Kleinanzeigen asks every user to verify a phone number by SMS before using the platform, and it does not publish that number unless you choose to. Only numbers from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland are accepted, and they must be your own. Selling on Kleinanzeigen without a phone number in your ads is the default for private sellers now.
Why Kleinanzeigen asks for a phone number
The SMS check is meant to protect buyers and sellers: entering the code shows that you hold the number. Kleinanzeigen says the code is currently used only for this one-time verification. Some unusual sign-ins, for example from a new device, are confirmed by a code by SMS or e-mail, or by a push message on a trusted device.
- Accepted
- Numbers from the EU, the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) and Switzerland.
- Not accepted
- Other countries, numbers that are not yours, and freely accessible numbers such as VoIP.
- Landlines
- Allowed. If the line cannot show texts, an automated call reads the code out.
- Accounts per number
- Up to two: one private, and one for a registered business.
Kleinanzeigen at a glance
- Virtual numbers
- Depends on the number range
- Code sent by
- SMS
- Asks for the number again later
- No
- One number per account
- Yes
Verifying it step by step
- Register with e-mail, number and password Kleinanzeigen then sends a confirmation e-mail.
- Confirm the e-mail Click Registrierung bestätigen in that message.
- Enter the SMS code It should arrive within seconds and is valid for only a few minutes. Type it into the app or website.
- Not asked yet? You can still verify under Meins → Einstellungen in the app or the settings on the website.
| What to do | |
|---|---|
| No text after a few minutes | Check the number, your reception and that the phone takes SMS, restart it, then request a new code |
| The code has expired | Request a fresh one; old codes stop working after a few minutes |
| You typed a wrong number | Tap ändern and send the code to the right one |
| Your country is not in the list | Only EU, EEA and Swiss numbers can be verified |
| You are on holiday | With a German or EU number and roaming on, the text still reaches you |
Keeping your number out of your listings
Because phishing by SMS and messenger had grown, Kleinanzeigen removed the phone field for private users when posting new ads. Buyers write to you through the platform's messages instead.
- Older ads may still show a number you added back then. Open the ad, choose bearbeiten, delete the number and save.
- Changing your verified number under Meins → Einstellungen → Kontoeinstellung does not change a number shown in old ads.
- Business sellers can still add a number; it sits behind an Anrufen button that only logged-in users can open.
- Lost the old number? Contact customer service through Anfrage einreichen; they may ask for proof that the account is yours.
Scams that ask for your code
A common pattern on marketplaces: a so-called buyer hesitates, then asks you to read out a code that just arrived on your phone. That code belongs to one of your accounts. Kleinanzeigen says it will never ask for your SMS code away from the platform, and it warns never to tap links received by SMS or messenger.
A temporary number is meant for other sign-ups, where a one-off code is all that is needed. More on code scams in verification codes you did not request.
Common questions
Can I use Kleinanzeigen without a phone number?
Not really: Kleinanzeigen asks all users to verify a phone number by SMS. What you can do is sell without showing that number in your ads.
Is my verified number visible to buyers?
No. Kleinanzeigen does not publish it or pass it on unless you add it to an ad yourself.
Why can I not verify a UK or US number?
Kleinanzeigen accepts only numbers from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland, because it cannot check most other numbers well enough.
How many Kleinanzeigen accounts can share one number?
Two at most: one private account and one for a business.