Verify Valorant Account: Step-by-Step Guide

Verifying your Valorant account means confirming your email address and phone number with Riot Games to secure your account and unlock ranked play. You need to do this once after creating your account, and it takes about five minutes. This guide walks you through the exact steps for email and phone verification, what to do if you don’t get the code, and why Riot asks for this in the first place.

Why Riot Requires Verification

Riot Games introduced mandatory account verification for several reasons, all tied to account security and competitive integrity. First, a verified email address is the primary way Riot can help you recover your account if you forget your password or if your account gets compromised. Second, phone verification acts as a strong deterrent against smurfing (creating multiple accounts) and cheating, because each phone number can only be linked to a limited number of accounts. Finally, since Valorant’s competitive mode is a major part of the game, Riot wants to ensure that every player in ranked queues has a confirmed identity, reducing the impact of ban evasion and making the reporting system more meaningful.

How to Verify Your Email

Email verification is usually the first step and is often done automatically when you create your Riot account. If you skipped it or it didn’t complete, here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the official Riot Games account management page at account.riotgames.com and log in.
2. Look for a banner or a section labeled “Verify Email” or “Email Not Verified.” Click it.
3. Riot will send a verification link to the email address you used to sign up. Check your inbox (and spam folder) for a message from Riot Games.
4. Click the link in the email. It will open a confirmation page in your browser, and your email will be marked as verified.

If you don’t see the email, wait a few minutes and check your spam or junk folder. You can also click “Resend Email” on the account page. If you used a typo when entering your email, you’ll need to contact Riot Support to change it before you can verify.

How to Add and Verify a Phone Number

Phone verification is required to play ranked games in Valorant. Here’s the process:

1. Log in to account.riotgames.com.
2. Navigate to the “Account” or “Security” section. Look for “Phone Number” and click “Add” or “Update.”
3. Enter your mobile number, including your country code. Make sure it’s a number you can receive SMS on.
4. Click “Send Code.” Riot will text you a 6-digit verification code.
5. Enter that code on the website. Once accepted, your phone number is linked and verified.

You can only use one phone number per Riot account, and prepaid or VoIP numbers may not work. If you get an error saying the number is already in use, it means that number is linked to another Riot account, and you’ll need to use a different number.

Common Problems and Fixes

Players often run into a few typical issues during verification. Here’s how to solve them:

• No email received: Check spam, wait 10 minutes, then click “Resend.” If still nothing, try a different browser or disable any email-blocking extensions.
• No SMS code: Ensure your phone has signal and can receive texts. Try again after 5 minutes. If the problem persists, use the “Call Me” option if available, or contact your carrier to ensure Riot’s shortcodes aren’t blocked.
• “Phone number already in use”: This means the number is tied to a different Riot account. You can either use a different number or contact Riot Support to unlink it (this is only possible if you own the other account).
• “Verification code expired”: Codes are only valid for a short time. Request a new code and enter it promptly.
• Region mismatch: The phone number’s country code must match your Riot account’s region. If you moved, you may need to update your region first.

Verifying on a New Device or After a Fresh Install

If you recently got a new computer or reinstalled Valorant, you might see a prompt to verify your account again. This is normal. Riot uses device verification as an extra security layer. When you log in from a new device, you may be asked to enter a code sent to your email or phone. This is not a full re-verification; it’s just confirming that the login attempt is yours. Follow the same steps as above, and you’ll be back in the game in a minute.

How Verification Affects Ranked Play

As of 2024, Riot requires a verified phone number to play ranked in Valorant. This applies to all accounts, including those that were created before the requirement was added. If you haven’t verified your phone, the ranked queue will be locked, and you’ll see a message prompting you to verify. This is a one-time requirement, not a recurring one. Once your phone is linked, you can play ranked on any device as long as you log into your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a friend’s phone number to verify my account?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. The phone number will be permanently linked to your Riot account, and if your friend ever needs to verify their own account, they won’t be able to use that number. Also, if you ever need to recover your account, Riot may use the phone number as proof of identity, so it’s best to use your own.

What if I don’t have a phone?

Riot requires a phone number for ranked play, so you’ll need access to a mobile number. If you don’t own a phone, you could temporarily use a family member’s number, but remember that it will be tied to your account. There is no alternative method for ranked verification as of now.

Do I need to verify my email if I already verified my phone?

Yes. Email verification is separate and is required for account security and recovery. Even if your phone is verified, an unverified email can leave your account vulnerable. You should complete both.

Why does it say my phone number is invalid?

This usually means the number format is incorrect or the number is a VoIP/prepaid line that Riot doesn’t accept. Double-check your country code and enter the number without any leading zeros. If you’re using a prepaid SIM, try a postpaid number, as some prepaid services are blocked.

Can I unlink my phone number and use a different one?

Yes, you can change your phone number on the Riot account page under “Phone Number.” However, there is a cooldown period (typically 90 days) before you can change it again. This is to prevent abuse. If you need to change it sooner, you’ll have to contact support.

I verified my account, but it still says unverified in the game. What’s wrong?

This is usually a sync issue. Log out of the Valorant client completely and log back in. If that doesn’t work, restart the Riot Client. If the problem persists, wait a few hours, as server updates can sometimes be delayed. If it’s been over a day, contact Riot Support.

Related

• Sealed PS2 Games Worth More Than Complete?
• Expo EAS Simulator: Bug to Verified PR
• World Wide Web Definition & How It Works