Free Temporary Phone Numbers for Craigslist
Craigslist asks some posters to verify a phone number before the ad goes live. Copy a free +1 number below, choose text instead of a call, and read the one-time code in its public inbox.
Free numbers you can try for Craigslist
Craigslist does not accept international or VoIP numbers, so start with a +1 number marked Online.
+972 5 5507 7478
Israel
+61 4 8003 8058
Australia
+31 970 0654 6069
Netherlands
+44 77 8179 3185
United Kingdom
+44 77 8178 6817
United Kingdom
+852 6193 2844
Hong Kong
+44 77 8178 2048
United Kingdom
+44 77 8178 2055
United Kingdom
+44 77 8161 6614
United Kingdom
+852 6043 5606
Hong Kong
+44 77 8161 5642
United Kingdom
+1 (226) 286-5063
Canada
+1 (571) 735-0861
United States
These inboxes are public.
Every message sent to a free number is visible to everyone — you do not rent the number or get exclusive access. Never use free numbers for banking, email recovery, or two-factor authentication on accounts that matter. For a fresh number only you can see, get a private temporary number from just a few cents.
How to verify a Craigslist post with a free number
Pick a +1 number
Craigslist expects a US or Canadian number, so choose one that starts with +1 and is marked Online.
Choose text, not voice
Craigslist lets you pick a call or a text for the code. Free numbers receive SMS only, so always pick text.
Read the code here
Open the number page. The code shows up in the inbox within seconds and is highlighted, ready to paste into your posting.
Will a free number pass Craigslist phone verification?
Sometimes. Craigslist links each phone number to one account at a time, and these numbers are public, so many were already used for Craigslist by someone else. If the number is taken or the code never arrives, try the next +1 number.
Craigslist also limits retries, so do not burn through numbers. If two attempts fail, a private number is the quicker way to get the post live.
Craigslist verification rules worth knowing
What Craigslist’s own help pages say about the phone number for Craigslist verification:
- One account per number
- A number can be linked to only one Craigslist account at a time. Whether a number gets unlinked is up to Craigslist.
- No international or VoIP numbers
- Craigslist does not support them, and some prepaid lines fail too. A +1 number is the one to try.
- Retry limits
- One code request per number every five minutes, three codes and three numbers per account in twelve hours, and five tries to type the code.
- Not shown in your ad
- The number you verify with is not displayed on the posting. Buyers only see the contact details you add yourself.
Someone asked for your Craigslist code? It is a scam
Craigslist asks for a phone code only while you are posting. Any other request for a code is a scam. The most common one is the Google Voice scam: a “buyer” says they want to check you are real and asks you to read back a code they just sent.
That code lets them set up a Google Voice number tied to your phone, which they then use to cheat other people. Never pass a verification code to a buyer or seller, whatever number you use.
Google Voice does not help with posting either. Craigslist does not support VoIP numbers, so a Google Voice number usually fails Craigslist phone verification.
Free or private number for Craigslist?
A free number is fine for
- A one-off post, like a couch or a bike
- Posting to a US city when you have no US number
- Seeing how posting works before you list for real
- A post you will not need to come back to
Use a private number for
- An account you post from every week
- Housing, jobs or services you advertise often
- A number buyers should call or text
- Anything tied to your real name or payments
Fake or burner number for Craigslist?
A fake phone number for Craigslist cannot receive the code, so the posting simply stops. Calling apps that hand out internet numbers usually fail too, because Craigslist does not accept VoIP. A free number from this page receives the SMS, but its inbox is public.
A Craigslist burner number for the ad itself, so buyers can reach you without seeing your own number, is a different job. A public inbox is the wrong tool for it: anyone could read their messages, and it cannot take calls. Use a private number for that.
Need a number only you can see?
Free numbers are shared, so some services reject them or show codes to everyone. A private temporary number is fresh, works with 100+ services, and the SMS goes only to you — from just a few cents, with an automatic refund if no code arrives.
Craigslist temporary numbers — frequently asked questions
Can I use a free number for Craigslist phone verification?
Yes, if it is a +1 number that is not already linked to another Craigslist account. Copy one from this page, choose text, and read the code in its inbox. If Craigslist rejects it, try another number.
Why did Craigslist reject the number?
Most often it is already linked to someone else’s account, since Craigslist allows one account per number. It may also be an international or VoIP number, which Craigslist does not support. Pick another +1 number.
Is the verification number shown on my Craigslist ad?
No. The number you verify with is not displayed on the posting. Buyers only see the contact details you choose to add.
A buyer sent me a code and asked me to read it back. Is that safe?
No, it is a scam. Craigslist asks for a phone code only while you are posting. A code from a stranger is usually a Google Voice code that would give them a number tied to your phone.
Can I get the Craigslist code by phone call?
Not on a free number. These numbers receive SMS only, so pick the text option when Craigslist asks.
How long until I can request another code?
Five minutes per number. An account can also receive only three codes and try three numbers in twelve hours, so switch numbers sparingly.