SMS verification - other free options that work?

[Pawprints1986]

I can't be the only person to have run into this, so I thought I'd ask here. I didn't see anything super relevant via search

So, currently my issue is gmail though other services are starting to request this too, I've been delaying sign ups I'm interested in... With more and more services in general forcing 2fa - so are services like TextNow, fongo, etc with not allowing the transmission of SMS verification on their services, which IMO is total crap cuz they're ad based so they're paid. But they've all blocked these types of messages (which is IMO discrimination on the other companies part for not allowing these numbers as legit, cuz what if that was my only phone number, what if I had the data only plan and that was my only number?)

Basically, I'd like to keep my *real* number restricted to people I know in real life, doctors offices, etc. Official things you could say. But I'd like another "dummy" number to be able to give places like gmail so they can know I'm a human without having to sell them my soul lol. I don't have my number on any social media, etc I like to keep it as private as possible. 

I just wondered if any of you have come up with any methods for getting around giving everyone under the sun, basically, your real number over time? Without having to *buy* a second dummy number?

[Nezgar]

Just updated my Google 2FA and added my SMS enabled home number with voip.ms - both text and call verification worked.

Thing is certain numbers are classified as mobile, landline, or voip, and some services and banks will not send an SMS to a line thats not classified as mobile. I guess I'm lucky my voip.ms line works, but others have reported TextNow not working too.

For further reading, check out this dslreports forum thread:  https://www.dslreports.com/forum/r32116401-VOIP-numbers-are-often-not-accepted-for-identity-verficia...

[Pawprints1986]

I know what you mean, generally, but I keep things like Wi-Fi, location, Bluetooth, data etc turned off unless in use. On top of that I keep every app I don't need at the moment greenified (the system will do this too but it takes several days). I'm far from those people who's devices auto check then in to places lol. Even with nothing to hide it still feels very invasive. Even unsafe should that kind of info get into the wrong hands

So as far as following me around at all times, they can't if I restrict the connections

It just boggles my mind that services like TextNow have stopped offering 2fa. Even if free to use we're subjected to ads so they're still getting paid ?🤷

[Korth]

Use the 2FA with your number to get stuff set up. Then login Self-Serve and change your number.

And use an app like Signal SMS which has focus on security, privacy, anonymity. If you use built-in apps or you install branded apps (owned by Google, Apple, Facebook, etc) then device-specific IDs like IMEI/etc will probably fingerprint you and destroy anonymity anyhow.

You could swap SIM cards (and phone numbers) with someone else temporarily, long enough to do the 2FA when installing stuff on your device. But to be honest, your identity could still be pinpointed through your usage habits, location and movement, etc.

These days, the only way to not "sell your soul" to invasive data brokers is to not own a smartphone. The more you carry it around, the more you use it, the more services you run on it, the more signal bars you get ... the more privacy you lose.

[Nezgar]

Textnow.com is the first that comes to mind as previously mentioned, but I have my "home phone" number registered with voip.ms any SMS sent to that number get emailed to me.

85c per month, and a few cents per text ($0.0075 or 7.5 10ths of a cent) in USD. Of course you can also use it for calls for pennies with DIY setup and apps.

[popping]

My bank 2FA SMS coming through my Fongo account without issue.  I use it just in case I need to access my bank account online while I am travelling.

[Anonymous]

TextNow?