How to Send Your Phone Number on Airbnb (and Why It's Hidden)

Quick answer: you can't send a phone number on Airbnb before a booking is confirmed. Airbnb's message filter automatically hides phone numbers, email addresses and outside links until then. As soon as the reservation is confirmed, you don't need to send it: Airbnb shows the host's number in the guest's trip details and the guest's number in the host's reservation details.

Why Airbnb hides phone numbers in messages

Airbnb scans messages sent through its platform and blocks ones that contain what looks like contact information or references to other sites, including external links (Airbnb Help: Paying and communicating through Airbnb). There are three reasons:

• Safety and privacy. Before a booking, neither side has been through Airbnb's booking checks, so contact details stay private until there's a confirmed reservation.
• Scam prevention. The most common Airbnb scam starts with "message me on WhatsApp", followed by a request to pay by bank transfer. Keeping early conversations on the platform cuts that off.
• Keeping bookings and payments on Airbnb. Airbnb's Off-Platform and Fee Transparency Policy says hosts may not ask guests to communicate outside Airbnb (WhatsApp, Facebook, text and so on) before booking, or to take the booking off Airbnb.

When does Airbnb share phone numbers?

Only after a reservation is confirmed. From then on:

• Guests see the host's phone number in the reservation details under Trips, alongside the full address and arrival guide. It's also in the booking confirmation email (Airbnb Help: What's shared when a booking is confirmed).
• Hosts see the guest's phone number in the reservation details in their hosting dashboard.
• After the stay, or if the reservation is cancelled, the host's number no longer shows in the guest's trip.

A request to book that the host hasn't accepted yet is not a confirmed reservation. The numbers stay hidden until the host accepts.

Temporary phone numbers (US and Canada)

For some home reservations in the United States and Canada, Airbnb assigns temporary numbers instead of revealing real ones. You can call and text them normally, but WhatsApp doesn't work with them. They show as "Airbnb guest" or "Airbnb host" and expire two days after checkout (Airbnb Help: How temporary phone numbers work). If the number you see isn't the one you expected, this is usually why.

How to find your host's (or guest's) phone number

1. Open the Airbnb app or website and go to Trips (guests) or Reservations in the hosting dashboard (hosts).
2. Select the confirmed reservation.
3. Look for the contact section. You can call from the app or copy the number.

If the reservation is confirmed and you still can't see a number, check that your own phone number is verified in your account (Airbnb Help: Verify your phone number). If it still doesn't show, message the other person through Airbnb and contact Airbnb support.

Should you try to get around the filter?

No. Older guides (including an earlier version of this page) suggested spelling numbers out ("five-five-five…") or splitting them across messages. Don't:

• It breaks Airbnb's rules, and Airbnb can restrict or suspend accounts that repeatedly try to move guests off the platform before booking.
• If a conversation that started off-platform turns into an off-platform payment, you lose AirCover and Airbnb can't help with the dispute.
• For guests it's a red flag. A "host" pushing to move to WhatsApp before you've booked is the classic start of a payment scam.
• There's rarely a need. Anything you'd ask on the phone before booking, you can ask in Airbnb messages, and you'll get the number automatically once you book.

What to do instead before booking

• Ask everything in Airbnb messages. Parking, stairs, pets, early check-in. Written answers are also your evidence if something isn't as described.
• Hosts: keep a set of saved replies for common pre-booking questions so guests get fast answers without needing a call. See our Airbnb message templates.
• Hosts: put the essentials in the listing (check-in method, parking, accessibility) so guests don't need to ask.
• Once booked, agree the channel. After confirmation you're free to switch to text or WhatsApp for check-in-day logistics. Keep anything important (changes, problems, refunds) in the Airbnb thread, where it's on record.

FAQ

Why is my phone number showing as hidden in the Airbnb chat?

Because the reservation isn't confirmed yet. Airbnb removes contact details from messages before confirmation. After confirmation, you don't need to send it; both numbers appear in the reservation details.

Can I share my WhatsApp or email on Airbnb?

Not before booking. The filter blocks emails, links and messaging handles as well as phone numbers. After the booking is confirmed you can share them.

My host asked me to contact them on WhatsApp before booking. Is that safe?

Treat it as a warning sign. It's against Airbnb's policy for hosts to ask this before booking. Keep the conversation on Airbnb, never pay outside the platform, and report the message if they ask you to.

Why can't I see my host's number after checkout?

Airbnb removes the host's number from your trip after the stay ends or if it's cancelled. Use the Airbnb message thread, which stays open after checkout, for forgotten items or follow-ups.

Can Airbnb read my messages?

Messages sent through Airbnb are stored on the platform and can be reviewed by Airbnb, for example to block unsafe content or to support a dispute.