Google asks for a phone number when it flags a new signup as suspicious (new device, new location, or too many accounts created in a short time), and again if you ever need account recovery or 2-Step Verification by SMS. That number stays tied to the account, which is awkward if you're testing signup flows, managing multiple accounts, or don't want Google holding your real number.
Steps
Rent a number for Google — an instant rental is enough for a one-time signup or recovery prompt.
On the "Verify your phone number" screen during signup (or a 2-Step Verification prompt), enter the rented number with its country code.
Google sends a verification code by SMS, usually within seconds.
Enter the code from your rental's status page to continue.
Instant or monthly?
A one-time signup only needs an instant rental. If you're setting up 2-Step Verification and expect Google to text that number again on future sign-ins from new devices, a monthly rental keeps it reachable instead of releasing it right after the first code.
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