Plenty of Fish (POF) is one of the most widely used online dating platforms, with over 90 million users globally. Launched in 2003 by Markus Frind, POF remains a popular option for those looking to build meaningful connections online. Available in five languages and registering over 55,000 new users daily, it’s a truly global community.
However, registering for POF often requires a phone number and other personal information, which may pose a potential privacy risks for users.
Does Plenty of Fish Require a Phone Number for an Account?
Yes. POF now requires users to verify their accounts with a real, SMS-capable phone number. This process helps protect users by:
- Preventing spam and fake profiles
- Verifying that new users are real individuals
- Strengthening account security with two-factor authentication
While the phone number must be valid and able to receive text messages, it doesn’t have to be your personal number. You can use an alternative number instead.
What is Plenty of Fish Phone Number Verification?
As you create an account on POF, a real phone number (it should be real and valid and doesn’t have to be your private number) is required and the phone number should be at least able to receive an SMS verification code sent by the POF server.
On the one hand, a real phone number is required to identify and verify a real person on an online dating site. Up to now, a private phone number has been linked with so much personal information that a phone number can be used as an ID card for a real person.
On the other hand, a real phone number is required so that the number of possible spammers can be reduced. Some people take advantage of POF to do something evil but a real private phone number makes it difficult to do so.
Why do People Hesitate to Use Their Private Numbers to Register for POF?
There are several valid reasons why users hesitate to provide their private phone number:
- Privacy concerns: A phone number can be linked to your identity, online activity, and location.
- Avoiding harassment: Some users want to stay anonymous until they feel safe sharing more.
- Separation of personal and dating life: People may prefer to keep their dating activity separate from their personal or professional communication channels.
How to Create a POF Account?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to registering on POF:
- Visit POF.com or download the POF app on Android or iOS.
- Tap Register and fill in your personal details: username, password, email, birthdate, and location.
- Add a valid phone number to receive the verification code.
- Enter the code sent to your number to complete verification.
- Once verified, your account is ready for use.
How to Use POF Without Your Personal Number
If you don’t want to share your personal phone number, there are two main alternatives:
Option 1: Contact POF Support
You can reach out to POF’s customer care team at CSR@pof.com. They may assist in manually creating or verifying your account, especially if you’re unable to provide a mobile number.
Option 2: Use a Second Phone Number from Dingtone
Dingtone is a trusted WiFi calling app that offers phone numbers from various countries. These numbers can receive SMS codes and are accepted by most platforms, including POF.
How to Get a Dingtone Number for POF Verification?
- Download and install the Dingtone app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Open the app and go to Connect > Get Your First Phone Number.
- Choose the country and area code for your number.
- Select your preferred number and tap Continue.
- Purchase the number using either direct payment or Dingtone credits.
- Use the Dingtone number on POF to receive your SMS verification code in the app.
Why Use a Dingtone Number for POF?
- Keep your private number safe
- Maintain anonymity while using dating platforms
- Avoid spam or unwanted contact from matches
- Use the same number to register on other platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.
Final Thoughts
Verifying your POF account without sharing your personal number is easy and secure with apps like Dingtone. Whether you’re safeguarding your privacy or just prefer to separate your dating life, using a second number gives you more control.
Ready to get started? Download Dingtone, pick a number, and register on POF today—no second phone needed.