# Privacy on Streaming Boxes and "Smart TVs"

**URL:** https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/privacy-on-streaming-boxes-and-smart-tvs/9519
**Category:** General
**Created:** 2022-11-08T16:56:50Z
**Posts:** 124
**Showing post:** 77 of 124

## Post 77 by @PurpleDime — 2025-11-11T09:30:18Z

> [@win11.shading291](#):
>
> It seems I can’t create a “fake” google account without a phone number.
> 
> @PurpleDime I’m presuming you used something like [smspool.net](http://smspool.net) ?

I did not know about services like SMSPool when I created the Google account for my Android TV box. From what I remember, I used a real phone number from a country that doesn’t require ID to buy or register a prepaid SIM card. I just happen to be in that country at that moment. After I created the account, I immediately enabled 2FA via authentication app, so I wouldn’t need the number anymore.

If you are in a country where ID registration is not required for repaid SIM cards, I recommend you try that first. If you live in a country that requires ID, then yes, I recommend SMSPool or another service like it like JMP Chat.

That being said, if you do use those services, I highly recommend that you:

1. _ **Keep the number for at least a month.** _
2. _ **Enable 2FA via authentication app right after you created your account.** _
3. _ **Keep logging into that account multiple times a week for at least a month.** _

[I described my experienced with SMS Pool here.](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/how-do-you-create-a-google-account-privately-need-a-temp-phone-number-service/31758/19)

Don’t make the same mistakes I made.

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