November 11, 2026 · 3 min read
OpenAI says your phone number is already used: what to do
Why ChatGPT and the OpenAI platform refuse a number that has been used before, and how to verify a new account with a fresh one.
OpenAI asks for a phone number to verify some accounts, for example on the API platform. A number can only be linked to a limited number of accounts. When it has reached that limit, verification stops with a message that the number was already used.
Common reasons
- The number was used for another OpenAI account before, yours or someone else’s.
- It is an internet calling number that OpenAI does not accept.
- Your country or the number’s country is not supported for verification.
What works
Use a real mobile number that has not been used with OpenAI. A temporary operator number does this without giving away your own: you get a fresh number, enter it on OpenAI and copy the code from the page. The table shows how codes for OpenAI are arriving by country right now.
| Country | Success, last hour | Price per number |
|---|---|---|
| Guinea | 77% | $1.30 |
| United States | 75% | $0.85 |
| Malta | 75% | $1.25 |
| Belgium | 73% | $1.75 |
| Czechia | 72% | $0.90 |
| Mongolia | 67% | $1.10 |
Success over the last hour, refreshed when you open the page.
FAQ
Can I remove my number from an old account?
Deleting an old account does not always free the number. Using a fresh number is usually faster.
Does this also work for ChatGPT?
Yes. ChatGPT and the API platform use the same OpenAI account and the same verification.