Alibaba Phone Verification: How It Works

Alibaba asks for a phone number to confirm you are a real person and to protect your account. A real mobile number works best; many internet (VoIP) numbers are refused. Here is how it works and what to do when the code does not come.

When Alibaba asks for your number

Alibaba.com registration starts with an email address and may ask you to confirm a phone number, especially for buyers placing orders. Shopping sites use your number for sign-in codes, order updates and to stop fraud on new devices.

Which numbers work

• Your own mobile number works, as long as it can receive texts from short codes.
• Non-VoIP numbers from a mobile carrier are treated like any other phone.
• VoIP numbers from calling apps are often refused, or the code never arrives.
• A number already used on another Alibaba account is usually refused.

Step by step

1. Open the phone step in Alibaba and choose the country from the list.
2. Type the number without a leading 0 or a repeated country code.
3. Ask for the code once and wait a minute.
4. If the app offers a call or email instead, use it when texts do not arrive.
5. Enter the newest code only.

Using a virtual number for Alibaba

If your own number never gets the code, a non-VoIP number from a real mobile carrier can. On SMS Pin Verify you can pick a USA number for Alibaba and read the code on your dashboard. A one-time number is held for 15 minutes and costs nothing if no code arrives; a rental keeps the same number for days, which you need if Alibaba will send a code again later.

If the code does not come

• Check spam and "unknown senders" in your messages app.
• Pause text-blocker apps and Do Not Disturb.
• After "too many attempts", wait a few hours before trying again.
• Try another number type if the app refuses yours.

FAQ

Why does Alibaba need my phone number?

Shopping sites use your number for sign-in codes, order updates and to stop fraud on new devices.

Does Alibaba accept virtual numbers?

Non-VoIP mobile numbers usually work; numbers from internet calling apps are often refused.

Can I use one number on two Alibaba accounts?

Usually not: most apps allow a number on one account at a time.

What if Alibaba says too many attempts?

Wait a few hours, then request one code.

Will Alibaba ask for the code again later?

Often, when you sign in on a new device or change account details. Keep the number, or add email and an authenticator app.

Should I use a free public number?

Only for a quick test. Anyone can read the code, and popular apps usually refuse those numbers.

Related: Alibaba number · Alibaba code not received · verification code not received on any app.