A temporary phone number for verification is a short-lived virtual number you use to receive one SMS code, so your real number stays off the sign-up form. Use one for low-stakes sign-ups only: shared numbers are often blocked, and no temporary number will be there when you need to recover the account.
What a temporary phone number is
A temporary number (also called a disposable or burner number) receives texts online for a short time. There's no SIM to buy and no contract, and you stop using it once the code has arrived.
Temporary numbers come in two broad types: shared public numbers whose inbox anyone can open, and single-use numbers issued for one service. Shared numbers are free but more often blocked. Free vs paid virtual numbers compares them in detail.
How verification with a temporary number works
- The service asks for a phone number and sends an SMS code to it.
- The number provider receives the text on the virtual number.
- You read the code in your browser or app and type it in.
Step 1 is where things usually break. Some services accept any mobile number. Others check whether a number looks virtual or has been used for lots of accounts, and refuse the number or don't send the code.
Where a temporary number fits
| Situation | Use a temporary number? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A one-time Wi-Fi or coupon sign-up | Good fit | You won't log in again |
| Testing your own sign-up flow | Good fit | You need a number quickly, maybe several times |
| An app you'll try once and delete | Good fit | Nothing to recover later |
| Your main email or social account | Poor fit | You'll need the number again for recovery |
| Banking, government or work | Don't | Those codes protect money and identity |
Why temporary numbers fail for account recovery
Many services don't ask for your number only once. They may send a code again when you log in from a new device, change a setting or reset your password. Each of those needs the same number to still work.
A temporary number won't be there. Free numbers can vanish from the list at any time, and paid activation numbers on Virtual Number are valid for 20 minutes. On a shared number there's a second risk: whoever has the inbox open could read your reset code.
Some accounts let you add an email or backup codes later, which helps. For anything you'd hate to lose, verify with your own SIM number from the start.
Common misconceptions
"A temporary number makes me anonymous." All it does is keep your real number off one form. The service can still see plenty about you, such as your IP address and whatever details you give it.
"If it worked once, it'll keep working." Free numbers come and go, and services block them over time. The number you used last month may not be listed now.
"Burner numbers are only for shady stuff." Most people use them to dodge spam and keep their personal number private. Using one for fraud is another matter, and our terms forbid unlawful use. Some services also ban using throwaway numbers to get around their rules.
Temporary numbers on Virtual Number
On freesmsnumbers.com you can pick a free public number by country and read its inbox without signing up. The countries and numbers on offer change, often daily, so check the list each time.
When a free number is blocked, or you'd rather not have your code on a public page, use the Android and iOS app. You sign in, buy credits in the app, and use them to activate a number for one service.
Its messages show on the app's activation screen, not on a public page. The number is valid for 20 minutes after activation and may not receive messages after that, so plan on one verification. Tap Check for SMS, then Complete Order once the code arrives.
If codes don't show up on any number, see why verification codes don't arrive. New to all this? Start with how to receive SMS online.
Need a number for a quick sign-up? Pick a free number and read the code in your browser.