Craigslist Verification Code Not Received? 7 Fixes

Craigslist code not arriving? Choose a voice call, check the number, and note that Craigslist refuses many VoIP numbers. 7 fixes for posting.

Craigslist asks for phone verification before you can post in some categories and areas, or when you create an account. The code comes by text or voice call. Craigslist is strict about the kind of number it accepts.

Check these first (30 seconds)

• Text or voice. Choose voice if texts do not arrive.
• A real mobile number. Craigslist refuses many VoIP numbers such as Google Voice.
• The number. Enter a 10-digit US or Canadian number.
• Spam and filtered texts. Check spam or "unknown senders".

What Craigslist's message means

7 fixes, in order

1. Check the number. Enter the 10-digit number without +1.
2. Use voice call. An automated call reads the code.
3. Turn off SMS and call blockers. Unknown-caller blocking can stop the call.
4. Use a mobile number. Craigslist often rejects VoIP numbers.
5. Wait out a limit. After "too many attempts".
6. Use the same number later. Re-verification for a category works best with the original number.
7. Contact Craigslist. Use the help pages if a number is wrongly refused.

Why Craigslist refuses some numbers

Craigslist uses phone verification to cut down spam, so it blocks many internet-based (VoIP) numbers and limits how often one number can be used. A number from a real mobile carrier works far more often.

Buyers on Craigslist do not see your verification number unless you put it in your post.

When your own number just won't work

If Craigslist refuses your number or the code never arrives, another mobile number can work.

In that case a non-VoIP number is the practical fix. These are real mobile-carrier numbers, which is what Craigslist expects. On SMS Pin Verify you can pick a USA number for Craigslist and the code appears on screen in your account:

• One-time number: held for you for 15 minutes to receive one code. If no code arrives, you are not charged. Good for a single sign-up.
• Rental number: the same number for several days or longer. Pick a rental if you post regularly, because some categories ask you to verify again.

Two honest limits: a code is never guaranteed, because Craigslist decides whether to send it; and a number may have been used on Craigslist before you, so start a fresh account rather than trying to recover an old one.

Keep your account after you get in

• Create a Craigslist account so posts are easy to manage.
• Use the relay email instead of sharing your address.
• Keep the verification number for re-verification.
• Never share a code with a buyer. A "verify you are real" code request is a Google Voice scam.

FAQ

Why is Craigslist not sending my code?

Blocked texts, a refused number, or too many uses.

Does Craigslist accept Google Voice?

Usually not; it refuses many VoIP numbers.

Can Craigslist call me with the code?

Yes, choose voice call.

Do virtual numbers work for Craigslist?

Non-VoIP mobile numbers usually do.

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