Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Yes—you can turn on PlayStation two-step verification (2SV) with an authenticator app instead of SMS, so you do not have to use a phone number for 2SV. PlayStation also supports passkey sign-in. However, Sony’s published instructions do not guarantee that every account setup, verification, or recovery flow in every region will avoid asking for a number.
Can I use 2-step verification on PS5 without SMS?
Yes. PlayStation offers two 2SV delivery choices: an authenticator app or a text message. Choosing SMS requires entering a mobile number; choosing an authenticator app avoids SMS delivery for 2SV. Sony does not say that this choice removes phone-number requests from every other account process.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Set up authenticator-app 2SV on PS5
- On your PS5, go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Security > 2-Step Verification. Menu wording may vary by software version or market.
- Select Authenticator App.
- Scan the displayed QR code with an authenticator app, or enter the alphanumeric code in the app.
- Enter the app’s verification code on your PS5 to confirm setup.
- Record the backup codes shown during setup and store them somewhere you can reach if your phone is unavailable.
PlayStation says you can change the 2SV method by deactivating and then reactivating 2SV. Its setup instructions describe scanning a QR code with an authenticator app; they do not establish that setup or all other account flows can be completed without any phone-number request. PlayStation’s 2SV instructions.
Recommended Free Tools
How do SMS, an authenticator app, and a passkey differ?
These options do different jobs: SMS and an authenticator app are choices for 2SV, while a passkey is a separate PlayStation sign-in method.
#1 Best Overall
- Model Number CFI-2000
- Includes DualSense Wireless Controller, 1TB SSD, 2 Horizontal Stand Feet, HDMI Cable, AC power cord, USB cable, printed materials, ASTRO’s PLAYROOM (Pre-installed game)
- Vertical Stand sold seperately
| Method | What it does | Phone-number and setup considerations |
|---|---|---|
| SMS 2SV | Sends a verification code by text. | Setup asks for a mobile number. |
| Authenticator-app 2SV | Uses a code generated by an authenticator app for 2SV. | Avoids SMS delivery; save the backup codes for account recovery. |
| Passkey | Provides an alternative to a password for sign-in. | PS5 setup displays a QR code to scan with a mobile device. Sony does not say this removes every later verification or recovery step. |
Can I use a passkey instead of a phone number on PlayStation?
You can use a passkey as a sign-in method, but it is not the same as choosing an authenticator app for 2SV, and Sony does not describe it as a guarantee that no account flow will ask for a phone number.
Set up a passkey on PS5
- Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Account > Security > Sign in with Passkey.
- Follow the on-screen steps to create a passkey. The PS5 setup displays a QR code to scan with a mobile device.
You can also sign in to account management, open Security, enable Sign in with Passkey, and follow the instructions to create one. PlayStation describes a passkey as a password replacement for sign-in. See PlayStation’s passkey setup instructions and its security best practices.
Rank #2
- CPU: x86-64-AMD Ryzen Zen 8 Cores / 16 Threads at 3.5GHz.GPU: AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based graphics engine.
- 16GB GDDR6/256-bit Memory; 825GB SSD Storage Capacity
- Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T), IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1
- HDR technology, 8K output, 4K TV gaming, Up to 120 fps with 120Hz output, Tempest 3D AudioTech
- What's Included: Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Version; Wireless controller; USB cable, HDMI cable, AC power cord. Nogtox PVT HDMI_cable
What if you lose your phone or cannot receive a code?
PlayStation provides ten 2SV backup codes, each usable once. Save them when you enable 2SV; they are intended for signing in when you cannot use your usual verification method.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesSign in with a backup code on PS5
- Enter your account email address and password at sign-in.
- At the 2SV prompt, enter one of your saved backup codes.
If you have neither the codes nor access to the registered phone or number, PlayStation directs you to contact Support to restore access. For passkeys, Sony says you may be able to sign in using another device where a passkey is registered and then register a new one. If you cannot use another device, contact Support. Follow PlayStation’s 2SV recovery guidance or its passkey support instructions.
Rank #3
- 🚀 CPU: 3.5GHz, 8-core AMD Zen 2
- 🚀 Storage: Custom 825GB SSD
- 🚀 RAM: 16GB GDDR6
- 🚀 GPU: 10.3 teraflop RDNA 2 GPU
What else should you do to protect your PlayStation account?
- Use a unique password rather than reusing one on other services; Sony recommends a password manager or passkey as ways to follow good password practices.
- Do not follow suspicious links or scan QR codes sent by other people, even if they promise an offer or reward.
- If you see an unfamiliar sign-in ID, online ID, or password change, use PlayStation Support or its Online Assistant.
These are Sony’s recommendations, not a guarantee that any single sign-in method makes an account impossible to compromise. See PlayStation’s security best practices and guidance for a potentially compromised account.
The paths and support links above come from PlayStation pages for different localizations; menu wording and support routing can vary by software version or market.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Slim Design, players get powerful gaming technology packed inside a sleek and compact console design.
- 825GB of storage, keep your favorite games raeady and waiting for you to jump in and play
- Ultra-High Speed SSD, maximize yoru play sessions with near instant load times for installed PS5 games
- Integrated I/O, the custom integration of the PS5 console's systems lets creators pull datat from the SSD so quickly that they can design games in ways never before possible
- Ray Tracing, immerse yourself in owrlds with a new level of realism as rays of light are individually simulated, creating true-to-life shadows and reflections in supported PS5 games
Rank #4
- Enjoy smooth and fluid high frame rate gameplay at up to 120 fps for compatible games, with support for 120Hz output on 4K displays.
- PS5 consoles support an 8K output, so you can play games on your 4320p resolution display.
- Maximize your play sessions with near-instant load times for installed PS5 games.
- 825GB SSD allows ultra-fast load times, while 3-D audio output produces crisp acoustics.
- Explore uncharted virtual territories and slay dragons with this sleek Sony PlayStation 5 gaming console.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
