Android phones now automatically verify phone numbers by default, linking them to all Google accounts and enabling features like satellite SOS and RCS messaging.
Default phone number verification on Android
Internet users have discovered that an option called "Automatically verify the phone number(s)" is enabled by default on Android smartphones, as noted by Android Authority on Wednesday, October 14. This means that Google automatically checks and links a user’s phone number to all connected Google accounts.Services linked to phone number verification
Google uses this verification to enable several services, including satellite SOS on Pixel 9 and newer models, the RCS protocol, the device’s location in case of loss or theft, and the ability to log into a Google account using a phone number. The Google help page also mentions file sharing with Quick Share and notes that Google and the user's carrier periodically recheck numbers to ensure they are still valid, with potential carrier fees applying.Update to phone number verification policy
The page dedicated to phone number verification was updated between August and October 2025 to indicate its default activation and linking to all Google accounts connected to the device. Previously, this was not the case. The updated page states that phone number verification is enabled by default and applies to current and future accounts and phone numbers.Additional features tied to verification
The same page indicates that when verification is active, another option is also activated: "Better sharing on Google," which is used to receive video calls, messages, and notifications of shared content via Google services. If multiple accounts are connected, it is only activated on one of them and can be adjusted from Manage your Google account > Personal Information > Phone.How to disable automatic verification
To disable automatic phone number verification on Android, users should go to the Settings app, tap their name at the top (where it says Google Services and Preferences), and then go to All Services > Phone Number Verification (under Privacy and Security) and disable "Automatically Verify the Phone Number(s)." They will need to confirm with their default unlocking method (fingerprint, code, etc.).Consequences of disabling verification
Once disabled, users risk losing features that depend on it, such as Google Messages' ability to recheck the number, which could revert to SMS/MMS. Features related to RCS (such as seeing when someone is typing or sending HD photos) could be disabled. However, disabling the option does not remove numbers already registered on the account, including for SMS two-step verification or account recovery. Removing those already made must be done manually.Disabling verification from a computer
From a computer, users must log in to each affected Google account and follow these steps: Go to https://myaccount.google.com, go to the Personal Information menu, click on the phone number, and uncheck the devices that appear in the list.User reports of reactivation issues
On Reddit, some people reported that the automatic verification option was reactivating itself on their Android smartphones, but Android Authority has not observed this behavior, nor have their colleagues. Nevertheless, users are advised to check it themselves.Google has not yet responded
Android Authority indicates that it has asked Google for explanations about this default-enabled functionality. The company had not yet responded at the time of publication of its article, on Wednesday, October 14.
