A real phone number for GitLab
Developers who are asked for a phone number during GitLab.com sign-up often prefer to give a separate real mobile number instead of their personal SIM. 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. Sign-up on SMS Hallo takes only an email and a password, with no SIM card, ID documents or local address, and the number is ready in your dashboard after payment. SMS Hallo gives you a real mobile number in the country of your choice, so you can create and secure your GitLab account without sharing your personal number.
The GitLab 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 GitLab, 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.
Sometimes. When you register on GitLab.com, everyone verifies an email address, and depending on the risk score GitLab assigns, you may also be asked to verify a phone number with a one-time code; an SMS Hallo real mobile number can receive that code. GitLab decides which numbers it accepts and does not use SMS for two-factor authentication, so if its code never arrives, swap the number free within 7 days or get a 100% refund.
How GitLab verifies your number
GitLab's documentation describes identity verification on GitLab.com as several layers of account security. Depending on your risk score, you might have to complete up to three stages of verification to create an account. Every user must provide and verify a valid email address. Users GitLab considers medium risk are also asked for a valid phone number and a one-time password (OTP) code, and users it considers high risk are asked for credit card verification.
Phone verification is not offered everywhere. GitLab's docs list countries where it is limited or unavailable, such as Bangladesh, China, Cuba, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam, among others, and suggest credit card verification or a support ticket if phone verification isn't available in your country. These checks apply to GitLab.com; self-managed GitLab instances run by companies set their own rules.
GitLab also says you can't verify an account with a phone number associated with a banned user. Because a rented number may have had a previous owner, you could see an error for reasons that have nothing to do with you; if that happens, use the free replacement to get a different number. SMS Hallo's Acceptable Use Policy does not allow using numbers to return after a ban or to create accounts in bulk.
After sign-up, GitLab's two-factor authentication does not use SMS. Its docs list passkeys, OTP authenticator apps, WebAuthn devices such as security keys, and one-time codes sent to your email. Recovery codes are generated when you enable an OTP authenticator, and each can be used once. In practice, the phone number matters mainly at registration.
How to verify GitLab with an SMS Hallo number
- Start registration on GitLab.com — Sign up with your email address and verify it. GitLab shows a phone step only if its risk check asks for one. You can't choose to skip or trigger the phone step; GitLab's risk check decides.
- Rent a number in your country — If you are asked for a phone number, rent a real mobile number on SMS Hallo in the country where you live and pay with USDT or USDC.
- Enter the number — Choose the country code in GitLab's form and enter the number exactly as shown in your dashboard. Enter the digits without the leading zero some countries use for local dialing.
- Paste the one-time code — Copy the OTP code from your SMS Hallo inbox with one tap and finish verification.
- Secure the account — Turn on 2FA with an authenticator app or passkey and save your recovery codes. GitLab doesn't offer SMS as a 2FA option, so these are your long-term way in.
Troubleshooting GitLab verification
No OTP arrives
Request the code again once. If nothing comes, swap the number free within 7 days or request a 100% refund. Keep GitLab's verification page open while you wait so the code matches the current attempt.
Phone verification unavailable in your country
GitLab suggests credit card verification or a support ticket in countries where phone verification isn't offered.
Number can't be used
The number may be linked to a previous account GitLab has banned. Use the free replacement for a different number in the same country.
Asked for a credit card instead
GitLab asks some registrations for card verification based on risk. A phone number can't replace that step.
Code rejected
Use the newest code and enter it straight away; older codes stop working.
Company GitLab instance
A self-managed GitLab server follows its own sign-up rules. Ask the administrator of that instance.
Which country to choose for GitLab
Choose the country where you live, as long as GitLab offers phone verification there; its docs name countries where phone verification is limited or unavailable, and in those GitLab points you to card verification or support instead. No country receives every code, so if one number doesn't work, use the 7-day replacement or the 100% refund. If you are asked for phone verification and live in a country where it is offered, a local SMS Hallo number from that country is the natural fit. Choosing a number from a country you are not in doesn't change the risk check GitLab runs.
GitLab number by country
GitLab number FAQ
Does GitLab always ask for a phone number?
No. Everyone verifies an email. GitLab.com asks some new users for phone verification based on a risk score, and asks others for a credit card.
Does GitLab use SMS for two-factor authentication?
No. GitLab's 2FA options are passkeys, authenticator apps, WebAuthn devices and email one-time codes.
Can I receive GitLab's code on an SMS Hallo number?
In most cases, yes, since the number receives SMS in your dashboard. GitLab decides which numbers it accepts, and the replacement and refund cover you if it doesn't work.
Why was my number refused?
GitLab won't accept a number associated with a banned user, and phone verification is limited in some countries. Try the free replacement or GitLab's other options.
Does this apply to my company's GitLab server?
No. The identity verification described here is for GitLab.com. Self-managed instances set their own rules.
Do I need to keep the number?
GitLab's docs don't describe texting you after sign-up. Keep it renewed if you want to be able to show it's yours later.
How much does a number cost?
SMS Hallo numbers start from $1.80 per month on the 12-month plan ($21.60 billed yearly), the same in every country, with a 7-day free replacement and a refund if the number doesn't work with the app.
Can I use one number for several GitLab accounts?
SMS Hallo is meant for your own account. Its Acceptable Use Policy doesn't allow creating accounts in bulk, and GitLab refuses numbers linked to banned users.
Can I use SMS Hallo numbers for GitLab?
Yes. SMS Hallo numbers are real mobile numbers and can be used to sign up for and verify GitLab.
Which country should I choose for GitLab?
Any of our 181 countries works. Many people choose the country where they live or where their GitLab audience is. Popular choices are the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Canada.
Can I receive future GitLab 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 GitLab?
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.