Ever stared at Bumble’s sign-up screen and thought, “Do I really have to give them my phone number”? Bumble is one of the biggest dating apps, but you can never be too safe.
Whether it’s for a fresh start after a ban or simply protecting your privacy, there are solid, proven ways to use Bumble without giving your personal digits!
How Bumble's SMS and Call Verification Works
Your number is verified through messages/calls. When you sign up, Bumble checks if the number you provide is active and reachable in one of two ways:
- SMS Verification (most common): Much like Tinder’s SMS verification, Bumble sends a 6-digit code via text message, then you have to enter the code into the app to get verified.
This works great if you're using a mobile number that supports short-code texts, such as a DatingZest number or a standard SIM one.
- Call Verification (backup method): If the SMS doesn’t work, which is common with virtual numbers, Bumble may instead call the number you entered. You don’t need to answer the call.
Just look at your caller ID, and enter the last 6 digits of the phone number that called you into Bumble. It’s clever, fast, and surprisingly reliable, but only works if your number can receive calls.
How to Create a Bumble Account Without Using Your Real Number
There is no way to bypass phone number verification on Bumble: not through Bumble Web, Facebook, Apple ID, or by using old versions of the app.
Bumble doesn’t care whose number it is, as long as it’s verifiable and trustworthy. So, you can use an alternate or virtual number instead, but from a tried & true service like DatingZest. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Get a Bumble Phone Number from DatingZest
DatingZest offers app-specific phone numbers used for phone verification – they are private, anonymous, and undetectable by Bumble’s system. Basically, they tick off all the boxes of what Bumble requires in phone numbers:
- Able to receive calls & SMS;
- Non-public;
- Accessible;
- Global;
- Inconspicuous.
2. Access Your Phone Number Through the Link
After getting your phone number (2 for $9.95!), you’ll receive a link that redirects you to your phone number on the DatingZest dashboard.
The phone number is sent from the official DatingZest email! Make sure to copy it because we’ll be using it on Bumble next.
3. Sign Up on Bumble With Your DatingZest Phone Number
On the Bumble app or web, choose the phone number sign-up method, and paste the number into the box.
If you’re manually writing the number, make sure no typos are present because the code will not be sent.
4. Verify the Bumble Code
After a short wait, the code will appear on DatingZest’s dashboard (the same place you got the number on); use it to verify your new Bumble account.
Quick and easy. It doesn’t matter if you were banned! Use your DatingZest phone number, install Bumble on a new device, and switch your old info.
What Numbers Does Bumble Use to Send Codes?
Bumble’s verification texts usually come from:
- A short-code number (5 or 6 digits), or
- A sender named “Bumble”
As long as the text mentions Bumble and contains a 6-digit code…it’s legit. If it’s coming from a full-length number with no mention of Bumble, treat it as spam.
If SMS fails, and Bumble suspects you're using a VoIP number, it’ll trigger the call verification method, which requires you to input the last 6 digits of the number that called you. Your number must support calls for this to work.
Common Problems With Bumble Phone Verification (and How to Fix Them)
Most of the time, verification is instant. But if something goes wrong, here’s what to expect:
- Not Receiving the Code (SMS or Call)
Your phone number probably doesn’t support short-code SMS, or Bumble is flagging your number as virtual or risky. Your phone could be blocking short codes as well.
Fixes: Wait 5-10 minutes before requesting a new code, and if that doesn’t work, switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
Still no luck? Restart or reinstall the app, or simply use a different number provider that supports voice and SMS.
- Too Many Attempts, You’re Locked Out
If you spam the “Resend Code” button or enter the wrong code too many times, Bumble may block further attempts and show this: “Please check your number.”
Fixes: Wait 24 to 48 hours, then try again, or contact Bumble Support (response is slow, but worth logging the issue).
- Your Number Is Already in Use
Maybe you had a previous account, or someone else accidentally used your number.
Fixes: Log into your old account and delete your number from the Settings. If you want to skip the hassle, use a different number entirely.
- Getting Bumble Codes You Didn’t Ask For
Sometimes, people mistype their number during sign-up, and you get their code text. Don’t worry: they can’t access your account without the code.
What to do: Ignore it or reply with “STOP” to block future texts. If it continues, reach out to Bumble Support.
When Does Bumble’s Phone Verification Not Work
Bumble’s phone verification may not work if your account or phone number is compromised, but that’s not all.
– You’re using a free, weak SMS service or phone number. Free options like TextNow, TextPlus, or Google Voice are usually blocked or unreliable. Go with services that support SMS and call verification for dating apps, and DatingZest is the perfect solution.
– You were shadowbanned or banned on Bumble and are trying to start fresh. A new phone number won’t suffice, as Bumble recognizes past users; you’ll have to get a new device, info, and then open your account with a new number.
– Typos are present. Be careful while writing down your phone number and code because mistakes invalidate the session.
– Your phone’s settings aren’t in order. Enable MMS Messaging, make sure your phone has cellular connection, and check if you’ve blocked Bumble from sending you messages.
– Bumble is undergoing technical difficulties. If Bumble is glitching, the phone verification might not come through. Be patient and check DownDetector.
How to Stay Private While Using Bumble
You may think that as long as you don’t drop your digits on Bumble, you’ll stay incognito, but using a different number is just the beginning. If you’re looking to stay discreet:
- Deny contact access when prompted, and don’t let Bumble scan your phonebook
- Avoid linking social media (Facebook, Instagram, Apple ID)
- Use different profile photos, bios, and usernames than you use elsewhere
- Consider subscribing to Bumble Premium and enabling Incognito Mode
(only people you swipe right on can see you) - If you ever give a number to a match, give them your burner, not your main line
And remember: your Bumble profile doesn’t show your number to anyone. It’s only used for verification and login.
With the right number, Bumble will verify you like anyone else. No questions asked, and no personal number exposed.
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