Job Seeker Help Centre

Phone Verification Issues: Basic Troubleshooting

Quick summary

You may need to verify your phone number when creating an account or applying for a job on Indeed. This guide helps fix common issues during phone verification. Having trouble with two-factor authentication (2FA) instead? Check out our article on troubleshooting 2FA issues for help.

Issue: I'm told my phone number type isn't supported.

Problem: You get the message 'This phone number type isn't supported. Use a non-virtual phone number instead'.

Solution: Try the following steps.

  1. Try using a valid mobile or fixed VoIP number. Indeed no longer allows non-fixed VoIP numbers for account verification.
  2. If you're using a valid phone number and are still experiencing issues:
    1. Contact your carrier to ensure your number is configured with the correct line type.
    2. Once updated, try again.

Issue: I'm asked to try again.

Problem: You get the message 'We're unable to verify this number right now. Try a different number or wait 12 hours to try again'.

Solution: Your phone number might be blocked. Try:

  1. Verifying your phone number again once every twelve hours
  2. Using a different phone number or a fixed VoIP number

Problem: You get the message 'Too many verification attempts. Try again later'.

Solution: Try the following steps.

  1. Verify your phone number again after ten minutes. If that doesn't fix the block, try again after 24 hours.
  2. Use a different phone number, like a landline or a fixed VoIP number

Issue: I'm not receiving a verification code text message.

Problem: Your phone may be blocking the verification message.

Solution: Try the following steps.

  1. Change your device's Do Not Disturb settings:
    • Unblock any employer phone numbers
    • Set to Allow Notifications From
  2. Verify that your device is on and within mobile phone coverage:
    • If the signal is weak, turn your device off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on
  3. Make sure that you're receiving text messages from other services or senders
  4. Check your message storage. If it's full, delete old messages
  5. Remove any third-party apps that may block or filter text messages
  6. Check your phone's junk or spam folder
  7. Make sure your device is connected to your home carrier's network. Messages may not arrive if you're roaming or off the network
Tip: Your phone or provider may block these messages as spam. Contact your provider to check if they're blocking third-party verification messages.

Issue: I'm not getting a verification code in WhatsApp.

Solution: If you're not receiving your WhatsApp verification code, try the following:

  1. Accept Meta's Terms of Service.
    • Make sure you've accepted the latest Terms of Service.
    • You can check this in Settings & Help, or Settings & App Info.
    • If you haven't already, you'll be asked to accept the latest terms and policies.
  2. Check that your number is active and registered.
    • Confirm that WhatsApp is active on your device.
    • Make sure you're using a valid phone number that's correctly registered with your account.
  3. Update the app.
    • Make sure you're using the latest version of WhatsApp.
    • Outdated versions may prevent messages from being delivered.
  4. Enter your phone number in the correct format.
    • Double-check that you entered your number in full international format (E.164). This includes:
      • A plus sign (+)
      • Your country code
      • Your area or city code
      • Your local phone number
    • Check the WhatsApp FAQ on international phone number formats for more details.
Important: WhatsApp verification is only available in selected markets.

Issue: I'm asked to try a different number.

Problem: You get the message 'This phone number is already linked to the maximum number of accounts. Try a different number'.

Solution: You may have already used your number for other accounts. You can:

  1. Sign in to one of those accounts and change the number, or close the account
  2. Remove your data from Indeed
  3. Use a different number or a fixed VoIP number.

Issue: I don't have a phone number.

Solution: If you don't have a mobile number, you can use a fixed VoIP number.

Issue: My country code isn't available.

Solution: If your country code isn't listed, use a number from any country in our Worldwide list. This can be a mobile number or a fixed VoIP number.

What is a VoIP phone number?

A Voice over IP (VoIP) number is a virtual phone number that works over the internet instead of a mobile network. The VoIP number:

  • Can be from any country in our Worldwide list
  • Must be fixed, which means it's linked to a physical address
  • Can receive text messages for verification

Contact us

Step 1

Need more help? Send us the information below so we can investigate the issue:

  • A screenshot of the entire page on which you're encountering the issue
  • We listed several troubleshooting tips above. Can you tell us which ones you used?

Step 2

Click or tap Submit a request.

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