I'm in a tricky situation where my phone's screen is broken, and I can't replace it right now. I keep receiving verification codes via text that I can't read because of the screen issue. The only device I have access to is an old Chromebook, which doesn't allow me to download apps. I can't spend much—only about $60 every two weeks—so I'm trying to figure out if there's a free SMS service that works on the web to read these codes, or if there's a way to use another monitor with my phone, though I'm not sure if that's really doable. My current carrier is Boost, but they're quite pricey for what I get. Any ideas?
6 Answers
You can't get the old texts without the phone, but transferring your number to a different provider like TextNow could help. A used Boost phone might be a good stopgap—just pop your SIM in that for now while you save up for a decent unlocked phone. Another tip: if your Chromebook has a SIM slot, you might be able to switch networks when you're ready.
Just take your SIM card out and put it into a new phone—it should work instantly!
Look for a 'dumb phone' on Amazon. They’re affordable, and you can simply switch your SIM into it when it arrives.
A simple solution is to put your SIM card in another unlocked phone—you’ll be good to go!
If you're using an Android phone, try logging into https://messages.google.com/. You can send and receive messages from your browser, which could help you access those verification codes.
Find a friend who has the same service provider, and swap your SIM into their phone temporarily. That should work if their phone is SIM unlocked, too. Just check to see if you’re on a non-removable eSIM setup.
Yeah, if your friend's phone is compatible, that’s a great quick fix! Just make sure it’s unlocked, and you should be set.