How to Use Bumble Without Your Personal Phone Number

If you're wondering whether you can use Bumble without giving up your phone number, you're not alone.

But here’s the deal—Bumble does require a phone number to get started.

Even if you sign up using Facebook, E,mail or Apple ID, Bumble still wants to confirm it’s really you.

You might be thinking, “Okay, but is there a workaround?” The short answer? Not really. Bumble has made phone verification a core part of its system to cut down on fake accounts, bots, and banned users trying to sneak back in.

So whether you’re a new user or coming back after a break, you’ll need a working phone number to access your Bumble account.

Let’s break down how the phone verification actually works—and what to do if you run into problems.

How Bumble’s Phone Verification Works

Once you’ve entered your phone number into Bumble, the app needs to make sure it really belongs to you. It does this in one of two ways: by sending a text or by giving you a call. Let’s walk through both.

1. SMS Verification (the usual way)

Most of the time, Bumble will send you a 6-digit code via text message. It usually arrives within a few seconds. Once you get it, just type the code into the app—and that’s it! You’re verified and ready to start swiping.

This is the standard method and works smoothly for most people using a regular mobile number.

2. Call Verification (when texting doesn’t work)

If the text doesn’t go through—or if Bumble thinks you might be using a virtual number—it might try a different method: a phone call.

Here’s how that works:

• Bumble gives you a quick call.
• You don’t even need to answer it.
• Just look at the number that called you.
• Enter the last 6 digits of that phone number into the app.

It’s a clever workaround, and it usually kicks in when the text option fails.

So whether it’s a text or a call, the goal is the same: Bumble wants to make sure the number belongs to you.

What Number or Short Code Does Bumble Use?

SWhen Bumble verifies your phone number, it usually sends a 6-digit code via text from a short number (like 5 or 6 digits) or a sender labeled “Bumble.” As long as the message clearly mentions Bumble and includes the code, it’s legit.

Example:

“Your Bumble code is 123456. Please don’t share this with anyone.”

If you get a message from a random or full-length number that doesn’t mention Bumble at all, it could be spam—don’t trust it.

If Bumble can’t send a text or suspects a virtual number, it may switch to call verification. In this case:

• You'll get an automated call (no one will speak).
• The caller ID may vary by region.
• You enter the last 6 digits of the number that called you into the app.

Whether it's a short code, a Bumble-labeled text, or a voice call—it's all part of making sure it's really you trying to log in.

Create a Bumble Account Without Using Your Real Number

So, what if you really don’t want to use your personal phone number? Whether it’s for privacy, starting fresh, or getting back in after a ban, some people look for workarounds.

And yes—it is possible to create a Bumble account without using your main number, but it’s not as simple as it sounds.

1. Get a Bumble-Ready Number from DatingZest
And purchase a number that supports both SMS and call verification.

2. Sign Up on Bumble
Open the Bumble app, enter the DatingZest number when prompted, and wait for the verification code via text or call.

3. Enter the Verification Code

• If you get a text, use the 6-digit code provided.
• If you get a call, enter the last 6 digits of the incoming caller ID.

4. Complete Your Profile
Once verified, set up your profile and you’re ready to start swiping!

Instead of entering your personal number, you use a number from a third-party service. These services give you a temporary or alternate number that can receive texts and calls—just like a regular phone.

Some of the most talked-about services online include:

• DatingZest (popular for Bumble-specific verifications)
• Hushed
• Burner
• Google Voice (less reliable)

DatingZest is especially interesting because it supports both SMS and call verification, which is important because Bumble doesn’t always just send a text.

Common Problems People Run Into with Phone Verification

Most of the time, verifying your phone number on Bumble is quick and easy. But sometimes, things don’t go as smoothly as they should. Here are a few common problems people run into—and what you can do about them.

1. Not Getting the Text or Call

You’re waiting for the code… and nothing shows up. Super frustrating, right?

This could happen for a few reasons:

• Your mobile carrier might be blocking short code messages.
• Your phone’s connection might be slow or spotty.
• Or, the app might just be acting up.

Try this:

• Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
• Restart or reinstall the Bumble app.
• Wait a few minutes before trying to resend the code—too many quick attempts can actually make it worse.

2. You’re Locked Out After Too Many Attempts

If you keep requesting codes too quickly or entering the wrong ones, Bumble might pause your verification attempts. You’ll see a message like:

“Please check your number.”

If this happens, don’t panic. It’s usually just temporary.

What to do:
Give it a break. Wait 24–48 hours and try again later, or reach out to Bumble’s support team if it keeps happening.

3. Your Number Is Already in Use

Maybe you had an old Bumble account, or maybe someone else used your number. Either way, Bumble won’t let you use that number again until the previous account is dealt with.

What this means:

• If the account was yours, try logging back in with that number.
• If you want a fresh start, you might need to fully delete the old account—or use a different phone number altogether.

4. You’re Getting Random Bumble Codes

Ever received a Bumble code out of nowhere, even though you didn’t request one? That usually means someone accidentally (or maybe not-so-accidentally) entered your number when trying to sign up.

Don’t worry—they can’t access anything without the actual code that’s sent to you.

Best move?

• Ignore the messages.
• Or text “STOP” to the number to block future texts.
• If it keeps happening, you can contact Bumble support and let them know.

Thoughts

Bumble requires phone verification, but you don’t have to use your personal number.

With services like DatingZest, you can sign up safely and privately. Just make sure you can access the number later in case Bumble asks you to verify again.

Good luck!

Liam