Guide to Temporary Phone Numbers

Complete Guide to Temporary Phone Numbers: Understanding Types, Benefits, and Best Practices

Table of Contents

What is a Temporary Phone Number?

A temporary phone number, also known as a disposable or burner phone number, is a phone number that can be used for a short period of time before it becomes unusable. Temporary phone numbers are used to verify accounts on various online platforms and services, such as social media, email, and gaming sites. The purpose of the temporary phone number is to receive SMS Verification codes using the temporary phone number, so you don’t need to use your own personal phone number. They are a useful tool for those who need to create multiple accounts or who do not want to give out their personal phone number. Temporary phone numbers can be obtained through a variety of providers, including MobileSMS.io, who offer a range of options including one-time use, 7 day rental, 30 day rental, and long term rental numbers.

Temporary phone numbers are a valuable tool for online verification and maintaining privacy in the digital age. These numbers can be used to access various online services while keeping your personal phone number secure. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits, drawbacks, and how to get a temporary phone number for your needs.

Types of Temporary Phone Numbers

MobileSMS.io provides real SIM-Card Phone Numbers, not VoIP phone numbers

VoIP vs. Real SIM-Card Phone Numbers: Which is Better for Online Account Creation?

When creating accounts online, you have two primary options for phone numbers: VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone numbers and non-VoIP phone numbers, also known as real SIM-card mobile phone numbers. Many online services don’t accept VoIP phone numbers for account registration, instead requiring a legitimate mobile carrier number with a SIM card. This poses a challenge for those without access to a real SIM-card phone number, rendering them unable to use certain services.

VoIP phone numbers are offered by companies like Twilio, RingCentral, Vonage, Nextiva, Grasshopper, Dialpad, and more. Regrettably, these numbers are often rejected by services for account verification, and they usually can’t receive SMS verification codes.

MobileSMS.io, on the other hand, exclusively provides real SIM-card phone numbers that work across all services. We guarantee their effectiveness. Nowadays, in order to bypass SMS Verification, you need a phone number that is a real sim-card phone number.

In the rare event that a number supplied by MobileSMS.io doesn’t function as expected, we are more than happy to issue a refund.

One-Time Use Phone Numbers

One-time use phone numbers, sometimes also called “Burner Numbers” are phone numbers that can only be used a single time. After you receive the SMS verification code, the phone number is no longer able to receive additional SMS verification codes. Depending on the carrier, in some cases, it may be possible to receive additional SMS verification codes with the same number, but this is usually only for a short period (usually less than 30 minutes) before the number becomes unusable.

One-time use phone numbers, often referred to as “Burner Numbers” are phone numbers designed for single-use purposes. Once you receive an SMS verification code, the phone number is unable to receive additional SMS verification codes.

In certain cases, depending on the carrier, it may be possible to receive multiple SMS verification codes with the same number. Within the MobileSMS.io Dashboard, you’ll find a “Reuse” button that enables you to reuse the same number and obtain an additional SMS verification code sent to it. Generally, for USA numbers, the reuse option remains available for up to 30 minutes following the initial use.

Free SMS Verification Phone Numbers

Free SMS Verification Phone Numbers are publicly listed, one-time use numbers where any received SMS verification code can be viewed by everyone. Although they might seem like a convenient option, many of these numbers fail to work, causing you to waste valuable time attempting to use them. Rather than experiencing frustration and disappointment with non-functional numbers, choose a dependable provider like MobileSMS.io. MobileSMS.io not only offers a FREE USA SMS Verification Phone Number for public use, but also provides paid options for private temporary phone numbers. By opting for MobileSMS.io, you can ensure a smooth verification process while protecting your privacy. We cater to all your SMS Verification needs with both one-time use phone numbers and long-term rentals.

MobileSMS.io offers a few FREE SMS Verification Phone Numbers to use!

FREE USA Phone Number to Receive SMS Verification Codes Online: +1-980-421-4069

FREE USA Phone Number to Receive SMS Verification Codes Online: +1-858-899-1782

FREE UK Temporary Phone Number to Receive SMS Verification Codes Online: +44-7587-499140

FREE Germany Temporary Phone Number to Receive SMS Verification Codes Online: +49-1551-0564028

Long-Term Rental Phone Numbers

Long-term rental phone numbers are ideal for those who require the same phone number for an extended duration. Depending on your specific needs, there are a few options to choose from:

7-Day Phone Number (Single Service): This option allows you to receive SMS verification codes for one service for up to 7 days. The number will be available for your use for 7 days but cannot be renewed after that. This is an excellent choice for those who want to try out our service before committing to a longer-term solution.

