stable access for a period).
A good rule: match the number type to the account’s importance.
Using a temp number can be a practical way to keep your personal life private for low-risk testing just make sure you follow Revolut’s terms and local regulations
Free public inbox numbers
Free public inbox numbers are best for:
- testing whether OTP delivery is even possible, low-stakes checks, quick. Does this flow send a code? experiments
The tradeoff is obvious: they’re shared. That means lower privacy and a higher risk of filtering.
One-time activation vs rentals, stability vs one-and-done
Here’s the simple chooser:
- One-time activation: best when you only need a code once to finish a step
- Rental: best when you might need re-logins, recovery, or repeated OTP during the rental window
Decision helper: Will you need the number again in the next 7–30 days? If yes, rentals are usually the calmer choice.
Using PVAPins for Affirm OTPs
Direct answer: if you need OTP access and prefer not to use your personal SIM, PVAPins offers a simple ladder: free testing → instant one-time activation → rentals for stability.
Compliance note: PVAPins is not affiliated with Affirm. Please follow each app’s terms and local regulations.
PVAPins is built around practical tradeoffs (aka the stuff that matters in real life):
- Free numbers for quick tests
- Paid options when you need reliability and privacy-friendly handling
- Coverage across 200+ countries for legitimate global workflows
- Private/non-VoIP options where you need higher trust signals
- API-ready stability for teams/workflows that automate verification flows
Best flow: free → instant → rent
Step 1 (test): Start with a free test to avoid overpaying for a basic check.
Try PVAPins’ free numbers.
Step 2 (instant): move to one-time activation when you need the code to land during a short window.
Learn how receiving SMS works.
Step 3 (stable): choose rentals if you’ll need access again (re-login/recovery).
Rent a number
If anything fails, don’t guess; use the troubleshooting hub
Country selection & private or non-VoIP considerations
Country selection matters because apps validate formatting and routing differently by region.
Practical advice:
- Match the country code format exactly
- If your account is high-stakes, lean toward private options (shared inbox routes are more likely to be filtered)
- Keep access stable if you expect re-verification later
Payments & top-ups by region
PVAPins supports multiple payment methods (availability can vary by region), including:
- Crypto, Binance Pay, Payeer
- GCash, AmanPay, QIWI Wallet, DOKU
- Nigeria & South Africa cards
- Skrill, Payoneer
No hype here, just flexibility so people aren’t forced into one payment rail.
Android app workflow
If you’d rather manage OTPs on mobile, use the Android app:
PVAPins Android app
Simple flow:
- Install the app
- Pick a country/number route
- Request the OTP in Affirm
- Copy the code from the inbox and continue
United States: eligibility, why SMS is required
Direct answer: in the US, Affirm lists eligibility requirements that include a US SMS-capable mobile number, so most ‘no phone’ issues are really no access to my number, not no phone is required.
US-specific tips:
- Use correct +1 formatting
- Carrier filtering is standard; check spam/blocked settings
- If you’re traveling, roaming issues can delay OTP (plan for that)
If you changed numbers, the official update process is still the cleanest route.
Outside the US: availability, travel, and why results vary
Direct answer: if you’re outside the US, you may hit availability/eligibility constraints, which is why online answers conflict. Confirm regional availability first, and if you’re traveling, focus on OTP reliability and your account’s existing sign-in options.
Keep it legit:
- Don’t chase workarounds that violate terms
- If passkeys are available on your account/device, use that sign-in path
- If SMS is required, reliability depends on the carrier, device settings, and the OTP route
And yes, PVAPins supports many countries for legitimate OTP needs where allowed. Just keep the compliance line in mind.
Safety checklist: unrequested PINs, scams, and never share codes
Direct answer: If you receive a code you didn’t request, treat it as a security warning, don’t use it, don’t share it, and secure your account. Affirm warns these can be fraudulent and says it won’t call to ask for your codes or personal info.
Red flags to watch for:
- Anyone asking for your OTP to confirm it’s you
- Urgent threats (your account will be closed in 10 minutes)
- Requests for personal details you didn’t initiate
What to do instead:
- Contact support through official channels
- Tighten sign-in options (passkey/app lock where available)
- Keep OTPs private. Privacy-friendly tools don’t help if you hand over the code.
FAQ
1) Can you verify Affirm without a phone number?
In most cases, you’ll still need access to a phone number because Affirm lists a US SMS-capable mobile number as part of account requirements. If your issue is access (old number, no SMS), focus on updating your phone number officially or using supported sign-in methods, such as passkeys, where available.
2) Why does Affirm require a US phone number?
Affirm uses the phone number as a key account identifier and for sending verification codes. That’s why losing access to the number often feels like getting locked out.
3) What if my Affirm verification code isn’t arriving?
Start with cooldown-safe resends, check carrier filtering/blocked SMS, and review device message settings (iPhone/Android spam filters). If it keeps failing, move to the phone update flow or contact support with screenshots and timestamps.
4) How do I change my phone number on Affirm?
Use Affirm’s official Update Phone Number process. Avoid creating a new account. Affirm warns that it won’t work and may delay updates.
5) Can I sign in without SMS on Affirm?
Depending on your setup, you can use a passkey or app-level security options. If those aren’t available (or fail), SMS verification may still be required for your sign-in flow.
6) Is it safe to use a second number for Affirm OTPs?
It can be privacy-friendly if you follow the app’s terms, keep OTPs private, and avoid shared public inbox numbers for essential accounts. Choose one-time vs rental based on whether you’ll need re-login access later.
7) What should I do if I get a code I didn’t request?
Don’t share it or use it. Treat it as a potential fraud signal, secure your account, and contact support using official channels.
Conclusion
If you only remember three things, make them these:
- Affirm generally requires a US SMS-capable phone number for account creation/sign-in, so no phone number usually means no access to my number.
- Fix OTP delivery first (cooldowns, carrier filtering, device settings).
- If the number is truly the blocker, use the official phone update flow or support, and avoid creating new accounts.
And if you need a privacy-friendly OTP path while staying compliant, PVAPins gives you a practical ladder: free number → go instant for speed → rent for stability.
Compliance reminder: PVAPins is not affiliated with Affirm. Please follow each app’s terms and local regulations.
Ready to move? Start here:
- Free testing
- Rentals for stability
- Troubleshooting