Prolific Phone Verification: How It Works

Prolific 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 Prolific asks for your number

Prolific verifies participants' phone numbers and identity before they can take part in studies. Reward and survey apps pay real money, so they tie each account to one person and check the phone number before payouts. Prolific allows one account per person and removes duplicate accounts.

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 Prolific account is usually refused.

Step by step

1. Open the phone step in Prolific 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 Prolific

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 Prolific 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 Prolific will send a code again later. Use it only for an account in your own name: Prolific allows one account per person, and payouts or matches still depend on your real identity.

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 Prolific need my phone number?

Reward and survey apps pay real money, so they tie each account to one person and check the phone number before payouts.

Does Prolific accept virtual numbers?

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

Can I use one number on two Prolific accounts?

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

What if Prolific says too many attempts?

Wait a few hours, then request one code.

Will Prolific 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: Prolific number · verification code not received on any app.