Verifying your email address is an important step when signing up for any online service or account. Most companies require email verification as part of the registration process to confirm that you own and control the email you provided. Without verifying your email, there are a number of potential issues that can occur. Understanding the consequences of not verifying your email can help emphasize why this simple extra step is so crucial for both users and service providers.
Why do companies require email verification?
Companies want email verification for several key reasons:
- Confirm the email address is valid – Verifying helps ensure the email you entered is a real, active email account you own. This prevents fake or disposable email addresses from being used.
- Prevent spam and abuse – Unverified emails are more likely to be used for spamming, phishing attempts, bots, and other malicious activities. Verification adds an extra layer of security.
- Improve deliverability – Messages to unverified emails often end up marked as spam. Verifying confirms you want to receive emails from the company.
- Build trust and accountability – Verification helps establish a legitimate user profile and means important account notices can reliably reach your inbox.
For you as the user, verifying your email helps connect your identity to your account and enables important functionality. For the company, it reduces risks and ensures they can provide service properly. That’s why verification is a standard requirement for sign-ups nowadays.
Account functionality
Many features of online accounts are limited or unavailable until you verify your email address. Here are some key functions you may lose access to:
Limited account access
Without verification, you’ll typically have a restricted “unverified” account. Certain settings, preferences, and account management options may be locked until the verification step is complete.
Restrictions on posting, commenting, chats
To reduce spam and abuse, unverified accounts usually cannot actively post content or engage in chats and messaging. Features like social posts, product reviews, community forums, etc. are limited.
Can’t reset password
If you forget your password, the standard recovery process is to reset it via a link sent to your email. With an unverified email, this capability is disabled.
No notifications
Important alerts about order status, security issues, application updates, and other notices may not reach your inbox without verification. You could miss vital information.
Limitations on transactions
Purchases, financial transactions, and accessing paid services often require email verification first. Unverified accounts are cut off from these capabilities.
Reduced security
Two-factor authentication, password change notices, suspicious login alerts and other security features rely on a verified email address. You lose these protections without verification.
Risks of using an unverified email
Beyond the functionality limits, there are also potential risks when using an unverified email that you should be aware of:
Missed emails
As mentioned above, important account emails may be blocked or sent to spam. Sales notifications, password resets, application updates, and other vital messages could be missed if your email is not verified.
Higher spam risk
Unverified emails are more associated with spam and abuse. Legitimate emails are therefore more likely to be incorrectly flagged as spam by providers. Verification improves inbox deliverability.
Disabled accounts
If a sign-up requires email verification, your account may eventually be automatically disabled if you never complete the verification step. This results in total loss of access.
No password recovery
Losing your password often means losing access to your account completely with an unverified email, since reset links cannot be sent. This can cause permanent account lockout.
Fraud and impersonation
Without verification, it’s easier for others to sign up using your email address and impersonate you for malicious purposes. Verification adds a layer of identity confirmation.
Lack of technical support
Most companies do not provide technical support for unverified accounts. You lose the ability to contact support staff if you have any issues.
What if I enter the wrong email?
During initial signup, it’s possible to accidentally enter your email incorrectly by typographical errors. Here’s what happens if the wrong email is provided:
- Verification emails will go to the incorrect address.
- You won’t be able to complete verification without accessing that email inbox.
- Support teams cannot assist without account access via correct email.
- Your only option is start the sign-up process over with the right email.
Entering the wrong email essentially blocks your access permanently unless you re-register correctly. This demonstrates the importance of double checking that the email you provide is 100% accurate when creating any new account.
How to recover and verify an unverified email
If you have an unverified email you need to verify, either because you originally skipped the step or entered the wrong address, here are some tips:
Resend the verification link
Many sites allow you to re-request the verification message. Check account settings or support articles for the resend option. This sends the verification link again.
Reach out to customer support
Explain your situation to customer support staff and request they re-enable verification on your account so you can complete it.
Use account recovery options
Some sites let you recover access via alternate emails or phone numbers linked to your account. Use these options to get back in and verify.
Close the account and re-open
As a last resort, you may need to close the unverified account entirely, and sign up again properly with your email entered correctly.
With determination and use of account recovery options, you can hopefully regain access even with an initial unverified email. Companies want to help you verify successfully.
When is email verification required?
Email verification is required in nearly all cases when signing up for new online accounts. Here are some major examples:
Social media platforms
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, and others require email verification to open accounts.
Marketplaces
Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Airbnb, Craigslist and similar marketplaces need verification to buy, sell or post listings.
Delivery services
Food and grocery delivery apps like Grubhub, DoorDash, Instacart, etc. only allow verified email users to open accounts.
Online banking
Banks, investment platforms, and cryptocurrency exchanges mandate email verification for new accounts.
Communication tools
Email providers, video chat apps, messaging platforms all use verification to confirm identities.
Online games
MMORPGs, multiplayer games, and other online game services require verification to make accounts and play.
As you can see, nearly all major online platforms and tools need email verification during signup nowadays. It’s an essential step for full access.
How does the verification process work?
When you register for a new account and enter your email address, here is what typically happens behind the scenes:
Account created in “pending” status
Your new account is set up but remains in an unverified pending state until the process is completed.
Verification link sent
An email is sent to your address with a unique link to confirm ownership of that email address.
Link clicked to verify
You open the email and click the verification link, which signals to the company that you control that email inbox.
Account switches to “verified”
Once verified successfully, your account’s status changes to verified, with full access enabled.
Confirmation email received
A final confirmation email may be sent to let you know your account is now fully verified.
This simple process enables companies to link you directly with your provided email to enable a legitimate, secure account.
Conclusion
Email verification is a crucial step when creating accounts that enables important functionality, improves security, and establishes your identity. Without verifying, you face limitations on access and features plus increased risks of spam and impersonation. Make sure to closely enter your real, active email when signing up and promptly complete any verification steps required. Doing this properly ensures you gain full access and prevents major issues down the road.