
- Why Use a Temporary or Fake Phone Number?
- Benefits of Temporary and Fake Phone Numbers
- How to Set Up a Temporary Phone Number Using SMS-Activate
- Key Differences Between Verification and Standard SMS Numbers
- Platforms and Services Supported by Temporary Phone Numbers
- Best Practices for Using Temporary Numbers
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- How to give a fake phone number for verification?
- How to get a free phone number for verification?
- How to get a verification code without a phone number?
- How do I disguise my real phone number?
Most services now require a phone number during registration — just an email is no longer enough for them. A phone number is needed to verify your identity and reduce the number of fake profiles on the platform. This can pose two potential issues: you want to maintain privacy, or you don’t have a phone number, or you want to create a second account on the same site. There is a solution — use a temporary phone number. This is an online SIM card that works over the internet. You don’t need to install anything on your device, as all SMS messages and calls are received on the provider’s website. Temporary phone numbers enhance privacy, protect against spam, and allow for safe communication. Many services provide this option, such as SMS-Activate or Twilio.
Why Use a Temporary or Fake Phone Number?
Temporary mobile numbers are essential for protecting personal information. This is especially important in today’s world, where data breaches are common. When attackers have access to your contact details and other information, they can blackmail you, spam you, or make unwanted calls. A temporary phone number is not tied to your personal data since purchasing one doesn’t require identity verification.
Additionally, you won’t receive spam SMS messages or calls. Once the temporary phone number expires, it ceases to exist, leaving scammers without a way to contact you. This is useful for both personal communication and business purposes.
A fake phone number is also helpful when you need to register multiple accounts on the same site. Usually, one phone number is tied to one account. If you need two or more accounts, a temporary phone comes in handy.
Benefits of Temporary and Fake Phone Numbers
Fake numbers have several key benefits:
- Protect Personal Data. Temporary numbers help keep your personal number private. Even in the event of a data breach, your personal information remains secure.
- No Spam. By registering with a disposable number, you avoid spam messages and calls. Temporary numbers become inaccessible immediately after use.
- Increased Anonymity. For platforms or apps that require personal details, you can use fake names and numbers. This is especially important for creating temporary profiles.
- Efficient Business Management. Use multiple accounts with different phone numbers to separate personal and professional communications. This also simplifies testing marketing hypotheses.
- Short-Term Online Services Use. For testing accounts, apps, or temporarily using a platform, it’s safer to use a fake SIM instead of your personal number.
- Access Online Services in Other Countries. Some platforms require local phone numbers for registration. You can buy a disposable number from any country for this purpose.
- Access Restricted Services. In some countries, certain services are unavailable. You can register with a SIM card from another country to use the service.
How to Set Up a Temporary Phone Number Using SMS-Activate
We recommend using SMS-Activate for registration and SMS verification on websites. Here's what you'll appreciate about the service:
- Over 9 years in operation.
- Numerous positive reviews from users worldwide.
- High SMS delivery success rate.
- Refunds if the SMS isn’t received.
- Various payment methods, from bank transfers to cryptocurrencies.
- Free trial available.
- Option to receive SMS online or incoming calls.
- 24/7 technical support.
SMS-Activate makes obtaining fake numbers easy. You don’t need to provide personal or identity details, nor pay a subscription fee. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to get a fake phone number for verification on any service.
Create a profile by clicking the button in the upper-right corner and top up your account using any convenient method.

Once the funds are added to your balance, go to the main page of SMS-Activate and select the service for which you need a phone number from the left-hand menu. You can also purchase multiple SIM cards for several accounts.

Click on the desired service and proceed to set up the SIM card. Choose the verification method, country, and number of phone numbers. Add them to your cart and complete the purchase.

