4 min read
Why Airbnb asks for a phone number
Airbnb asks for a phone number to confirm the account and bookings, and to contact you about them. The code arrives by SMS.
Can you skip the phone on Airbnb?
Travel apps usually accept email sign-up and ask for a phone before the first booking.
Your options without a SIM card
Travelling with a local SIM or no roaming means your own number can’t receive codes. Free SMS sites expose the code publicly.
- Email or Google/Apple sign-in, when the app allows it. Free, and no number at all.
- A second SIM or eSIM. Costs a monthly plan, but the number stays yours.
- A private temporary number from CoveSMS. Only you see the code, and you pay nothing if it doesn’t arrive within 20 minutes.
Step by step: get the Airbnb code online
- Buy a Airbnb number in your dashboard.
- Choose the country and paste the number.
- Ask for the code by SMS.
- Enter the code from your dashboard.
If the code doesn’t arrive
- If a call option appears, choose SMS.
- If the number is refused, cancel for your balance back and try another country.
- No code within 20 minutes means the number closes and the price goes back to your balance.
After you’re in: stop depending on the number
A temporary number is single-use. Set up another way in before it closes:
- Add a reachable number to your Airbnb bookings so hosts or organizers can contact you.
- Keep your email on the account for receipts and resets.