If you’ve ever created an account on a social media platform, online store, or service-based website, you’ve probably been asked to provide your phone number. While some users view this as an inconvenience or a privacy concern, there are valid reasons websites collect phone numbers during the registration process. This practice helps improve security, user verification, communication, and overall service quality.
1. Identity Verification and Fraud Prevention
One of the most important reasons websites request your phone number is to verify your identity. By sending a one-time password (OTP) or verification code via SMS, the website ensures that:
You are a real person.
You have access to the number you’ve entered.
The account is not being created by a bot or for spam/fraudulent activity.
This is especially common on platforms like Facebook, Google, and banking sites, where preventing fake accounts is critical.
2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Phone numbers are commonly used as part of two-factor recent mobile phone number data authentication (2FA), which adds an extra layer of security to your account. After entering your password, you may receive a code via SMS to verify your identity. This helps:
Protect against unauthorized access.
Reduce the risk of hacking or phishing.
Secure sensitive personal, financial, or business data.
Even if someone guesses your password, they can’t log in without access to your phone.
3. Account Recovery
If you forget your password or get locked out of your account, your phone number is a quick and reliable way to recover access. Password reset links or temporary codes can be sent to your phone to verify your identity and let you create a new password.
This is faster and often more secure than using email recovery alone, especially if your email account is also compromised.
4. Personalized Communication
Websites and services may use your phone number to communicate directly with you, especially for:
Order confirmations and delivery updates.
Appointment reminders or service alerts.
Security notifications (e.g., new device logins or suspicious activity).
SMS communication is often more immediate and noticeable than email, making it useful for time-sensitive messages.
5. Marketing and Retargeting (Optional)
In some cases, businesses use phone numbers for marketing purposes — such as sending promotional offers, discounts, or updates via SMS. While this can be beneficial for users looking for deals or news, it also raises privacy concerns.
Fortunately, most websites offer an opt-in (or opt-out) for marketing texts, and data privacy laws like the GDPR and CCPA require companies to get user consent.