Purchased SIM cards will appear in your profile under the “Activations” section. Copy the number and use it for registration. SMS messages containing verification codes will also appear in the “Activations” section.
Key Differences Between Verification and Standard SMS Numbers
There are two types of numbers: verification numbers and standard SMS numbers. Here's how they compare and differ:
Usage. Verification Numbers: used to verify identity during account registration by receiving a code. They are typically used for single-use messages.
Standard Numbers: used for daily communication, such as texting friends or sending marketing campaigns.
Duration. Verification Numbers: limited usage duration, ranging from a few minutes to a few days. Some may be reused later.
Standard Numbers: linked to permanent phone numbers and usable indefinitely as long as you pay for the subscription.
Privacy. Verification Numbers: anonymous, ensuring that your personal information remains secure, even in the event of a data breach.
Standard Numbers: typically registered using personal identification documents, making it possible for malicious actors to access more information about you.
Features. Verification Numbers: used to receive verification codes via SMS or calls, as well as system messages. Personal communication and spam are not possible.
Standard Numbers: support incoming and outgoing calls and SMS, registration, and receive promotional messages and alerts.
Platforms and Services Supported by Temporary Phone Numbers
Temporary phone can be used to register on nearly any website or app, even banks! However, if you use an account for an extended period, remember to update your virtual phone numbers to avoid losing access.
Common uses for temporary numbers include registration on:
-
Social Media and Messengers. WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber,
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter (X).
- Email and Cloud Platforms. Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail, iCloud, ProtonMail.
- E-commerce and Delivery Services. Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, Uber Eats, DoorDash, OLX, Avito.
- Online Banks and Payment Systems. PayPal, Revolut, Skrill, WebMoney.
- Entertainment Platforms. Netflix, Spotify, Hulu, Disney+, Steam, Twitch.
- Dating Apps. Tinder, Bumble, Badoo, Mamba.
- App and Service Testing. SMS marketing APIs like Twilio, Nexmo, and SaaS services requiring phone verification.
- Educational Platforms. Coursera, Udemy, Skillshare, Duolingo.
- Gaming Platforms and Apps. Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, EA Origin, Mobile Legends, PUBG Mobile.
- Marketing Research. Google Forms (via Google registration), SurveyMonkey, Toluna.
Some services, like banks, may require a personal phone number or block the use of temporary mobile numbers.
Best Practices for Using Temporary Numbers
Follow these guidelines to use temporary numbers effectively and safely:
- Use for Short-Term Tasks. Ideal for single-use registrations or to receive verification codes for temporary accounts. This maintains your privacy and avoids being added to spam lists.
- Avoid Critical Platforms. Do not use temporary numbers for services that store sensitive personal information or require linking to your financial data (e.g., banks, payment systems, or personal email accounts). Otherwise, you may lose access to your profiles.
- Choose Reliable Providers. Research reviews and the reliability of the service you’re using. We recommend SMS-Activate for trusted service.
- Avoid for Personal or Professional Communication. Temporary numbers are unsuitable for long-term use, as their expiration can lead to compromised communication.
Conclusion
Fake numbers are invaluable for creating multiple accounts on a single service, saving money, streamlining business communication, and enhancing privacy and anonymity.
There are numerous platforms to help you obtain virtual phone numbers, such as SMS-Activate, a trusted service with years of experience. It allows you to purchase online SIM cards for any service, enabling safe and efficient account creation. Temporary numbers are especially useful when you need a local number from another country, as some services do not allow registration with foreign SIM cards.
FAQs
How to give a fake phone number for verification?
Purchase a temporary phone number from a dedicated service. Most platforms will accept it for account registration and profile verification.
How to get a free phone number for verification?
Rental number services sometimes provide free phone numbers. For example, SMS-Activate offers this option. The website provides several free phone numbers from various countries. You can use them for registration on any sites except those related to finance.
How to get a verification code without a phone number?
If you don’t want to use your personal phone number, opt for a fake SIM. You can legally obtain one through a special service. SMS verification code will be delivered to your account on the service’s platform.
How do I disguise my real phone number?
To protect your privacy and increase anonymity, use fake phone number. This way, you won’t have to share your real number with other users or services.