How to Get a Temporary Phone Number

A temporary phone number is an online SIM card that a provider offers for short-term use, ranging from a few minutes to several weeks. After that, the purchased contact "burn" — becoming unavailable, and others can't buy it. These numbers are typically used for receiving incoming SMS messages from services that require a verification code during registration.

Temporary phone numbers are becoming popular for several reasons:

• Many services require phone verification for registration. If you already have an account there or don't want to use your personal number, a disposable phone number is the best option.
• Protection and security of personal information. With temporary numbers, users can avoid spam calls and messages, maintaining their privacy.
• Earning potential: You can create multiple accounts on popular social networks, promote them, and resell them to business owners and marketers at a higher price.

Online numbers are convenient and cost-effective, with prices much lower than physical SIM cards. Plus, there’s no need to pay a monthly subscription fee. Try virtual numbers with SMS-Activate. You can start with a free phone numbers to see how it works. If you like it, you can buy a virtual SIM card for any service and almost any country. You can purchase a one-time number for SMS or call verification or rent a SIM card for a few days or weeks.

In this article, we will explain how to get temporary phone number and why you might need one.

What Is a Temporary Phone Number?

It’s a disposable phone number. You don't need to visit a mobile operator to buy a SIM card. It’s available online. Just register with a service that provides virtual phone numbers and purchase their services. People usually buy disposable SIM cards to avoid using their personal contacts and to prevent receiving spam or for multi-accounting.

Temporary phones work similarly to regular SIM cards, but most of them only receive messages and phone calls from services. A virtual number can be used for a short time — you can extend it if the number rental service offers that option. However, it can't be used like a regular SIM card for years.

Here are a few ways temporary numbers are used:

• Saving on loyalty programs. Delivery services and online stores offer discounts on first orders. If you already have an account, you won’t get the discount coupon. So, you can create another account to get the benefit.
• Using privacy protection. Disposable SIM cards prevent users from receiving spam on their personal phone number.
• Creating additional accounts on social networks and websites. This can be necessary if you want to separate work and personal communication. Marketers and traffic specialists also create many accounts to promote brands, companies, and products. With numerous social media profiles, you can generate free traffic, increase community engagement, and improve a company’s reputation.
• Creating profiles on websites that don’t operate in certain countries. For example, you can’t register ChatGPT with a Russian number. So, it’s convenient to use a virtual number from another country.
• Earning money. This is a small business: a specialist buys many numbers for a popular site, like Facebook. They make the page appear as if it belongs to a real person to gain the social network’s trust. This involves interacting with users, liking posts, and adding friends. The accounts can then be sold to traffic arbitrage specialists, who need advanced accounts to run ads and easily pass moderation.

For any of these purposes, you can buy virtual numbers from SMS-Activate. Start with a free number to understand how the service works, and then purchase a phone number from any country.

How Does a Temporary Number Work?

There are specialized services that provide numbers for SMS activation and calls. To use them, simply register on a platform that offers such services. Try SMS-Activate. After registering on the service, top up your account and you can buy a number from any country for a duration ranging from a few minutes to four weeks. This means you don’t need to leave your home, provide passport details, or purchase a physical SIM card. There’s also no need to pay a monthly subscription fee because the number is provided for a short period.

Since there’s no physical SIM card, all text messages are received in your personal account on the service where you purchased the disposable phone number. All previously purchased numbers are also stored there. Some services allow you to reactivate the phone number — this means you can reuse the old number.

You can choose how long the online SIM card will be active. The usual maximum period is up to seven days, but it can be rented for up to four weeks. If you only need to receive an SMS to confirm a profile, the activation service will suit you. Once the message with the code is received, the phone becomes unavailable. Renting is suitable for long-term purposes, for example, to log into a single profile multiple times or register accounts on different services using one number.

In any case, a temporary phone number helps protect personal information and enables effective communication.

How to Get a Temporary Phone Number

You can get a temporary number in various ways. For example, you can buy a new SIM card. But a simpler and more cost-effective option is virtual numbers.

A disposable phone number enhances privacy and security. No one will know your personal mobile number because it will be replaced with a temporary one. Fraudsters and spammers won’t be able to use it, as the number will expire once the phone’s validity period ends.

Next, let's explore the ways to obtain a temporary number.

Using Virtual Phone Number

There are several ways to get a virtual number:

Free Inbound SMS Confirmation Services

Some services allow users to receive free incoming SMS. They don’t assign a separate phone number to the user. Instead, there are one or several available numbers that all users of the site can use. This means that all text messages sent to these contacts are visible to all users.

SMS-Activate also offers free services to receive verification codes. Phones from several countries are available, and you can use any of them. With this service, you can create a profile on any platform not related to finances.

Temporary Number Apps on Smartphones

There are temporary phone number apps on iOS and Android, like VirtualSIM or SMS-Activate, that generate virtual numbers for calls and texts. These apps may be free or paid, but usually, they offer a free trial. Some apps issue a random number that can be used for a few minutes to several days. With SMS-Activate, you can choose the region of the phone number and the rental period. The SMS with the verification code will be delivered to your personal account in the app.

