KakaoTalk Phone Verification: How It Works

KakaoTalk asks for a phone number to confirm you are a real person and to protect your account. A real mobile number works best; many internet (VoIP) numbers are refused. Here is how it works and what to do when the code does not come.

When KakaoTalk asks for your number

KakaoTalk registers to a phone number and confirms it with a code; a Kakao Account email helps when you move phones. Messaging apps tie the whole account to one phone number, so the number decides who can log in.

Which numbers work

• Your own mobile number works, as long as it can receive texts from short codes.
• Non-VoIP numbers from a mobile carrier are treated like any other phone.
• VoIP numbers from calling apps are often refused, or the code never arrives.
• A number already used on another KakaoTalk account is usually refused.

Step by step

1. Open the phone step in KakaoTalk and choose the country from the list.
2. Type the number without a leading 0 or a repeated country code.
3. Ask for the code once and wait a minute.
4. If the app offers a call or email instead, use it when texts do not arrive.
5. Enter the newest code only.

Using a virtual number for KakaoTalk

If your own number never gets the code, a non-VoIP number from a real mobile carrier can. On SMS Pin Verify you can pick a USA number for KakaoTalk and read the code on your dashboard. A one-time number is held for 15 minutes and costs nothing if no code arrives; a rental keeps the same number for days, which you need if KakaoTalk will send a code again later.

If the code does not come

• Check spam and "unknown senders" in your messages app.
• Pause text-blocker apps and Do Not Disturb.
• After "too many attempts", wait a few hours before trying again.
• Try another number type if the app refuses yours.

FAQ

Why does KakaoTalk need my phone number?

Messaging apps tie the whole account to one phone number, so the number decides who can log in.

Does KakaoTalk accept virtual numbers?

Non-VoIP mobile numbers usually work; numbers from internet calling apps are often refused.

Can I use one number on two KakaoTalk accounts?

Usually not: most apps allow a number on one account at a time.

What if KakaoTalk says too many attempts?

Wait a few hours, then request one code.

Will KakaoTalk ask for the code again later?

Often, when you sign in on a new device or change account details. Keep the number, or add email and an authenticator app.

Should I use a free public number?

Only for a quick test. Anyone can read the code, and popular apps usually refuse those numbers.

Related: KakaoTalk number · KakaoTalk without your number · KakaoTalk account recovery · KakaoTalk code not received · verification code not received on any app.