Google made it really tough to create a Gmail account without a phone number in 2026. So, what’s with this change? How is it going to affect regular users and businesses? Are there other options for those who need multiple accounts? Let’s find out why Google’s doing this, what it means for users, and how we can deal with it.
Google’s Changing the Rules on Multiple Accounts
Google‘s always discouraged having tons of accounts, mainly because some people use them for malicious activities like spamming or affecting Google Ads. But for a while, although not recomended, it was pretty easy to make accounts and switch between them.
But as of 2026, Google’s started cracking down:
- Phone number is necessary: You can’t create a Gmail account without phone number anymore an it limits how many accounts you can tie to one number. Usually it is 3 or 4 accounts.
- Watching Your Activities: Google’s using its AI to spot suspicious activities. Creating many accounts is one of activities that trigger the AI, so it is more to get ban.
- Forced limitations: Google discourages users from creating multiple accounts by imposing phone number verification. That means that although there is no limits on paper, in reality you still can’t verify multiple accounts without a phone number. When you create a new account, you will be asked to submit your phone number or scan a QR-code, that leads to phone number verification. This time you will not be able to press a skip button.
Why Is Google Saying No to Multiple Accounts?
There are many reasons why it is not possible to create a Gmail account without a phone number:
- Fighting Spam and Scam. Google’s services, especially Gmail and Ads, get hit with spam and scams all the time. Having lots of accounts enables spaming activities, faking engagement with Google ads and helps to get around content rules in general.
- Better Security. Lots of accounts can make security tricky. If one account gets hacked, the others might be at risk too. Google improves the security quality by imposing 2FA and phone number verification.
- Attracting audience for Google Workspace. Google Workspace is a service for businesses, that allows having multiple Gmail account.
What This Means for You
For regular people:
- Less freedom: If you enjoy using different accounts for personal stuff, work, studies, you’ll need to adjust. Google’s new policies might bring iconvinience.
- Account Trouble: Your accounts could get banned if Google’s AI doesn’t like what you’re doing.
- Dodging the Rules is Risky: Using VPNs or other devices to make accounts could get you in trouble.
For Businesses:
- Marketing Stuff: If you’re using a bunch of Google Ads accounts, you might need to combine them. Multi-Accounting is much harder without an ability to create a Gmail account without a phone number. You’ll probably need to buy several phone numbers or search for alternatives.
- Team Problems: need to switch to Google Workspace or something similar.
- Getting in Trouble: If you don’t adapt, you could lose access to important stuff like Google Analytics or Gmail.
Are There Any Other Options?
Sure! First of all, you can still have multiple Gmail accounts, but the number is very limited.
First, you have to create a Gmail account with a phone number and verify it. After that, you will be able to create up to 10-15 Gmail accounts.
FYI: It doesn’t mean, that these accounts are anonymous. Even though you’ve managed to create a Gmail account without a phone number, Google already has your data from the first registration.
Here are some ideas for businesses and individual users on what to use insread of Gmail:
Here’s a concise version of your table with expanded descriptions directly in the “Use Case” column:
Alternatives for Managing Multiple Online Identities
| Service | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Proton Mail | Secure, private email accounts with end-to-end encryption, ideal for users who need anonymity and privacy. ProtonMail doesn’t require personal information for sign-up and offers features like self-destructing emails and zero-access encryption, making it a strong alternative to Gmail for managing separate email identities without relying on Google’s ecosystem. |
| Microsoft 365 | Business email and cloud storage solution that integrates seamlessly with Outlook, OneDrive, and Office apps. Microsoft 365 allows users to create multiple email accounts under a single subscription, making it perfect for businesses or individuals who need to separate work and personal communication while maintaining access to productivity tools like Word, Excel, and Teams. |
| Firefox Containers | Separate browsing sessions without needing multiple accounts. Firefox Containers let users isolate cookies, history, and logins into different tabs, allowing them to switch between identities (e.g., work and personal) within the same browser. This is useful for managing multiple online profiles without violating platform policies or creating additional accounts. |
Conclusion
Today it is rather difficult to create a Gmail account without a phone number. Google’s decision to limit multiple accounts in 2026 is part of a bigger push for online consolidation, security, and following the rules. It might be a pain for some, but it could mean less spam, better security, and a smoother experience in the long run.
If this affects you, start adapting now: combine accounts, look at other options, and use tools like Google Workspace to stay productive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Gmail forcing me to use a phone number?
To help protect you and stop spammers, before you create an account or sign in, sometimes phone verification is required to confirm you're a real person
Can I have two Gmail accounts with the same phone number?
You can create up to four Gmail accounts using the same phone number for verification. Opening a second Gmail account for work purposes is both possible and safe. Having multiple Gmail accounts is common and can help separate personal and professional communications
Can you avoid putting your number on Gmail?
Yes and no. When setting up a new account, Google requires you to verify a phone number to prevent spam and phishing. However, you can use your own custom email domain with Gmail and avoid this restriction.
Can a fake number be traced?
Can a Burner number be traced? That's a great question! And the answer is no. That's the whole point of a Burner phone; it's supposed to be completely untraceable.
Can anonymous emails be traced?
es, even fake or anonymous emails can be traced back to you if you aren't careful. Using a fake email address won't change any internet headers in your message, so others may still find your IP address or other identifiable data.
