Upwork phone verification: code not arriving or number in use
In short
- Upwork says the code should arrive almost at once; if not within a few minutes, check the number and your coverage.
- “Already in use” usually means the number is on another Upwork account, such as an old profile.
- Upwork says creating a new account is against its terms: get back into the old one instead.
Upwork verifies phone numbers to protect freelancer and client accounts, and asks for it when it needs to.
If the code doesn’t come
Upwork says the code should arrive almost immediately. If it hasn’t after a few minutes, check the number and that you have coverage, then try again. Don’t keep pressing resend.
“Phone number already in use”
The number is attached to another Upwork account, often an old freelancer or client profile. Upwork says creating a new account is against its terms, so sign in to the old account, or ask Upwork Support.
Use your own number here
An Upwork account holds your work and your earnings, and Upwork checks it’s you through this number. A one-time number from ReserveSMS receives codes for 20 minutes only, so for Upwork use a mobile number you keep.
Common questions
How long does Upwork’s code take?
Upwork says it should arrive almost immediately. If not within a few minutes, check the number and coverage.
Upwork says my number is already in use. What now?
It’s on another Upwork account. Get back into that account, or ask Upwork Support; Upwork says a new account is against its terms.
Should I use a temporary number for Upwork?
No. Upwork checks it’s you through the number on an account that holds your earnings, so use a number you keep.