Does eBay accept a VoIP number for 2-step verification?

What eBay says about number type

Nothing about VoIP, on the pages we read. eBay's account-security help page lists three ways to confirm a sign-in: a push notification in the eBay app, a code by text, or a code from an authenticator app. In its troubleshooting notes on text codes it says one thing about number type: the text option doesn't work with landlines. That page was served to us in Spanish, so here is the sentence as eBay wrote it: “Esta opción no es compatible con líneas fijas” (eBay).

So: no landlines for text codes, and no published position on internet numbers. If a site tells you eBay's definite VoIP policy, ask where they read it.

What eBay recommends instead of texts

• eBay Seller Center

  “An authenticator app helps us verify your identity with device-bound, time-based, one-time passcodes (OTP) that reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your eBay account. It’s also more secure than traditional methods such as SMS, voice, and email OTPs.”

  https://www.ebay.com/sellercenter/resources/seller-updates/2024-winter/protections

• eBay, Community announcement

  “It’s also less susceptible to risks like OTP code intercepting, SIM swaps, porting, and network vulnerabilities.”

  https://community.ebay.com/forum/announcements-57928/topic/a-more-secure-way-to-access-your-account-is-here-5589/

eBay says “You can use any authenticator app, but we recommend using Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy.” The codes don't need a signal: the passcode “is stored locally on your device and doesn't require an internet or mobile network service.”

The Spanish-language help page also covers passkeys: signing in with a fingerprint, pattern or PIN on recent Apple devices and on Android 9 and later. The same page says they don't currently work in WebView browsers or on Windows devices.

The catch: your phone number is the backup

This is where people get stuck. eBay's advice when you switch to an authenticator app: “We recommend adding your email and phone number as a backup in case you need to verify your information.” And why: “if you buy a new phone or lose your current phone, you’ll be required to use a backup method (phone number or email on file) to authenticate prior to re-enrolling into the authenticator app on your new device.” (eBay)

So the app doesn't make your phone number irrelevant. It makes it the thing you need on the worst day. If the number on file is an old one, fix it while you can still sign in.

When the text code doesn't arrive

From eBay's troubleshooting list on the same help page, in our words:

• Enter it within 15 minutes. After that the code is no longer valid.
• Check your reception before you ask for the code.
• Two SIMs? Make sure the number on your account is on the SIM that's set up, SIM1 or SIM2.
• Using Signal or a similar app for your texts? eBay says some people who use SMS encryption apps don't receive its messages.
• Waiting for an emailed code? Keep the sign-in page open. Going back or closing it cancels the code you were sent.

Selling with a team

eBay's own answer for teams is multi-user account access, where each person signs in as themselves. eBay says: “We recommend enabling 2-step verification and selecting Authenticator app as your verification method for each user account.” Do that first. The main account still needs a backup phone number, and it shouldn't be the personal cell of someone who might leave. A shared number for teams covers keeping that number reachable when people come and go.

When a real mobile line is the answer

When you need a backup number or text codes and you don't have a mobile number you can count on keeping: you moved abroad, your old number is gone, or the store is a business and the number should belong to the business. A Cleat line is a real US mobile number, not VoIP, that receives texts into an inbox your team can see. It's receive-only, and it's $24.99 a month. eBay publishes no number-type rule, and no provider can promise every service accepts every number, so test it while you can still sign in. What makes a number non-VoIP.

If you're abroad

The authenticator app eBay recommends works without a mobile network, which makes it the best option away from home. If your home SIM sits in the second slot while you travel, check the SIM setting from the list above. Running a US store from another country? See Cleat for expats.