How Verification Codes Work

Learn how Aplyr reads ATS verification codes from your Gmail or Aplyr Inbox so Quick Apply and Autopilot can finish applications hands-free.

Written By Aplyr Support

Last updated About 3 hours ago

📌 Note Many application sites email you a short code to confirm it's really you before they accept your application. Aplyr reads that code automatically so your application doesn't stall.
  • Some employers and ATS platforms send a verification code mid-application; Aplyr reads it for you so Quick Apply and Autopilot can finish without you.
  • Aplyr reads codes from your connected Gmail or your Aplyr Inbox — whichever you set as your preferred verification source.
  • Aplyr never uses your account sign-up email, and it only looks for verification codes — not your personal messages.

Why a verification code shows up

Some job sites and applicant tracking systems (the software behind a company's careers page) want to confirm a real person is applying. After you start an application, they email a short code — usually 6 to 8 characters — and ask you to type it back in before they'll submit.

When Aplyr is applying on your behalf, it watches your connected email source, grabs that code as soon as it lands, and enters it for you. You don't have to switch tabs or copy anything by hand.

Where Aplyr reads the code from

Aplyr reads codes from one of two places, based on the source you choose:

  • Gmail — your connected Google account. Aplyr looks only for verification emails tied to your active applications.
  • Aplyr Inbox — your dedicated @inbox.aplyr.co address. If you applied using this address, Aplyr reads the code straight from it without touching your personal inbox. (Available on Pro and Ultra.)

You pick which one Aplyr should prefer on the integrations page, and you can switch any time.

How to set your preferred verification source

  1. Open Settings → Integrations.
  2. Make sure the Extract verification codes toggle is on.
  3. In the verification source picker (labeled Connect Gmail or Aplyr Inbox until something is connected), connect Gmail, enable your Aplyr Inbox, or both.
  4. Choose the source you want Aplyr to read codes from. The pill shows your current selection.
💡 Tip If you connect both, pick the source that matches the email address you actually apply with. Codes are sent to that address, so Aplyr needs to read from the same place.

The security model

Aplyr is built to read codes without snooping on your inbox:

  • Aplyr never uses your account sign-up email for verification — only the Gmail or Aplyr Inbox source you choose.
  • It scans for verification codes tied to applications you're actively submitting, not your personal mail.
  • You stay in control: turn off Extract verification codes, disconnect Gmail, or disable your Aplyr Inbox whenever you like.
⚠️ Warning Disabling your Aplyr Inbox permanently deletes the @inbox.aplyr.co address and all of its mail. If it's your verification source, switch to Gmail first so applications can still finish.

What if a code can't be read?

If Aplyr can't find a code in time, the application may pause instead of submitting. The usual causes are an expired Gmail connection, no preferred source selected, or applying with an address that's different from your verification source. Reconnect or re-select your source on the Integrations page and try again.