A real phone number for GitHub
Developers who choose SMS as a 2FA or backup method often prefer a separate number they control, so their personal SIM isn't tied to the account that holds their code. Because SMS Hallo is private, only you see the messages that reach the number while you rent it, unlike free public receive-SMS sites whose inboxes anyone can read. It also keeps working if you change or lose your personal SIM, as long as you renew it. SMS Hallo gives you a real mobile number in the country of your choice, so you can create and secure your GitHub account without sharing your personal number.
The GitHub code lands in your SMS Hallo inbox within seconds and is ready to copy with one tap. Because you keep the number for as long as you like, you can always receive new login codes and recover your account later.
Every number includes unlimited incoming SMS, 500 outgoing SMS and 1,000 calling minutes a month, plus unlimited incoming calls, from just $1.80 a month (billed yearly).
And it's risk-free: if the number doesn't work with GitHub, replace it free within 7 days or get a 100% refund.
Every number includes
- Unlimited incoming SMS — Receive every text and verification code, with no monthly cap.
- 500 outgoing SMS / month — Reply and send texts from your number, anywhere in the world.
- 1,000 calling minutes / month — Make calls from your number with a generous monthly allowance.
- Unlimited incoming calls — Answer calls on your number as often as you like.
- Keep it as long as you like — Renew monthly or for up to 12 months at a time. The number stays yours.
- 7-day money-back guarantee — Not used it yet? Get a full refund within 7 days, no questions asked.
- 7-day replacement guarantee — Doesn't work for you? Swap it for another number in the same country, free, in one click.
- Works everywhere — or 100% refund — WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, Google and more. If it doesn't work, you get every cent back.
Yes, for text-message two-factor authentication, but GitHub does not ask for a phone number to create an account. GitHub's docs say you need a verified email address to sign up, and a phone number only comes in if you pick SMS as a 2FA method, which GitHub supports in a list of countries and recommends less than an authenticator app. GitHub decides which numbers work; if its code never reaches your SMS Hallo number, swap it free within 7 days or get a 100% refund.
How GitHub verifies your number
GitHub's getting-started docs say that to use GitHub.com you need a personal account and a verified email address, and that without a verified email you can't do basic tasks such as creating a repository. You can also sign up through Google or Apple. The docs don't list a phone number as part of creating an account, so for most people a number only matters later, for two-factor authentication.
GitHub requires 2FA for many users. Its docs explain that users who contribute code on GitHub.com, for example by publishing apps or actions, creating releases or acting as administrators, get an email that starts a 45-day enrollment period, followed by a 7-day grace period; after that, access to GitHub.com is blocked until 2FA is turned on. GitHub recommends a TOTP authenticator app as the main method with passkeys or security keys as backup, and says a phone number is only needed if you choose SMS.
To set up SMS, you go to Settings, Password and authentication, enable two-factor authentication, register your phone number, complete a CAPTCHA, enter the code GitHub texts you, and save your recovery codes. GitHub strongly recommends TOTP over SMS because text messages can be intercepted, don't resist phishing, have unreliable delivery and are not supported in every country. It keeps a list of countries where SMS authentication is supported and says that if your country of residence isn't on it, you should use a TOTP app. Organizations can also stop members who use SMS 2FA from accessing their content.
Changing the number is done from the same page: edit the SMS method, complete another CAPTCHA, enter the new country code and number, and confirm the code GitHub sends. This is the moment to move your GitHub 2FA to an SMS Hallo number if you want to take your personal number off the account, or to move it away before you stop renewing a number.
How to verify GitHub with an SMS Hallo number
- Check that SMS is right for you — GitHub recommends an authenticator app first. Use SMS if you specifically want a text-message method, and check that your number's country is on GitHub's SMS list. GitHub publishes the list under Countries where SMS authentication is supported.
- Rent a number in a supported country — Rent a real mobile number on SMS Hallo in your own country if it is on GitHub's list, and pay with USDT or USDC.
