Phone number verification for Handshake AI

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.

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 through our partner Twilio. The country code will be pre-selected based on your location.

The following message will be displayed: "We'll send a one-time code to your phone. This helps us verify your identity and keep our community safe."

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. Standard messaging and data rates may apply.

Step 1: Enter your mobile number 

Enter your phone number when prompted. During this step, you'll also see two optional SMS preferences you can choose to enable. These are entirely separate from the verification message itself. Your number will not be used for these messages unless you've explicitly opted in.

Project and task updates (informational messages) If you opt into this, you'll receive text messages with updates about projects and tasks you're already active on - things like task availability changes, project status updates, and other time-sensitive information related to your current work.

Future project and task opportunities (promotional messages) If you opt into this, you'll receive text messages about new projects and opportunities you may be eligible for - including project launches, new matches, and relevant program announcements.

Note: You can opt into one, both, or neither. Your choices here won't affect your ability to participate in Handshake AI.

Once entered and op-in preferences are selected, click Verify with SMS. 

Step 2: Receive a verification code 

A one-time verification code will be sent to your phone via SMS through our partner Twilio. 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're receiving this error, first check whether you have any other email addresses you've used in the past — including any current or former school (.edu) email addresses — and try signing in with those at the Handshake AI login page, as you may already have an account tied to a different email. If you've tried that and still can't locate the account, contact us and include any email addresses that may have been used to create a Handshake account, the phone number that produced the error (exactly as you entered it), and a screenshot of the error message. If we find the number is tied to another account you own, you can add your preferred email as a secondary email on that account and our team can walk you through that process.

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.

Updating your SMS preferences

If you'd like to change your SMS preferences after completing verification, you can do so at any time through your account settings. You can also reply STOP to any SMS message to opt out of that message type.

For details on managing your notification preferences, refer to Managing Your Notification Preferences.