- Introduction: Upwork without phone number
- Why verifying Upwork without phone number is difficult
- The reliable solution: using MobileSMS.io
- Step-by-step: create and verify Upwork without phone number
- Comparison: one-time vs. 30-day rentals
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Introduction
If you’ve tried to verify Upwork with your local number and failed, you’re not alone. Many freelancers need to create upwork without phone number tied to their personal SIM, especially in regions where carriers or VoIP apps aren’t accepted.
MobileSMS.io provides a proven solution — real, SIM-based Non-VoIP numbers accepted by Upwork and 1,200+ platforms. You can use a temporary phone number for one-time SMS or rent a dedicated line for ongoing 2FA. This guide shows freelancers, especially in the Philippines, how to safely complete verification using MobileSMS.io.
The Problem with Upwork Phone Verification
Upwork enforces phone verification to prevent spam and duplicate accounts. However, many freelancers face issues like:
- “This number is not supported” errors
- No SMS received from Upwork
- Account lockouts after multiple failed attempts
Why It Happens
- VoIP numbers like TextNow or Google Voice are blocked because they’re reused by many people.
- Local carriers in countries like the Philippines or Nigeria may not appear in Upwork’s verification network.
- Public SMS websites often reuse numbers, causing verification rejections.
Philippines Example
Joana, a Cebu-based web designer, tried her PH SIM but didn’t receive any SMS from Upwork. She tried again using a free VoIP app and got blocked. Hours wasted, account still pending. The issue wasn’t her internet — it was Upwork’s strict anti-VoIP system.
Solution Overview: MobileSMS.io
MobileSMS.io solves this by offering real, carrier-based Non-VoIP numbers that Upwork accepts. Unlike free VoIP apps, these are actual SIM numbers from over 100 countries, ensuring high delivery success.
Three Key Differentiators
1. Non-VoIP Numbers
MobileSMS.io provides genuine SIM-based numbers, not internet-based lines.
- Why it matters: Upwork blocks VoIP numbers; MobileSMS.io’s Non-VoIP numbers are accepted.
- Result: Smooth verification without rejections.
2. Flexibility & Privacy
Choose between one-time use numbers (starting at $3.50 per SMS) or long-term rentals for ongoing verification.
- Single Service Rental (USA): 7 days $15, 14 days $20, 30 days $30, 60 days $60, 90 days $100
- All Services Rental (USA): $65 for 30 days (multi-platform, manual activation)
- All Services Premium (USA): $100 for 30 days (always active + Slack/Discord integration)
Long-term rentals protect privacy and stability, allowing seamless re-verification.
3. Global Reach with U.S. Focus
MobileSMS.io covers 100+ countries, specializing in reliable U.S. numbers that pass verification filters globally. Freelancers in the Philippines often find U.S. numbers the most successful.
Refund policy: 100% money-back if a number fails its intended purpose.
For rental details, see long-term number rentals and support resources in the Help Center.
Step-by-Step: Create Upwork Account “upwork without phone number”
The workflow below is optimized for freelancers in the Philippines but works anywhere.
1. Create your MobileSMS.io account
Sign up at MobileSMS.io with your email and password.
2. Top up credits (minimum $5)
Add funds via card, PayPal, or crypto. Credits deduct only on successful SMS receipt.
3. Choose the right number type
- One-Time: fastest path for a single OTP (starts $3.50 per SMS; varies by country/platform).
- 30-Day Rental (Recommended for 80% of cases): stability for logins and 2FA; $30 Single Service or $65 All Services; Premium $100 with Slack/Discord.
Tip for PH users: If Upwork risk checks prefer U.S. numbers, select United States for higher acceptance. Match your IP to the number’s country when possible.
4. Get your number
In the dashboard, select country and platform (choose Upwork or Other). A number is assigned instantly and is exclusive during your use/rental.
5. Align your environment (reduces flags)
- Use a clean browser profile (e.g., Brave).
- Match IP location to your number’s country using a reputable VPN or residential proxy.
- Avoid logging into multiple accounts from the same fingerprint (tools like Multilogin can help).
6. Enter the number on Upwork
On Upwork’s signup form, paste your assigned number and request the SMS code.
7. Receive the OTP in real time
- Codes appear in your MobileSMS.io dashboard instantly.
- On Premium rentals, the code also posts to Slack/Discord for team visibility.
8. Complete verification
Insert the OTP in Upwork and finish onboarding. Keep the number if you expect any re-verification.
9. Ongoing stability (why rentals win)
- Upwork can re-check phones after device or IP changes.
- With a 30-Day Rental, you can receive unlimited SMS during the period and avoid downtime. All Services lets you reuse the same line for multiple platforms; Premium removes activation steps and pushes codes to Slack/Discord.
Comparison: MobileSMS.io vs. Alternatives
| Feature | MobileSMS.io | TextNow / Google Voice | Free Receive-SMS Sites |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number Type | Non-VoIP (real SIM) | VoIP (internet-based) | Shared/VoIP |
| Works with Upwork? | ✅ Yes | ❌ Blocked | ❌ Often flagged |
| Privacy | Exclusive number | Shared data | Public inbox |
| Pricing | $3.50–$5.50 per SMS; Rentals $15–$100 | Free | Free but unreliable |
| Rental Options | 7, 14, 30, 60, 90 days | ❌ None | ❌ None |
| Team Features | Slack/Discord (Premium) | ❌ None | ❌ None |
Bottom line: Free options fail because they’re VoIP-based or shared. MobileSMS.io succeeds by providing real, unique Non-VoIP numbers and stable 30-day rental plans.
FAQs
Q: Is using MobileSMS.io for Upwork legal?
A: Yes. MobileSMS.io provides legitimate SIM-based numbers. Use it for your own identity and account management; avoid fraud or multiple fake personas.
Q: Why doesn’t Upwork accept VoIP numbers?
A: VoIP numbers are easy to recycle, so Upwork blocks them. Non-VoIP SIM numbers from MobileSMS.io are accepted more reliably for identity checks. For background on VoIP, see the FCC overview.
Q: What’s the best plan for freelancers?
A: The 30-Day Long-Term Rental suits most freelancers. It supports unlimited SMS, ongoing login security, and can be renewed automatically.
Q: Can I use the same number for multiple sites?
A: Yes. The All Services Rental ($65) and Premium ($100) plans let you use the same number across Upwork, PayPal, Discord, and more.
Q: How much does it cost to verify Upwork?
A: One-time verifications start at $3.50 per SMS. Long-term rentals range from $15 for 7 days to $100 for Premium 30 days.
Q: What if I don’t receive the OTP?
A: Match your IP to the number’s country, retry with a fresh number, or contact support. Refunds are available if a number fails for its intended use.
Q: Is it safe to use a U.S. number from the Philippines?
A: Yes. For best results, use a U.S. VPN during verification to align your IP and number country.
Conclusion
Creating an Upwork account upwork without phone number tied to your personal SIM is straightforward with MobileSMS.io. Use a Non-VoIP USA (or other country) number for clean onboarding, protect your privacy, and avoid VoIP rejections. For ongoing use or 2FA, the 30-Day Rental — especially All Services or Premium with Slack/Discord — offers the best value. Start now with long-term number rentals or consult the Help Center for quick answers.