To keep Handshake AI a secure and trustworthy platform for fellows and frontier AI labs, phone number verification is required during sign-up for all accounts. This applies to both the web and mobile app.

You'll need to verify your account via text message during sign-up.

Phone verification helps us:

• Prevent fake and duplicate accounts
• Build a trusted space for HAI fellows

How the verification process works

When creating your Handshake AI account, you’ll be prompted to verify your email address first. After that, you’ll be asked to enter your mobile phone number. The country code will be pre-selected based on your location.

The following message is displayed: 

“We use phone verification to keep our community safe. By continuing, you agree to get a one-time SMS. Rates may apply.”

Note: Not all country codes are supported at this time. You must be able to verify a phone number with a supported country code to access Handshake.

Step 1: Enter your mobile number

Input your phone number when prompted during sign-up then click Continue.

Step 2: Receive a verification code

You’ll receive a one-time verification code via SMS. If you don’t receive it right away, you can request it again after 60 seconds.

Step 3: Enter the code

Type the code into the verification screen to complete the process.

Once verified, your number is securely stored and used only to confirm your identity and prevent misuse. It will not be visible to employers or other users.

Additional information

• Unsupported numbers: If your number can’t be verified (e.g., VoIP or toll-free numbers), you’ll be prompted to try again with a valid mobile number.
• Accounts created before verification was required: If your account was created before phone verification became mandatory and you're not affiliated with a school, you'll be asked to verify your number the next time you log in.
• Changing or updating phone number: phone numbers cannot be edited, even by Handshake admins
• Disconnecting a phone number from one account to use with another account: Phone numbers cannot be edited; the only way to remove a phone number from an account is to delete that account altogether.
• Phone number is associated with another account: If you've unable to identify which account your phone number is linked to, contact us for further investigation and provide the phone number you're attempting to use. 

Troubleshooting tips

• Didn’t get a code? Double-check your number, wait 60 seconds, then click "Resend code."
• Entered the code but it didn’t work? Make sure it hasn’t expired. Each code is valid for a limited time.
• Error says “unsupported number”? Try with a different mobile number.
• Error says "We’re unable to use this phone number. If you’ve previously registered, try signing in"? This usually means the number is already linked to an existing Handshake account. Try signing in here. If you’re not aware of another account, contact us for further investigation.