You’ve asked the question. But do you really want the answer? Are you ready to take the red pill?
Red pill? OK, read on...
First things first — if you're using a UK number, you can skip this. The answer is "yes," you can use your number, as long as you’re not spamming or doing bulk commercial messaging.
Now for everyone else: the short answer is "Yes, but..." — and it’s an important but.
The reality is that today, banks, apps, and online services increasingly demand a physical SIM-based number when sending OTPs (one-time passcodes) for signup and login. Virtual or cloud numbers — like ours — are being actively banned or rejected by many services. Even WhatsApp has updated its policies to block cloud numbers from registrations.
Why? It all comes down to regulations like STIR/SHAKEN, aimed at stopping robocalls, spam, and fraud. Good news for most people — but it’s created a side effect where any number that doesn’t look like a normal, personal SIM number gets treated with suspicion. Companies would rather block a few good numbers than risk giant fines from regulators.
Here’s what they watch for:
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Inbound vs outbound traffic — A genuine number has a roughly 1:1 ratio of calls/texts in and out. If you’re only receiving messages (like tons of OTPs) but not sending anything back, it looks automated — and services will flag or reject your number.
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Multiple accounts on one number — If you’re using the same number to create lots of accounts (Google, LinkedIn, etc.), it looks suspicious. The system assumes you’re a marketer, not a real person.
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Device history and fingerprinting — Even if you swap numbers or use a VPN, your device's fingerprint often gives you away. If your device has a track record of suspicious activity, new numbers won't help for long.
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Location bias — Services also judge based on where you’re accessing from. Two identical signups, one from Brazil and one from the UK? Guess which one is more likely to be accepted? Right — geographical prejudice is very real:
Important:
If you’re already using a cloud number with your bank, app, or service — and it’s verified — you’re usually fine. You’ll still receive OTPs for logging in or confirming actions.
The problems mainly happen when trying to register new accounts or reverify an existing account with a cloud number. That's when the system checks more aggressively and may block you.
Bottom line: if you're just a regular user with no history of mass account creation and you live in a country with a good reputation, you'll likely be fine. Otherwise, expect some hiccups.
Trying to outsmart the system with VPNs? Bad news — most VPN IPs are already on blacklists. Even if you manage to get signed up, long-term use from a "bad" IP or location can still get your account flagged or banned later.
For now, the industry is playing it safe while the dust settles. Hopefully, once regulations mature, things will relax a bit.
UK numbers are in a better spot — though even they are subject to OFCOM rules if usage looks suspicious.
Check the privacy policy of your app/bank/online service
Keep in mind, many banks and apps have now banned the use of VoIP based numbers for receiving OTP SMS even within the USA. Some of these include:
1. WhatsApp
WhatsApp does not support VoIP numbers for registration. According to their Help Center:
"Unsupported phone numbers, such as VoIP, landlines, toll-free, paid premium numbers, universal access numbers (UAN), shared cost, and personal numbers can’t be registered on WhatsApp." WhatsApp Help Center
Additionally, Meta has disallowed VoIP numbers from registering and using the WhatsApp Business App.
2. Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure requires a valid mobile number for verification and does not accept VoIP numbers. As stated in their support documentation:Microsoft Learn+1Reddit+1
"A Voice-over-IP (VoIP) phone number can't be used for the phone verification process."
Do check the terms and conditions or privacy policy of your app or bank before trying to register your number with them as they may not allow it.
Our other virtual numbers, such as UK numbers are not as prone to this type of restriction.