30-Day Phone Number (Single Service): This option enables you to receive SMS verification codes for one service for up to 30 days. You can renew the number on a monthly basis for as long as you need it.

30-Day Phone Number (Any Service): This option allows you to receive SMS verification codes for any service for up to 30 days. This means you can use the number to sign up for multiple apps and websites and receive the SMS verification codes for each one. This is a popular choice for companies that need to create multiple accounts on various services. The number can be renewed for as long as needed.

Sites That Require SMS Phone Verification

Numerous websites have incorporated SMS phone verification as part of their sign-up or account authentication process. Below, we’ve compiled a table showcasing some popular sites that require phone verification. While this is not an exhaustive list, it provides a glimpse into the widespread adoption of phone verification across different digital domains.

AdidasDoordashLinkedinTelegram
AGCOeBayLiveTicketmaster
AmazonEcoVacsMatch.comTiktok
Apple IDFacebook / MetaMicrosoftTinder
AzureFreelancerNikeTwitch
BaiduGmailOkCupidTwitter Blue
BaiheGoogle AccountOpenAI ChatGPTWhatsapp
Battle.netGrindrOpenPhoneUber
Bilt RewardsGroovlOutlookUberEats
BlizzardHingeDiablo IVXiaomi
BumbleHotstar PremiumPerfect WorldYahoo
Coffee Meets BagelIdealistaPlenty of FishYouTube
ClubhouseInstagramProtonmailZao
CraigslistLeague of Legends Clash (LoL)SignalZoosk
DiscordLegoSNKRSMany More!
List of Sites that Require SMS Phone Verification When Signing Up

Benefits for Using Temporary Phone Numbers

Online Privacy is important

Maintaining Online Privacy

Temporary phone numbers are essential tools for preserving your online privacy when signing up for various services. They help shield your personal information and minimize the risk of spam and unsolicited calls.

With the growing number of data breaches, it’s crucial to consider the potential risks of sharing personal information online. Utilizing a temporary phone number reduces the likelihood of your data being compromised during hacks or leaks. This is particularly important when registering for services that handle sensitive information, such as dating apps or subscription-based content platforms.

Creating Multiple Accounts

Many online services require a unique phone number for each account. Temporary phone numbers enable you to create multiple accounts without using your personal number. This is helpful for businesses that need to create accounts for different employees or individuals who want to separate their personal and professional online presence. A common example is with ChatGPT, where users may unfortunately live in an area that is not supported by OpenAI. MobileSMS.io provides phone numbers from various countries. You can pick a phone number from any number of supported countries and sign up for ChatGPT that way. You can even create multiple ChatGPT accounts using temporary phone numbers for business or hobby use.

Accessing Services Outside Your Country

Temporary phone numbers grant access to online services unavailable in your location. For example, if you need a US phone number to sign up for a service like Netflix but live outside the United States, a temporary phone number can provide that access. This is valuable for individuals and businesses that require access to services in different locations.

Avoid Receiving Spam or Unwanted Calls or Texts

Temporary phone numbers help you sign up for online accounts while avoiding unwanted calls or text messages from websites. By keeping your personal number private, you can prevent spam calls and texts, and reduce security risks associated with sharing your personal phone number. Temporary phone numbers are also useful for short-term promotions or sign-ups. Once the promotion or trial period is over, you can simply discard the temporary phone number, ensuring your personal number remains unshared.

Private Investigators that need Anonymous Accounts for Investigations

Private investigators often create anonymous accounts for various investigations, such as on dating apps like Tinder. Temporary phone numbers offer a way to maintain privacy and anonymity, allowing investigators to sign up for accounts, receive verification codes, and even receive calls or text messages without revealing their true identity. This is especially vital for investigations requiring discretion and confidentiality. Furthermore, temporary phone numbers can be easily discarded, allowing investigators to move on to the next case without leaving traces of their personal information.

Additional Benefits

Temporary phone numbers provide numerous benefits, such as protecting your personal phone number from unknown parties, avoiding long-term contracts or subscriptions, and verifying accounts on social media platforms and online marketplaces.

Disadvantages of Temporary Phone Numbers

Cost

A potential drawback of using temporary phone numbers is that reliable temporary phone providers are usually paid. While free sms verification options may be available, they are often unreliable and may not provide the level of privacy that a paid temporary phone number can offer. Keep in mind that in order to ensure the success of using a temporary phone number and getting the desired level of privacy, it may require an upfront investment on a paid temporary phone number service.