SMS-Only Services

Some services only sell the ability to receive free SMS. This means calls are not available. To use them, you need access to Wi-Fi, as SMS are received on an internet service. Sometimes, they offer the option to confirm a profile via an incoming call, but usually, this works only on a paid basis — you need to top up your account.

Physical Options for Temporary Numbers

If you’re not comfortable using virtual numbers, you can try physical options:

Purchase a Prepaid Cell Phone

Prepaid cell phones are mobiles that you pay for in advance. This means you get a new phone number from a mobile operator and prepay for the credit — how many calls you want to make, how many SMS you want to send, and how much internet you want to use. This is a no-contract service — you buy the phone, pay for the service, and it works until the paid-for calls, SMS, and internet run out. There’s no monthly subscription fee. You can add minutes or messages if you use an airtime card — it has a code that allows you to top up your account.

Buy a Temporary use SIM Card

Temporary SIM cards are SIM cards that are used for a few days to several weeks. The user buys a new phone number and pre-pays for the services they plan to use: calls, messages, internet. You can buy these cards in mobile phone stores, large retailers, and convenience stores. In some countries, temporary SIM cards are provided without a contract, so they remain anonymous. This increases security and privacy.

Using it is simple, like a regular SIM card. You need an unlocked phone, insert the new card into the SIM slot. Done! But sometimes it needs to be activated according to the instructions or by sending a special USSD command.

If the funds on the account run out and the SIM card is still needed, you can top up the balance through vouchers.

Borrowing a Friend’s Phone

Another alternative is to use a friend’s phone number. But it’s important to remember to be cautious about both your and your friend’s privacy. This method is suitable only if you’re registering on a site where you already have a profile created with your personal number. Also, remember that your friend could access your profile if they wish.

There are special communities on the internet where users share their numbers to receive a one-time message, for example, /r/phoneverification on Reddit.

Changing Your Existing Phone Number

You can contact your mobile provider to temporarily change your number. Some companies offer this service to prevent clients from using third-party number-masking services. However, in most cases, the mobile operator provides another phone number for a long period with a monthly subscription fee. But you can keep your old number for a while. When purchasing a new phone number, you can stay on your previous plan or switch to a new one—according to your preference.

How to Get a Temporary Phone Number Using SMS-Activate

There are many platforms where you can purchase a virtual number. We recommend the SMS-Activate service. Here are a few reasons why:

• The site has more than 10,000,000 users.
• Technical support is available 24/7.
• If a text message doesn't arrive, the service refunds your account.
• It allows for profile verification via incoming calls, not just SMS.
• You can try the service for free.
• Numbers can be reactivated if necessary.
• You can buy access to a number for a period ranging from a few minutes to four weeks.

SMS-Activate makes it easy and quick to obtain a number without leaving your home or providing documentation. Simply register on the service using your email or log in via Google or Telegram. All user information is securely stored on the site, monitored by security specialists.

Before purchasing a paid temporary number, try free temporary phone numbers. SMS-Activate always has several numbers from different countries available for use by any site user to test the service. However, remember: SMS received on these numbers are visible to all users, so be cautious.

Paid numbers are safer to use as only you can see the SMS received on them. Once the number's validity period ends, it "burns out," meaning it becomes unavailable, and no one can call or text it.

Let’s walk through how to use SMS-Activate. Suppose you need an additional profile on Facebook. First, visit the SMS-Activate website. You'll need to register by clicking "Sign up" in the upper right corner of the homepage.

The next step is to top up your account using a convenient method. You can use cryptocurrency, e-wallets, cards, or a bank account.

Detailed instructions on how to register and recharge your balance, you can learn by video:

Once the funds are credited, proceed to purchase a number. Choose Facebook from the list of all services. If the service you need isn't listed, select "Any other."

You can also choose the country and any number of numbers. Select activation if you need to receive an SMS once to activate a profile. Choose rental if you need the number for a longer period (up to four weeks). You can also enable the "Multiservice" option if you want to receive SMS from several services at once.

Copy the purchased phone number and paste it into Facebook, requesting an activation code. It will appear in the "Activations" sections. Copy it and use it on Facebook. If you bought an activation, the number will "burn out" after you use it.

Reasons to Get a Temporary Phone Number

Temporary numbers are most often used when privacy or multiple accounts are needed. They help bypass service protections against multi-accounting and protect against spam.

Temporary numbers are useful if you need an additional profile on a service where you already have an account, such as delivery services. They often offer discounts on the first purchase, which can help you save money.

Additionally, there is no need to sign a contract with the service provider when purchasing a temporary number. This ensures that all your personal information, including passport details, remains safe. Fraudsters won't be able to use your information, making digital communication completely anonymous. You can obtain a temporary number using SMS-Activate. Let's take a closer look at the reasons for obtaining a disposable phone.

Online Dating

Online dating requires confidentiality. To keep users of dating services safe, they should not reveal personal information right away. First, get to know the person well, and only when trust is established should you share more personal details.

