We’ve been refining the developer experience with Firebase Phone Number Verification (Firebase PNV) since we announced our public preview. We wanted to streamline the process of experiencing the end user flow of Firebase PNV, so we introduced a SIM-less test mode that doesn’t require a credit card or a live SIM. Now you can:
- Prototype UI changes
- Run in an emulator
- Put us in your CI/CD pipeline
With these refinements in place, we feel Firebase PNV is ready to graduate to general availability.
How do I use SIM-less test mode?
Setting up SIM-less test mode takes only a few steps. You can start with the Android codelab or use your own app with the getting started guide. When you set your app up for testing, you’re also setting up for production since the test token uses all the same methods as production. Once you’re finished with testing, remove the one line of code that activated test mode, and now you’re in production mode!
Does it require a credit card?
If you just want to see what the end user experience looks like without setting up billing, finding a supported SIM, or completing production onboarding, SIM-less test mode is for you. There is no billing required to test, and you can get started in about 1 minute from project creation to generating a test token.
Where can I run in production?
We’re regularly adding new networks to the supported carriers list, and these networks are available for production use today:
Check out the docs for the most recent list of supported carriers.
Summary
Firebase PNV is the third generation of number verification after SMS and Silent Network Authentication. For the first time, you can verify phone numbers even if the device is in airplane mode or has mobile data disabled. The device just needs to be connected to the internet (wired or wireless). Users always have informed consent to share their phone number with you, and one tap makes it happen. You can now evaluate Firebase PNV without a credit card or a live SIM, and upgrade to production when you’re ready.
Try Firebase PNV today, and let’s eliminate risky SMS OTPs together.