about > help > phone authentication
Phone verification is sometimes required for posting on craigslist.
How does phone verification work?
You will be prompted to enter your phone number. Shortly after, you will receive an automated phone call or text message (SMS) that contains an authorization code. Enter this code on the next page of the process, and your account will be verified.
What if I type my phone number incorrectly?
If you enter the wrong phone number, press "try again" after five minutes and enter the correct number.
Please note:
- You may only try to call a phone number once every five minutes.
- You may only enter the code five times.
- You may only try three phone numbers per account every twelve hours.
- You may only receive three calls per account every twelve hours.
Disallowed numbers:
Some phone numbers are not usable for phone verification, including the following:
- Phone numbers from outside the U.S. or Canada
- Toll-free numbers (area codes 800, 877)
- Some Voice over IP (VOIP) phone numbers (including Cricket, MetroPCS)
What if my phone number is "already in use"?
If you receive an error message that your phone number is already in use, it means that the number you are trying to use for verification is already associated with another craigslist account. Account holders may unlink phone numbers from existing accounts in good standing 90 days after verification.
Problems? Let us know.
Still have questions? try our help desk discussion forum or send us a note.