- Open Password and authentication — In GitHub, go to Settings, Password and authentication, and choose to enable 2FA or edit the SMS method.
- Enter the number and the code — Complete the CAPTCHA yourself, enter the number with its country code, then copy the code from your SMS Hallo inbox.
- Save recovery codes and renew — Download GitHub's recovery codes, add an authenticator app or passkey as another method, and turn on auto-renew for the number. Recovery codes are your way back in if the number or phone is ever unavailable.
Troubleshooting GitHub verification
No SMS from GitHub
GitHub itself notes that SMS delivery can be unreliable. Resend once; if nothing arrives, swap the number free within 7 days or request a 100% refund.
Country not available for SMS
GitHub only supports SMS 2FA in listed countries. Choose a number from a listed country where you live, or use a TOTP app as GitHub suggests.
Organization blocks SMS 2FA
Some organizations require members to use TOTP instead of SMS. Add an authenticator app to regain access to that organization's content.
CAPTCHA every time you edit
GitHub asks for a new CAPTCHA whenever you change the phone number. Complete it before requesting the code.
Code rejected
Use the most recent code and enter it promptly; older codes stop working.
Lost access to the number
Sign in with a recovery code or another 2FA method, then update the SMS number in Password and authentication. If you have neither, GitHub's docs on troubleshooting two-factor authentication explain the recovery options it offers.
Which country to choose for GitHub
Choose the country where you live, as long as it appears on GitHub's list of countries where SMS authentication is supported. GitHub itself says TOTP apps are more reliable than SMS, especially outside the United States, so treat the number as one method among several rather than your only way in. If a number doesn't receive GitHub's codes, use the 7-day replacement or the 100% refund. If you travel often, a number from your country of residence is usually the steadier choice, since SMS Hallo numbers receive texts in your dashboard wherever you are.
GitHub number by country
GitHub number FAQ
Do I need a phone number to create a GitHub account?
No. GitHub's docs say you need a verified email address. A phone number is only needed if you choose SMS for two-factor authentication.
Does GitHub recommend SMS 2FA?
No. GitHub strongly recommends an authenticator app, with passkeys or security keys as backup. SMS is supported but has security and delivery drawbacks.
Is SMS 2FA available in every country?
No. GitHub publishes a list of supported countries and suggests a TOTP app where SMS isn't offered.
Can I receive GitHub codes on an SMS Hallo number?
In supported countries, yes in most cases, since the number receives SMS in your dashboard. GitHub decides delivery, and the replacement and refund cover you if it fails.
What if my number expires?
Someone else could rent it later. Keep it renewed, and keep recovery codes and another 2FA method on the account.
How do I change the number?
Edit the SMS method under Settings, Password and authentication, complete the CAPTCHA and confirm the code sent to the new number.
Is GitHub 2FA mandatory?
For many users who contribute code, yes. GitHub emails them and gives a 45-day enrollment period plus a 7-day grace period.
Can I use the same SMS Hallo number for other services?
Yes. One number can receive codes from several apps, and the dashboard shows which service each text came from. Keep it renewed if any of those accounts matter to you.
Can I use SMS Hallo numbers for GitHub?
Yes. SMS Hallo numbers are real mobile numbers and can be used to sign up for and verify GitHub.
Which country should I choose for GitHub?
Any of our 181 countries works. Many people choose the country where they live or where their GitHub audience is. Popular choices are the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Canada.
Can I receive future GitHub codes on the same number?
Yes. The number is yours for as long as you keep renting it, so password resets and new logins keep working.
Is the number shared with anyone else?
No. While you rent it, the number and its messages are yours alone.
What if the number doesn't work with GitHub?
Replace it free with another number within 7 days, or get 100% of your money back. 100% refund if it doesn't work: if your number doesn't work with the app you rented it for — for example the verification code never arrives — tell us within 7 days and we refund 100% of what you paid for the number.