Limited Duration

This can be a disadvantage for those who need a burner phone number for a longer duration and may have to constantly change and verify their phone numbers. For example, if you need a phone number for a temporary job or a short-term project, a one-time use number may not be a suitable option. In these cases, it may be necessary to invest in a long-term phone number, which can come at an additional cost and may not be suitable for everyone’s budget.

Limited Availability

One potential disadvantage of using temporary phone numbers is their limited availability. Some providers may only offer numbers for certain countries or regions, which can be a limitation for those who need phone numbers for international use. Additionally, some providers may have a limited stock of phone numbers, which can lead to temporary shortages during periods of high usage. This can be frustrating for those who need to verify their phone number urgently and may have to wait for numbers to become available. This may be especially challenging for those who need to verify their phone number on multiple sites or apps.

How to Get a Temporary Phone Number

Receive SMS Online

Using a Reputable Service like MobileSMS.io

Using a reputable service like MobileSMS.io is the easiest and most reliable way to obtain a temporary phone number. MobileSMS.io offers a variety of options to meet your needs, including one-time use phone numbers, 7-day phone number rentals, and 30-day phone number rentals. They also have a wide range of numbers available, including numbers for different countries and regions, so you can easily find a number that works for your needs. Additionally, MobileSMS.io ensures the privacy and security of your personal information, and their customer service team is available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. With over 5 years of experience in the industry, MobileSMS.io is a trusted and reliable provider that you can trust for all your temporary phone number needs. Sign up for an account now!

Why Use a VPN / Proxy for SMS Verification

Just as important as choosing the right temporary phone number service is ensuring your online activities remain untraceable. This is where VPNs and proxies come into play. They help in masking your original IP address and provide an additional layer of privacy and security. Particularly when verifying online accounts, it’s crucial to prevent your real IP from being linked to multiple accounts, which might lead to flagging or banning by service providers. VPNs and proxies grant you a different IP address each time you connect, which is especially useful when creating multiple accounts. Moreover, they allow you to appear as though you’re in a different geographical location, which can be beneficial for accessing services and content not available in your region.

For the best privacy and security results, we recommend using SmartProxy in conjunction with X-Browser. SmartProxy offers a broad range of residential IP addresses, which gives the impression that your connection is originating from a real device in your chosen location. This significantly reduces the chances of your activities being flagged or banned during the SMS verification process.

Moreover, by using SmartProxy with X-Browser, you can manage multiple profiles simultaneously, each with their own digital fingerprint. This unique combination not only enhances your privacy but also offers a high degree of flexibility in managing your online activities. X-Browser automates the process of switching between different profiles and their corresponding digital fingerprints, making the task of managing multiple accounts a breeze. In addition, SmartProxy ensures high-speed connections, which is essential for efficient account creation and management. The combined strengths of SmartProxy and X-Browser provide a robust solution for maintaining your online privacy while ensuring smooth and efficient account verification processes.

Choosing the Right Type of a Temporary Phone Number

When choosing a temporary phone number, it’s important to consider your specific needs and how you plan to use the number. The first question to ask yourself is whether you will need to receive multiple SMS codes from this number or if you will be keeping and using the number for more than one time.

If you need to receive multiple SMS codes or plan to use the number for an extended period of time, a Long Term Rental option may be the best choice for you. This type of temporary phone number can be rented for a longer duration and can be used for multiple verifications. When choosing a Long Term Phone Rental, you have the option to use the phone number for just one website or service, or choose a private long-term rental that is all for yourself. This means you can keep the long-term phone number and use it to sign up to as many websites and services as you need, receiving unlimited SMS verification codes.

On the other hand, if you simply need a one-time use phone number, you can opt for a One-Time Use Phone Number. These are often referred to as “burner numbers” “disposable phone numbers” “10-minute phone number” “temporary phone number” as they are intended for temporary use and are typically discarded after use. These are perfect for those who only need a number for a one-time verification and do not plan to use the number again.

