Guides
Can You Get Your OTP by Email Instead of SMS? What Services Allow
If SMS is unreliable for you, email is the most common alternative. Many services offer it, some offer it only for sign-in and a few banks do not offer it at all.
Where email codes are offered
| Service type | Email option |
|---|---|
| Social and shopping accounts | Often yes, for sign-in and recovery |
| Email providers | Backup email or authenticator |
| Banks | Rare for payments, more common for alerts |
| Developer tools | Common, with app-based as well |
Email versus SMS
- Email works abroad and without a SIM.
- Email is only as safe as the mailbox, so protect it with its own two-factor.
- SMS can be hit by SIM swap, email by account takeover.
- Delays are possible for both.
How to switch
- Open the security settings of the account.
- Look for verification or two-step options.
- Add or confirm your email address.
- Choose email as a method, or add an authenticator.
- Test it before you rely on it.
For developers and testers
If you build a product that sends email codes, you can test the flow with a temporary email, which receives the messages without using your own inbox. OtpGet email orders with no code are refunded after 30 minutes.
Safety
Never forward a code to anyone, and protect your main email with an authenticator. See two-step vs two-factor vs MFA.
Settings to look for
- Verification method.
- Backup email.
- Security alerts.
- Trusted devices.
A final caution
If the service offers an authenticator, prefer it to email.
Questions people ask
Is email OTP less secure than SMS?
It depends on how well the mailbox is protected.
Why do banks not use email?
Email is easier to compromise, so banks prefer a registered phone or an app.
Related guides and pages
Create a free OtpGet account and try it with a small balance.