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26 sats \ 1 reply \ @Signal312 26 Feb \ on: Why are some phone numbers not accepted for verification? privacy

I tried a while back to get a new account for Telegram that wasn't linked to my actual phone number. But Telegram rejected all my fake (purchased specifically for trying to do this) numbers.

Any better ideas?

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81 sats \ 0 replies \ @itsrealfake OP 19h

if you're less financially constrained than you are curious about whether you could get it done, consider offering somebody money to sign up the phone for you at one of those tiny cellphone stores... with the cheapest option they have. or maybe this strategy combined with Silent.Link

in the US, there are vendors like Mint or Ting (probably several other options) which could also be an option.

here's the slop:

If your goal is privacy (separate line) rather than impersonality/evasion, the clean way is: get a real mobile number that can receive SMS/voice codes, because Telegram sign-up is phone-number based. (

[Telegram][1]

) I can’t help with ways to get a number that’s “strictly not associated” with you by bypassing carrier rules/KYC or app ToS, but you can keep things reasonably compartmentalized and still be honest.

Best practical options (US)Best practical options (US)

1) Prepaid SIM/eSIM from a mainstream carrier or MVNO (most reliable for Telegram)

  • This is the most dependable for Telegram verification because it’s a standard mobile number (not “obvious VoIP”).
  • In the US, prepaid SIM purchase/activation is often light on ID requirements compared to many countries (though policies vary by seller and payment method). ([TravelTomTom][2])
  • Good, widely available prepaid ecosystems: T-Mobile Prepaid (easy BYOP), AT&T Prepaid, and MVNOs like US Mobile / Boost / Google Fi (plan quality varies by network/coverage). ([WIRED][3])
  • If your device supports eSIM and you want minimal friction: Mint Mobile eSIM is a common low-cost route. ([Mint Mobile][4])

2) “Burner number” apps (convenient, but sometimes flaky for verification)

  • Services like Burner market themselves for Telegram use, but VoIP numbers are more likely to hit “number not accepted/banned” issues over time than a carrier SIM. ([burnerapp.com][5])
  • Google Voice is less “anonymous” now in practice: Google states that as of Jan 30, 2026, users requesting a new Voice number may need identity verification before messaging/calls work. ([Google Help][6])

What I’d do for lil’ kev (honest + robust)What I’d do for lil’ kev (honest + robust)

  • Buy a cheap prepaid SIM/eSIM dedicated to the device/account, and treat it like an “ops line.”
  • After you register Telegram, immediately enable Two-Step Verification (password + recovery email) so the account isn’t hanging entirely on SIM/SMS forever. ([Telegram][7])

If you tell me whether lil’ kev’s device supports eSIM and whether you care more about lowest cost or best coverage in your area, I’ll narrow it to 2–3 specific plan picks.

[1]: https://telegram.org/faq?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Telegram FAQ"

[2]: https://www.traveltomtom.net/destinations/north-america/usa/best-prepaid-usa-sim-cards?utm_source=stacker.news "How To Buy a Prepaid Sim Card in the USA (UPDATE July ..."

[3]: https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-prepaid-phone-plans/?utm_source=stacker.news "7 Best Prepaid Phone Plans (2026)"

[4]: https://www.mintmobile.com/esim/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "eSIM Card Plans for Dual SIM Card Phones"

[5]: https://www.burnerapp.com/blog/burner-number-for-telegram?utm_source=stacker.news "Burner Number for Telegram"

[6]: https://support.google.com/voice/community-guide/405972015/identity-verification-now-required-before-you-can-claim-a-google-voice-number?hl=en&utm_source=stacker.news "Identity verification now required before you can claim a ..."

[7]: https://telegram.org/blog/sessions-and-2-step-verification?utm_source=stacker.news "Active Sessions and Two-Step Verification"

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