Note: This feature is currently only available to a limited number of users in the United States and Canada. Any reservations involving guests or hosts from outside these regions will not support temporary phone numbers and work as-is.
Upon confirmation of a homes reservation, Airbnb may assign temporary phone numbers to allow guests and hosts to maintain their privacy. It’s just like using a regular phone number, except that users don’t need to share their real personal details to communicate. Temporary phone numbers expire two days after checkout.
At Airbnb, we know how important privacy is to our community. Temporary phone numbers are assigned as a proactive measure to help protect your personal contact information. While no process is perfect, this step aims to maintain your privacy and promote safe interactions within our community.
Once a booking is confirmed, eligible guests and hosts are issued temporary phone numbers. During this time, you can call or text (SMS) each other normally. WhatsApp is not supported with these temporary phone numbers.
Your temporary phone number may show up as "Airbnb guest" or "Airbnb host" in caller ID to the other party when they receive a call from the Airbnb user or third parties with authorized access to your reservation details.
The numbers stay active from the booking date until two days after checkout for things like retrieving forgotten items. After this two-day grace period, the temporary phone numbers expire, and you can no longer use them. However, you can still use Airbnb Messenger for any ongoing communication.
Note: Any exchange of real phone numbers through the Airbnb platform (in Airbnb messenger, emails, text fields in listing setup, etc.) will be blocked or replaced with the temporary number, when appropriate.
Currently, this feature is available to a limited number of users in the United States and Canada. If a guest or host books a home from outside these areas, temporary numbers will not be assigned. Additional markets will be available over time.
We'll provide the last 4 digits of the guest's real phone number on the reservation details page. Hosts can use these digits to create easy-to-remember door codes for their guests. The suggested door code is available on the reservation detail page within the overflow menu.
The guest phone number shortcut in quick replies is no longer available. We made this change to protect the guest's real phone number. Existing quick replies using these codes will no longer be sent, and templates must be updated; temporary numbers are not substituted for shortcodes. Refer to Create and send quick replies to guests for alternative quick reply options.
The assignment of temporary phone numbers is a complimentary service provided by Airbnb to help safeguard your privacy. Call charges will be the same as those incurred when making regular phone calls under your current plan.
Internet access is not required to use temporary phone numbers. Calls and SMS should operate as if they were made from your personal number.
To connect your call or text, we match the phone number you're using to the reservation. If you call or text from a different phone that isn't linked to the reservation, we may not be able to connect you automatically.
If you're calling, you'll hear a short prompt:
Confirmation codes contain letters. To enter one on a phone keypad, press the number key that corresponds to each letter. For example, H=4, M=6 , so HMKY53JZAS becomes 4659535927. Then press # to submit.
If you're texting, you'll get a reply asking for the reservation confirmation code. Send it back and we'll connect your message.