Learn why Upwork requires phone number verification, how to fix errors, what to do if your number is linked to another account, and VoIP restrictions.
In this article
- Why do I need to verify my phone number?
- What do I do if my phone number is associated with an existing account?
- The verification code has not been sent to my phone. How can I fix this?
- Can I use a VoIP number?
- What do I do if I lose access to my account's phone number?
Why do I need to verify my phone number?
We ask you to verify your phone number before posting a job or submitting a proposal because it helps protect the safety of our marketplace, reducing scams, spam, and fraud. It also can help us prevent you from breaking our Terms of Service. You can only ever create one account on Upwork (you can use that same account as a freelancer, client, and agency though). If you sign up for a new one and use a phone number associated with an existing account, you’ll get an error message to remind you that you already have one.
What do I do if my phone number is associated with an existing account?
Important:
You can only have one account on Upwork (you can use that same account as a freelancer, client, and agency). If you sign up for a new account and use a phone number associated with an existing account, you’ll get an error message.
- If you already created an Upwork account with the number, try recovering it by going to the login screen, typing in your email address, and following the Forgot password steps. After accessing the old account, be sure to close your new account because creating a new Upwork account is against our Terms of Service.
- If you no longer have access to the email associated with an account or have never had an Upwork account before, contact us using the Contact Support link at the top of each Help center page.
The verification code has not been sent to my phone. How can I fix this?
Your verification code should be sent instantly. If it is not delivered within a few minutes, try again after making sure the phone number is correct and you have working service coverage.
Can I use a VoIP number?
No, we are not able to verify these types of phone numbers. Please use a different, non-VOIP phone number.
What do I do if I lose access to my account's phone number?
We recommend setting up multiple two-step verification methods to prevent getting locked out of your account.
If you do not have a backup method enabled and cannot log in, you must reset your security information. To do this, please complete the Reset your Security Information form. Once submitted, our team will verify your identity and help you regain access.