How do I verify my phone number?

Getting your phone number verified is the final key to unlocking your next adventure! To keep the Outdoorsy community safe and ensure our messaging system stays secure, every member needs a verified number to chat with Hosts or Guests.

Think of it as your digital passport for the open road. Here’s how to get it done and what to do if you hit a speed bump.

How do I verify my phone number?

1. Head to your Profile: 

   • On the web: Log in and click your Profile photo or initials (if you have not yet added a photo) at the top-right. Then, select Account  → Profile.

   • In the app: Tap Menu → Account → Profile.

     Missing the input box? If you’re trying to verify via a pop-up while messaging and can’t see where to type the code, head straight to your Profile page instead to bypass the glitch.

2. Double-check the digits: Ensure your number is a mobile line (not a landline or VoIP/Google Voice number) and includes your country code (e.g., +1 for the US or Canada, +44 for UK).

3. Check your format: Make sure to include your full country code (e.g., +1 for the US or Canada, +44 for UK).

   Note: Your phone number must include the "+" sign before the country code (e.g., +10123456789) to be accepted.

4. Request the code: Click or tap the Send verification code button.

   Note: If you have not received a code after a couple of minutes, you may request a new one via the "new code" link located below the input boxes

5. Enter it: Type the 4-digit code from your text message exactly as it appears.

I am not getting the code. What do I do?

If a code isn't showing up, it’s usually a local "hiccup" rather than a system-wide issue. Try these quick fixes:

• Check your connection: Ensure your Wi-Fi is stable or you have solid cell service. Sometimes a quick router restart or switching from Wi-Fi to cellular data does the trick.

• Restart your device: Restart your phone or computer to refresh your network connection.

• Try a different view (App vs. Web): If the app is being glitchy, try logging in through a web browser (like Google Chrome) on your computer or phone instead.

• Check your phone number type: Our system only works with mobile numbers that can receive standard SMS. Landlines and VoIP numbers (like Google Voice) won't work.

• Do a device security check: Make sure your phone's firewall, antivirus, or "spam-blocking" apps aren't accidentally ghosting our messages.

I can’t message my Host/Guest, and the system says my phone isn't verified. What do I do?

If you’re trying to reach out to another party and hit a "phone unverified" block, don’t sweat it! This is just our way of keeping the community secure and making sure every message comes from a real person.

Step 1: Verify from your Account Profile. 

Instead of trying to verify through the message pop-up, head straight to the source to clear the block:

1. Go to the Account page

   • On the web:  Log in and click your Profile photo or initials (if you have not added one) at the top-right. Then, select Account  → Profile.

   • In the app: Tap Menu → Account → Profile.

2. Check the status 

   • Check your Profile page and see if your mobile number is listed. 

     If it's missing or says "unverified," you're in the right place.

3. Update your phone number & save: 

   • If no number is there, add your mobile number (make sure to include your country code, like +1). Hit Save.

4. Verify your phone number

   • Click or tap the Send verification code button.

     Note: If you have not received a code after a couple of minutes, you may request a new one via the "new code" link located below the input boxes.

Pro tip: If it’s still acting up, try logging out and logging back in. This usually helps the system sync everything and read that you’re all set!

I am seeing the error messages, "Exceeded number of attempts" and "Rate limit exceeded". What do I do now?

We know waiting can be a bummer when you're ready to hit the road, but these limits are there to keep your account and the whole Outdoorsy community extra safe from malicious digital actors.

• "Exceeded number of attempts": No worries! Just wait 30 to 60 minutes before trying again.

• "Rate limit exceeded" (Error 429): This is a slightly longer "stop sign" from our system. If you see this, please wait a full 24 hours before your next attempt. This allows the security safeguard to reset.

Think of it as a system safeguard. It temporarily restricts actions (like profile updates or verification attempts) to prevent errors and keep malicious actors away. It’s all about keeping the community secure!

What to do if my phone number has been verified already, but I still can't message?

If your profile says that your phone number is verified, but you're still hitting a block:

1. Log out of Outdoorsy on all devices

2. Log back in to refresh the system "sync."

3. Try to resend the message

I've tried all the troubleshooting steps above, but I am still having trouble with the phone verification. What else can I do?

Our system is fully automated for your security, so we cannot send verification codes manually. If you’ve tried the steps above and waited out the rate limits, reach out to our Customer Support team with:

• Your phone number and country code
• Your mobile carrier
• Your device type and OS (e.g., iPhone 15, iOS 17)

Once we get those details, we'll look into the issue to help you stay connected.