When eBay phone verification is not working, the usual cause is on the sign-in page, not the phone: an eBay code expires 15 minutes after it is sent, and leaving, closing or going back on the page cancels it. Landlines cannot receive eBay's texts at all. For 2-step verification you can also use the eBay app or an authenticator app instead of SMS.
Why eBay asks for a phone number
- At sign-up, as part of the registration form.
- In your account, under Account settings → Personal information, when you add or change a number.
- At every sign-in, if you chose text messages as your 2-step verification method.
eBay at a glance
- Virtual numbers
- Depends on the number range
- Code sent by
- SMS
- Code length
- 6 digits
- Asks for the number again later
- Yes
- One number per account
- No
Code not arriving: what to check
| What to do | |
|---|---|
| You left the page while waiting | Start again and stay on the sign-in page; going back cancels the old code |
| The code is older than 15 minutes | Request a new one; old codes are invalid |
| The number is a landline | Use a mobile number; landlines are not supported |
| Your phone has two SIM cards | Set the SIM that holds the registered number for messages |
| Weak reception | Move to better signal; eBay suggests the network type on Automatic |
| You read texts in another app | Some users of apps such as Signal miss eBay's SMS; check your default messages app |
| The code was sent by e-mail | Look in your spam folder |
All points come from eBay's own help page on keeping your account secure.
Two-step verification options
| How you confirm | Needs mobile signal | |
|---|---|---|
| eBay app | Tap the push notification | No, internet is enough |
| Text message | Type the code from the SMS | Yes |
| Authenticator app | Type the 6-digit code from the app | No |
- Open Sign in and security Account settings → Sign in and security, then Edit next to 2 Step Verification.
- Pick the method "Use text" for SMS, or Authenticator App. In the eBay app: My eBay → Settings → Sign in and security → 2 Step Verification.
- Confirm it For an authenticator, scan the QR code and enter the 6-digit code it shows. eBay e-mails you whenever 2-step verification is turned on or off.
Lost the phone that receives your codes? If you set up a second method on another device, such as an authenticator app, use that. A trusted device you marked with "Remember this device" may also let you in without a code. Otherwise, contact eBay customer service.
Keep money matters on your own number
Buying and selling on eBay is fine to verify. Payment services, banks and wallets are excluded here in every country, so anything that changes how you pay or get paid belongs on a number that stays yours.
Common questions
Why is my eBay verification code not working?
Most often it expired (codes last 15 minutes) or you left the sign-in page, which cancels it. Request a new code and stay on the page until it arrives.
Can I verify eBay with a landline?
Not by text. eBay's help says landlines are not supported for its SMS codes.
I lost my phone and use eBay 2-step verification. What now?
Use another method you set up on a different device, such as an authenticator app, or sign in from a trusted device. If you have none, contact eBay customer service.
Which authenticator apps work with eBay?
eBay names Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator and Authy. Any of them shows the 6-digit code eBay asks for.