With the digitalization of the world, social media is more than just an entertainment medium; it’s a tool to connect. But what happens if you compromise it or get locked out permanently?
Without a valid phone number to secure your account, you are running the risk of finding yourself stuck in an endless cycle of security questions and, worst of all–no access at all.
This guide will explore why social media accounts need a valid phone number and the details related to it.
Why Social Media Platforms Require Phone Numbers?
Using a valid phone number for social media accounts is essential for security. Let’s dive into why it’s so important:
1. Security and Authentication
Phone numbers are a common user verification method on social media sites. By associating your phone number with your account, you can use it for two-factor authentication (2FA), a security procedure that demands two distinct identification credentials.
With 2FA turned on, even if someone manages to grab your password, they’ll need a verification code sent to your phone, which adds an extra layer of security.
Phone numbers are also useful means of recovering passwords. If you forget your login credentials, your phone number can help you recover them. This ensures that only you can recover your account if something goes wrong.
2. Spam and Bot Prevention
Fake accounts and bots on social media disrupt user experience. When registering on your platform, users are required to provide a phone number to confirm their identity, making it harder for spammers to create fake accounts.
3. Trust Building
Sometimes, with a verified account, other users trust more. Are you running a business page or being part of an online community? In that case, verification shows you’re the real deal. This helps cement your authority, as many platforms showcase verification badges or indicators.
Importance of Using Valid Phone Numbers
Using a valid phone number is critical for both account functionality and security. Here’s why:
1. Ensures Consistent Access
A valid phone number will ensure that your access to your social media accounts is continuous and consistent. Whether you’re receiving verification codes or resetting your password, a working phone number is a must for seamless access.
2. Supports Effective Communication
Social media often relies on phone numbers to send important notifications, such as attempts at logging in, password reset links, or suspicious activities. With a valid number, you can stay informed about your account’s security in real-time.
3. Facilitates Account Discovery
Having a valid phone number will help your friends, family, or colleagues find you more easily online. Many platforms are able to sync your contact lists to find profiles. If you have ever wondered how to connect with others, you can even find social media accounts by phone number. This feature will help you network a lot more efficiently.
4. Enhances Platform Features
With account linking and 2-factor authentication, for example, requiring a valid phone number becomes an issue; otherwise, you will not be able to receive some advanced security and usability options.
5. Boosts Security and Credibility
A valid phone number empowers your account’s security infrastructure with features like 2FA. It also adds a layer of credibility to your profile, something very important for business or professional accounts.
By keeping your phone number valid and recent, you can reach your goal of securing your phone numbers and improving the usability and reliability of these social media accounts.
Risks of Not Using a Valid Phone Number
If you are not using a valid phone number to verify your social media accounts, you are running significant risks. Many platforms nowadays insist on using genuine phone numbers and can penalize your account if you fail to do so.
Let’s look at the major risks associated with not using a valid phone number:
I. Account Lockouts
To maintain security, platforms often ask users to verify their accounts. If your phone number is invalid, your verification process will fail, and you will risk being permanently locked out of your account.
II. Missed Security Alerts
Social media services notify you about suspicious login attempts or unauthorized account changes. If you do not have a valid phone number, you will not receive any important notifications about your account and may easily fall for hacking.
III. Increased Vulnerability
Two-factor authentication (2FA) requires a working phone number to receive verification codes. An invalid number exploits this security feature, allowing hackers to access your account. If you don’t use a valid phone number, then your data privacy is at risk.
IV. Limited Account Recovery Options
In case you ever forget your password or lose access, a valid phone number is necessary to recover your account. And without it, retrieving your account is much harder so long as email recovery isn’t an option.
Your account can thus be made more secure, and you will be less susceptible to the said risks as long you make sure to keep your number valid and updated.
Tips for Using a Valid Phone Number for Verifications
Now that you know the essence of having a valid phone number to moderate your social media account, let’s look at some helpful tips that will guide you in the process:
1. Choose a Trusted Number
To ensure that you are always connected and in the loop, you need to pick a number that you actually use and trust with the security of your social media accounts. So:
- Use Your Primary Number: You need to link your main phone number that you use on a regular basis to connect crucial accounts. This will make sure that you never miss important notifications and alerts.
- Avoid Shared Numbers: Make sure you are using a number that is not used to verify other’s social media accounts. This will minimize the risks of unauthorized access and minimizing the use of public phone numbers will safeguard your accounts.
2. Leverage Virtual Numbers for Privacy
There are many virtual phone number providers, so you must use a virtual phone number for platforms that do not require frequent authentication. Services like Dialaxy and so on offer secure and private virtual numbers, which will help you stay anonymous while verifying your social media profiles.
Use these services in cases where you are hesitant to share your personal number.
3. Keep Your Phone Number Updated
If your phone number is outdated for various reasons, it may cause issues with your social media links. So, you need to review the state of your phone numbers regularly.
To avoid complications with your phone numbers, you should:
- Regularly update your account settings on all social media platforms.
- Update your phone number after switching carriers or when you lose access to your previous number.
Here is how to update your number on most platforms:
- Go to “Settings” or “Account.”
- Select “Phone Number” or “Contact Info.”
- Enter your new number and verify it with the code sent.
4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication is one of the most effective ways to secure your social media accounts. Here’s how to set it up:
- Open your account settings.
- Look for the “Security” or “Privacy” section.
- Select “Two-Factor Authentication.”
- Link your phone number and verify it.
NOTE: With 2FA turned on, you will need to enter a code sent to that number every time you try to log in to your account, so make sure that you are using a number that you have regular access to.
Conclusion
The use of a valid phone number for your social media accounts is not just a matter of security; it is one that addresses the need for smooth access and communication. Be it two-factor authentication to protect your account, spam prevention, or the enabling of effective account recovery, it all requires a valid phone number.
This can be done by keeping your phone number up-to-date and leveraging tools for privacy, such as virtual numbers. It helps in adding security and functionality to your social media accounts.
Always keep your number current, trusted, and associated with the right accounts to avoid possible risks such as account lockouts and missed security alerts.
Take a few minutes to update your social media accounts today, as securing your accounts starts with a valid phone number.