Temporary numbers from SMS-Activate help maintain anonymous communication in the initial stages. Plus, it's safe, as app developers won’t be able to collect personal data and sell it to third-party organizations. Sometimes, scammers use this data to blackmail profile owners, and an anonymous number can help avoid this problem.

Anonymous Communication

There are situations where complete anonymity is needed. This can apply to casual acquaintances when you want to chat with anonymous interlocutors, discuss delicate topics, or share secrets without revealing your identity.

There are more complex situations as well: for example, you want to convey confidential information to someone. This information may help them, but you don’t want to reveal your identity for protection purposes. Temporary numbers help achieve this goal. You can create a profile on social networks or a messenger and message the person. Even if they try to uncover information about you and search for it deliberately, they won’t succeed — temporary numbers "burn out" and cease to exist. No one will know who the owner was.

Short-Term Situations

Sometimes there are temporary situations where you don’t want to give out your personal number. For example, a stranger meets you on the street and wants your phone number. Temporary phones can also be used in short-term situations, such as when you want to participate in a lucrative promotion and receive a discount but don't want to receive marketing messages from the company afterward. You can use a temporary number in any situation where you don't plan to have long-term contact with people or brands.

Selling Something Online

Classified ads, marketplaces, and other websites offering online sales require the seller’s phone number to protect against fraud. On some sites, the user’s phone number is hidden, while on others, it’s used as one of the contact methods. Endless calls may come in even if the item you're selling is no longer available, and, of course, spammers collect them in their database.

Temporary numbers also offer a convenient way to identify calls related to your ads. Importantly, you can maintain anonymity during transactions.

SMS-Activate offers numbers for any marketplace: Amazon, AliExpress, Etsy, Avito, and others. These numbers help keep your profile confidential and avoid calls and messages from spammers and fraudsters.

Separating Business from Personal Life

If you have a business, it’s challenging to balance between work and personal life. Temporary numbers can help with this. You can purchase numbers from SMS-Activate to separate business from personal life, allowing you to maintain clearer boundaries. For example, you can relax on weekends, knowing that any calls to your personal number are not work-related.

Signing Up for Accounts

Most online services require a phone number to verify an account. This is done to protect against multi-accounting and enhance security. However, using a personal number poses a risk of your data being sold by the company or leaked, resulting in spam calls.

Temporary numbers are suitable for protecting your privacy. You can create a profile with them and confirm it, but after that, the contact data will "burn out," and no one can call or message that number.

Repurposing Old Devices

Old gadgets can be reused, for instance, as a surveillance camera, server, or digital photo frame. Old devices are often passed on to family members who are less demanding of phones and computers—children, elderly family members. In any case, you should change personal contact details in app profiles to others. This is necessary for the security of your profiles.

Features of Temporary Phone Numbers

Temporary phone numbers have several functions:

• Receiving SMS. You can use numbers to create a profile on any service and request a verification code to confirm the profile.
• Incoming Calls. This is also verification but through the last digits of the incoming call number.
• Call Forwarding. Calls from the virtual phone are forwarded to any other number. This is a good solution if you've registered on a service where phone communication is required, and others won’t know your real number.
• Voicemail. A call to a virtual number is automatically switched to a pre-set voicemail. It can also help record a voice message.

A phone number can be purchased for activation — for a very short period, just a few minutes. This method is suitable if you want to create and confirm a profile. On the SMS-Activate service, you can activate an account on any site.

You can also rent a number for a longer period: from four hours to four weeks. This method is suitable if you plan to receive several SMS from a service, for example, a verification code and an order confirmation code.

You can also register multiple profiles on different services with one number through the "Multiservice" option.

You can purchase just one number or several at once. SMS-Activate has many bulk buyers who purchase numbers in the hundreds or thousands. A loyalty program is available for such users — the higher the account top-up amount, the greater the discount on purchases.

You can buy numbers from SMS-Activate via the website, app, and Telegram bot. Use any convenient method.

Conclusion

Temporary phone numbers are essential for security, comfortable work, and communication. They help keep your information confidential, safely communicate on dating sites, and sell goods on online classified ads. Temporary phones are also suitable for multi-accounting. Overall, online SIMs are versatile and secure. You can use them for any purpose, and in any case, you will remain anonymous and safe.

FAQs

Are temporary phone numbers legal?

Yes. You can use them in any country — they are not prohibited by law. Moreover, they allow you to stay anonymous and confidential, which is crucial in today’s world where everything is public.

How can I get a temporary number for free?

Use special services that provide temporary phone numbers. Most services, like SMS-Activate, offer a free trial. However, remember that SMS received on free numbers are accessible to all users.

Are temporary phone numbers safe?

Yes. They are safe since you don’t need to provide personal data when purchasing a number. This service also allows you to remain anonymous when communicating or working with apps.

Can I Use a Temporary Number for OTP Verification?

Yes. But in this case it is better to purchase a rental service. If you bought a one-time profile activation, you will be able to log in to your account only once, then the number will “burn out” and you will no longer be able to receive messages on it. If you rent it, you can receive as many sms as you want as long as the number is active.