This guide is for individuals going through a Persona-powered identity verification flow. While we’ve included helpful tips, the verification was set up by the business, service, or organization that asked you to verify. They use Persona as a tool, and they ultimately decide what’s required and can assist with your specific situation, if you’re having trouble.
Whether a phone number is needed depends on the verification flow
Some verifications ask you for a phone number, usually to send you a code that proves you are reachable. Others never ask. It is the business you are verifying with that decides whether a phone number is part of their flow, so whether you can skip it depends on them.
If you do not have a phone
If a step asks for a phone number and you do not have one, tell the business you are verifying with. They can sometimes offer another way to continue, like a different contact method, or approve you without the step. They are the ones who can change what the flow requires.
What the code is for
A code sent by text is a check that the number belongs to you. It is not used to charge you or to grant access to anything else. See troubleshooting receiving text messages if the message does not arrive.
Can I use someone else’s number?
No. A verification step expects your own contact details. Using someone else’s number could fail the check, and it is not something to do with someone else’s data. If you cannot use your own, ask the business that asked you to verify for alternatives.