# "This Phone Number Has Been Used Too Many Times"

"This phone number has been used too many times" means Google has hit its anti-abuse limit for that number: it has already been used for verification more times than Google allows, and Google doesn't publish the exact limit. Google's own fix is to use a different number, such as one from a family member, a friend or a different carrier.

## What this error means

Google's help page on verifying your account says it limits the number of times a phone number can be used for verification, **to protect you from abuse**. When a number reaches that limit, Google shows "This phone number has been used too many times for verification" and asks for a different number.

The limit belongs to the **number**, not to your device, browser or account. That's why changing those things doesn't clear it.

It isn't a ban and it doesn't mean your account is in trouble. Google just won't send another code to that number.

## Why Google limits a number like this

- **Protecting accounts from abuse.** A cap per number keeps one line from being reused across a long list of accounts.
- **Numbers get reused.** Carriers recycle numbers, so a line that's new to you may have verified Google accounts before.
- **Shared family or work numbers.** One number used for several people's accounts reaches the cap faster.
- **The limit stays private.** Google doesn't publish the number, so it can't be gamed.

## "Used too many times" vs. similar Google messages

| Message | What Google limits | Where you'll see it |
|---|---|---|
| "This phone number has been used too many times for verification" | How many times one number can verify | Gmail and Google Account sign-up, adding a phone |
| "This phone number cannot be used for verification" | How many accounts one number can create | Gmail and Google Account sign-up |
| "This phone number has already created the maximum number of accounts" | 2 channels per number per year | YouTube channel verification |
| A QR code asking you to send a text | Not a limit: a different check that sends an SMS from your phone | Some Google sign-ups |

For all three error messages, Google's answer is the same: use a different number. Gmail specifics are on [the Gmail verification page](https://smsfalcon.com/virtual-number/gmail).

## How to fix it, step by step

1. **Stop retrying the same number.** The limit is on the number, so more tries, another browser or another device won't change the answer.
2. **Pick a different number.** Google suggests a family member's or friend's number, or a number from a different carrier.
3. **Or use a number just for this sign-up.** If you don't want someone else's number on your account, use [a number for Gmail verification](https://smsfalcon.com/virtual-number/gmail) from SMS Falcon, paid by card or crypto.
4. **Choose the text option.** SMS Falcon numbers receive SMS only. If Google shows a QR code asking you to send a text, that step won't work with them.
5. **Enter the code and secure the account.** Type the code from your SMS Falcon account, then add a recovery email and a phone you'll keep long term.

## "Used too many times" in short

| | |
|---|---|
| What it means | The number reached Google's verification limit |
| The exact limit | Not published by Google |
| Does a new browser or device help? | No: the limit is on the number |
| Google's fix | Use a different number |
| How SMS Falcon numbers get the code | By SMS only; QR "send a text" checks aren't supported |
| If the code never arrives | Automatic refund to your balance |
| SMS Falcon delivery | 90–98% on every service |

## "Phone number used too many times" FAQ

### What does "This phone number has been used too many times" mean?

Google won't verify with that number again because it has reached Google's limit on verifications per number. Use a different number.

### How many accounts can one number verify?

Google doesn't publish the limit for Google accounts. YouTube is the exception: a number can verify 2 channels per year.

### Why does this happen on a number I've never used before?

Carriers recycle numbers, so a line that's new to you may have verified Google accounts under its previous owner.

### Does waiting fix it?

Google doesn't say the count resets with time. Its own advice is to use a different number, so don't count on waiting.

### Does switching browser or device help?

No. The limit is tied to the phone number, so a new browser, device or network gets the same answer.

### Is this different from "cannot be used for verification"?

Slightly. Google says "used too many times" is about how often a number verifies, while "cannot be used" is about how many accounts it has created. The fix is the same: a different number.

### Can a virtual number get the same error?

Yes. Any number that has hit Google's limit gets it. Google also refuses many VoIP lines, which is why [non-VoIP numbers](https://smsfalcon.com/non-voip-number) matter for Google.

### Does this affect YouTube too?

YouTube has its own cap of 2 channels per number per year, with the message "This phone number has already created the maximum number of accounts".

### Is there a way to reset the count?

No. Google doesn't offer a reset. The way forward is a number that hasn't reached the limit.

### Can SMS Falcon guarantee a number was never used on Google before?

No, nobody can see Google's count. If Google refuses the number or the code never arrives, the charge goes back to your balance automatically. More on [one-time code numbers](https://smsfalcon.com/otp-number).

## Sources

[Google Account Help: Verify your account](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/114129): the "used too many times" and "cannot be used for verification" errors, the abuse limits behind them, and the advice to use a different number.

[YouTube Help: Verify your YouTube account](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/171664): a phone number can be linked to 2 channels per year.

Source: https://smsfalcon.com/guides/phone-number-used-too-many-times · Updated 2026-11-05