Where to find and remove your phone number

Your phone number lives in your Airbnb account settings, not in a separate security or privacy menu. To remove it, log into your account on a computer or phone, go to Account (the icon in the top right), then select Personal info. You will see your phone number listed there. Click the X or Remove button next to it — the exact label depends on whether you are using the app or website, but the button is always visible and straightforward to spot.

Airbnb will ask you to confirm the removal. This is a safety step to prevent someone else from deleting your number without permission. You may need to enter your password or verify your identity through email before the removal goes through. Once confirmed, your number is no longer attached to your account.

Key Takeaways

  • Your phone number is stored in Account > Personal info, where you can remove it by clicking the X or Remove button next to the number.
  • Airbnb will ask you to confirm the removal and may require you to verify your password or email before the change takes effect.
  • Removing your phone number does not delete your account or affect your booking history, but hosts and Airbnb may have trouble reaching you in an emergency.
  • You can add a new phone number at any time by returning to Personal info and selecting Add phone number.
  • If you want to keep a number on file but change which one is primary, you can add a new number and set it as your main contact without removing the old one first.

Why Airbnb asks for a phone number

Airbnb uses your phone number for two main reasons: to verify your identity when you sign in from a new device, and to let hosts contact you about your reservation if something changes. If a host needs to reach you about a late check-in or a problem with the listing, they will text or call the number on file. Without a phone number, hosts have only email, which is slower.

The platform also uses your number to send you security alerts — for example, if someone tries to log into your account from an unfamiliar location. Removing your number means you will miss these alerts unless you check your email regularly. If you are concerned about privacy, you have other options besides full removal.

What happens after you remove your number

Once your number is gone, hosts can still message you through the Airbnb app or website, but they cannot call or text you directly. This slows down communication during emergencies — if your flight is delayed and you need to tell the host you will arrive late, you have to open the app instead of sending a quick text. Some hosts may cancel your reservation if they cannot reach you by phone before your check-in date.

You will also stop receiving text message reminders about upcoming trips, payment confirmations, and security alerts. Email will be your only contact method. If you travel frequently or book last-minute stays, losing phone contact can create problems. Consider whether you truly need to remove the number or whether changing it to a different number might solve your privacy concern instead.

Changing your number instead of removing it

If you want to update your phone number rather than remove it entirely, the process is simpler. Go to Account > Personal info, find your current number, and select Edit or Change. Enter your new number and Airbnb will send a verification code to that new number — you will need to enter the code to confirm the change. This takes about two minutes and keeps you reachable without the gap that comes from full removal.

You can also add a second phone number to your account before removing the first one. This way, hosts and Airbnb have a backup contact method if the primary number stops working. Go to Personal info, select Add phone number, verify the new number, and then remove the old one if you no longer want it on file.

Privacy concerns and alternatives

If you are removing your number because you do not want to share your personal phone with hosts, consider using a virtual phone number instead. Services like Google Voice or Skype give you a separate number that forwards to your real phone or email. You can add this number to Airbnb, keep hosts at a distance, and remove it later without affecting your main line. This approach keeps you reachable while protecting your privacy.

Another option is to adjust your notification settings. Go to Account > Notifications and turn off text messages while keeping email on. This way your number stays on file for emergencies and identity verification, but you will not receive routine messages by text. You will still get critical alerts by email, and hosts can still reach you through the app.

Troubleshooting removal problems

If the Remove button is greyed out or not appearing, you may have a pending reservation or an active booking. Airbnb requires at least one contact method on file while you have an active trip. Wait until your current reservation is complete, then try removing the number again. If you have a reservation coming up soon, you may need to wait until after check-out.

If you see an error message when you try to confirm removal, clear your browser cache and try again on a different device. Sometimes the app has a glitch that the website does not, or vice versa. If the problem persists, contact Airbnb support through the Help Center — select Account and login, then Phone number, and describe what happens when you try to remove it. Support can remove the number for you if there is a technical issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove my phone number if I have an upcoming reservation?

No. Airbnb requires you to have at least one contact method active while you have a current or upcoming booking. You must wait until after your check-out date to remove your number. If you need to change it before then, you can edit it to a different number instead of removing it entirely.

Will removing my number affect my reviews or booking history?

No. Your past reviews, ratings, and booking history stay on your account. Removing your phone number only changes how hosts and Airbnb can contact you going forward. It does not erase anything or lower your standing as a guest.

What if a host tries to call me after I remove my number?

The host will not be able to call you because they will not have your number. They can only message you through the Airbnb app or website. If this causes a problem with a reservation, you can add your number back at any time and contact the host directly.

Can I remove my number and still book stays on Airbnb?

Yes, you can book without a phone number on file. However, some hosts may decline your reservation request if they cannot verify your contact information. Having a phone number makes your profile look more trustworthy to hosts, especially if you are new or have few reviews.

How do I add my number back after removing it?

Go to Account > Personal info and select Add phone number. Enter your number and Airbnb will send a verification code to that phone. Enter the code to confirm, and your number is active again. The whole process takes a few minutes.