Can you use a landline for verification codes?
In short
- Some apps take landlines: LinkedIn and Indeed say so, and Kleinanzeigen calls a landline with the code.
- Many don’t: eBay, Yahoo and Grindr say texts need a mobile, and Airbnb says landlines may not get its code.
- Where a landline isn’t accepted, use a mobile number.
Landlines can’t receive texts, so apps that verify by SMS usually won’t take them. Some read the code out in a call instead.
Apps that accept landlines
- LinkedIn: mobile and landline numbers are supported.
- Indeed: landlines work, as do mobiles and fixed VoIP numbers.
- Kleinanzeigen: if the phone can’t receive texts, an automated call reads the code out.
Apps that don’t
- eBay: landlines aren’t supported.
- Yahoo: text codes go to mobile numbers only.
- Grindr: it can’t verify landlines.
- Airbnb: landlines may not receive its code.
- Twitch: landlines aren’t supported for two-factor authentication.
If you only have a landline
Look for a “call me” option on the code screen; see codes by voice call. Otherwise, you need a mobile number. For a one-off code, a one-time number from ReserveSMS can receive the text; ours start at $1, and the money goes back to your balance if no code arrives within 20 minutes.
Common questions
Can I verify with a landline?
On some apps. LinkedIn and Indeed accept landlines; eBay, Yahoo and Grindr don’t.
How does an app send a code to a landline?
By an automated call that reads it out, as Kleinanzeigen does when a phone can’t receive texts.
What if the app won’t take my landline?
Use a mobile number. For a one-off code, a one-time number can receive the text.