Sahibinden only lets accounts with a verified mobile number post listings, edit them, or message the owner of a listing. You add the number in your personal details and confirm it with a code by SMS. Only Turkish mobile numbers are accepted, because the codes go out through Turkish operators. Your number appears in a listing only if you choose phone contact for it.
Why Sahibinden verifies your phone
- Needed for
- Posting and editing listings, and messaging listing owners
- Accepted numbers
- Turkish mobile numbers only
- Per account
- One number; a number fits one personal account (plus one business account)
- Purpose
- Shows buyers that a reachable seller stands behind the ad
Sahibinden 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
Verification step by step
- Open your personal details On the website: Bana Özel → Hesabım → Hesap bilgilerim → Kişisel bilgilerim. In the app: Bana Özel → Hesabım ve Ayarlar → Hesap bilgilerim → Kişisel bilgilerim → Cep telefonu numarası.
- Enter your Turkish mobile number Ten digits starting with 5, without the 0 you dial inside Turkey.
- Type the SMS code Sahibinden texts a confirmation code to the number. Enter it in the field to link the number.
| What to do | |
|---|---|
| "Number used by another account" | It may be an old account of yours; an active or pending listing there must be taken down before the number can move |
| Foreign number refused | Only Turkish mobile numbers can be added |
| No SMS | Check signal and the number, wait a few minutes, then request again once |
Using a number from outside Turkey
A German, British or any other non-Turkish number cannot be linked, however correct. If you live abroad and want to message a seller or sell something in Turkey, you need a Turkish mobile number.
- Sahibinden's rule: every detail on your account must belong to you, the phone number included. For selling, and for any account you keep, use a Turkish line of your own.
- Only need to message a seller once? A temporary Turkish number can receive the one SMS code, but it is yours for that code only. If Sahibinden asks you to confirm the number again, or you want to sell later, you will need a Turkish line you keep.
- Real estate and vehicle listings also need an e-Devlet identity check since November 2023. A phone number does not replace it.
Protecting your number in listings
- Choose messaging as the contact method. Then neither side sees the other's number. With phone contact, the buyer sees yours and you see theirs.
- Do not write the number in the description or photos. Numbers belong in the contact field only; a number in the text can hold up approval or get the listing rejected.
- Job listings are the exception: they work with phone contact only.
- Keep the conversation on Sahibinden. Deals arranged elsewhere are outside what Sahibinden can review, and you can report abusive messages with Şikayet Et.
Common questions
Why is my Sahibinden verification code not arriving?
Check that the number is a Turkish mobile number without the leading 0, that it is not linked to another account, and that you have signal. Wait a few minutes before requesting again.
Can I verify Sahibinden with a foreign number?
No. Sahibinden accepts Turkish mobile numbers only, because its codes are sent through Turkish operators.
Will buyers see my phone number?
Only if you choose phone contact for the listing. With messaging contact, buyers write to you on Sahibinden and your number stays hidden.