More and more websites are now starting to implement two-factor authentication. This is a great thing. It helps to keep accounts secure.
The problem is that many of these sites use SMS systems for the process. This means that you need to have service to receive the texts.
If the service only delivers verification codes via SMS, then almost certainly not.
In order to receive an SMS, you need to be able to receive a signal from a cellphone tower. If you have no connection to that tower, then the message can’t be received.
How To Get an SMS Verification?
That being said, an SMS doesn’t take up a whole lot of bandwidth. Some people may find that there is just enough of a service connection to receive an SMS message, but not enough to make a phone call. This means that the message may still come on through.
It is worth noting that if the SMS doesn’t come through immediately, then it will come through eventually. Once you have service, the network will try and send that SMS to you. This can continue for between 2-7 days. Eventually, the network is just going to give up. However, at this point, it really is just pointless to receive that SMS. Most of the codes are going to expire.
This means that if you live in an area that doesn’t have a regular cellphone service, then you may really struggle with receiving verification codes… unless you have another system in place. That leads us neatly to the next section.
Alternatives To Getting Verification Codes Without Service
This will depend on the website that you are using. Some sites may not offer something other than bypass SMS verification. This means that you have no choice but to hope that you do not trigger their verification system. This normally means not logging out of your account. Although, even then, you may get stuck.
Thankfully, most big sites will have some other form of authentication in place, and each of these methods can be used without service. One of them can even be used without an internet connection!
Email Verification
Many sites will offer email verification as an alternative. In fact, for some platforms, it may be the main option e.g. Discord.
However, you will need to have an internet connection to use email verification. So, as long as you have a Wi-Fi signal on your cellphone or computer, then you are all good. Everything should work perfectly.
The only downside with email verification is that this method is nowhere near as secure as phone verification. After all, the chances of somebody being able to access your email is going to be a whole lot higher than somebody magically getting access to your phone.
Still, as long as you know how to keep your email account secure, then you should be fine.
Google Voice
In some countries, you can use Google Voice. This is an app that you can download onto your Android or iOS device. Google Voice can also be accessed online. Once again, you are going to need to have access to an internet connection for this method to work.
Google Voice is a VOIP program. It is basically making phone calls over the power of the internet. You will get your own phone number that you can use. It is pretty cool.
Now, Google Voice has been made for use for phone calls. However, Google Voice can also receive SMS messages. These SMS messages will come through even if you do not have a connection to a cellphone tower.
As we said, you will need an internet connection if you want to use Google Voice. It is a service that is only available in a limited number of countries too.
There is an alternative VOIP system out there in Skype. However, sadly, the system is not equipped to receive text messages. You can only receive phone calls.
You may find other VOIPs out there that could work but, in our experience, none of them are going to be anywhere near as affordable as Google Voice if you are just planning on receiving the odd verification code.
Authenticator
Some systems will allow you to use Google Authenticator (or another competing product).
This can be used OFFLINE.
Authenticator programs will generate a code each time you open them up. A bit of technical wizardry goes on behind the scenes to ensure that this code is 100% unique. It expires within a minute or so. You will likely need to enter a code given to you by the site asking for verification in order for the authenticator to work (they all work in slightly different ways).
An authenticator is incredibly quick to set up. The major downside is that not a lot of sites support these systems at the moment. Even the big ones are preferring you to go down the route of SMS or email verification instead. Still, we have started to see more and more platforms that are offering authenticator options, so you may get lucky.
It is worth noting that an authenticator will need to be set up each time you change your mobile device. You will be given a code to write down at the start. Do so, or you could be permanently locked out of your accounts.
Conclusion
You cannot receive an SMS verification code without service. However, there are options out there that you can use instead.
For example, email verification codes and codes received to systems like Google Voice could work. You will need an internet connection, but this shouldn’t be a problem for most people.
You can also use an authenticator program (e.g. Google Authenticator) which will not require an internet connection. However, sadly, the vast majority of sites do not allow you to connect to the authenticator app. This is something that is likely to change in the future as more sites become security conscious.