Steps for Obtaining and Using a Temporary Phone Number

Using a temporary phone number from MobileSMS.io is easy and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get and use a temporary phone number for your online accounts:

  1. First, create an account on MobileSMS.io. This will only take a few minutes and you can sign up using your email address.
  2. Once your account is set up, you’ll need to top-up your account balance. This is done by adding funds to your account, which can be done using a variety of payment methods, such as credit card or PayPal.
  3. Next, decide whether you need a one-time use phone number or a long-term phone rental. One-time use phone numbers are perfect for situations where you only need to verify your account once, while long-term phone rentals are ideal if you need to verify multiple accounts or if you need to keep the same number for a longer period of time.
  4. Once you have chosen the type of phone number you need, you can select your preferred country and area code. You can also choose from a range of different countries. Our specialty is USA Phone Numbers, however, we also offer China, Brazil, India, and many more.
  5. Finally, you can use the temporary phone number to sign up for your desired website or service. Simply enter the number in the required field and wait for the SMS verification code to arrive. Once you’ve received the code, enter it on the website or service to complete the verification process. And that’s

By following these simple steps, you can easily and securely create new online accounts without having to reveal your personal phone number. MobileSMS.io is a reliable, easy-to-use service that guarantees the privacy and security of your information.

Tips for Successfully Receiving SMS Verification Codes

Disposable Phone Numbers

Facing issues with SMS verification on MobileSMS.io? Follow our detailed guide below to troubleshoot your issues and enjoy a smoother verification process.

To increase your chances of successfully receiving a SMS Verification Code, consider the following tips:

  • Tip 1: Try Multiple Attempts: If you don’t receive an SMS verification code on your first try, don’t worry. Remember, you are only billed if an SMS is received. For testing purposes, we recommend generating a few numbers from different countries such as the UK and USA. Since we specialize in USA and UK mobile numbers, we know they are good.
  • Tip 2: Match Your IP Address to Your Generated Number: Using a VPN can help bypass restrictions and improve verification success. Make sure your VPN’s IP address matches the country of the number you’re generating. For instance, if you’re generating a number from the UK, your VPN should have a UK-based IP address. Failure to do this can result in issues like non-receipt of SMS or “invalid number” errors.
  • Tip 3: Be Aware of Flagged IPs and Digital Fingerprints: In some instances, an SMS might not be sent if your IP has been flagged, even though it appears as sent on your end. If you’ve tried creating signing up multiple times using the same IP address and same browser, you might be flagged already! Nowadays, with so many bots around, you need to be more mindful. If you continue to experience issues after following the tips above, please reach out to our support team via email at [email protected].
  • Tip 4: Manage Multiple Digital Fingerprints with X-Browser: It’s crucial to maintain unique digital fingerprints, especially if you’re creating multiple accounts from the same IP address and browser. Using the same digital fingerprints repeatedly could lead to verification failures. Tools like X-Browser can help manage your profiles and generate unique digital fingerprints, leading to higher chances of successful verification.
  • Tip 5: Combine X-Browser with SmartProxy Residential IPs: Boost your verification success even further by using X-Browser in combination with SmartProxy’s residential IP addresses. X-Browser is built-in to use SmartProxy’s residential IPs, providing you with a higher likelihood of successful verification. Unique digital fingerprint for each profile.

By following these tips and using a reputable temporary phone number provider like MobileSMS.io, you can increase your chances of successfully receiving an SMS Verification Code and enjoy the benefits of maintaining your online privacy.

FAQ for MobileSMS.io Temporary Phone Numbers

Where do your temporary phone numbers come from?

Our temporary phone numbers are from major cell phone companies throughout the world. We guarantee our phone numbers can be used to receive sms verification codes from any service. You can use our temporary phone numbers to verify on any service.

When are new temporary phone numbers available?

We’re always trying to get as many temporary phone numbers as possible, but due to high demand, it’s not always possible. We’ll keep expanding our capabilities to provide you the best service we can.

How long do your temporary phone numbers last?

All of our temporary phone numbers are called temporary for a reason. Meaning once a number has been cycled, we no longer have access to it.

How long do I have to verify a service?

You will have 10 minutes after you’ve requested a temporary phone number to verify your selected service. That’s why many refer to this as the 10-minute phone number.

If you don’t receive a code in that amount of time, the verification will timeout, but your credits will not be deducted.

Credits are only deducted for successful verifications where you receive a code.

How can I view my SMS verification history?

For One-Time Use Numbers you can view your SMS Verification History here.

For Long Term Phone Rentals you can view your SMS Verification History here.

When will a certain service have temporary phone numbers available again?

We’re always trying to get more temporary phone numbers to satisfy our customers, but due to high demand, it is not always possible. We are actively working on expanding our capabilities to provide you the best service we can, and in the meantime, we ask you to please be patient.

What is the “Other” option under Services?

The “Other” option is a feature you can use to request a verification for a service that we do not currently have on our services list. We monitor all verifications done via this feature and periodically update our services list with new requests, so please make sure the service you are requesting is not already part of our offerings—verifications for services that are part of our current offerings will not work with this “Other” option.

Can I do verifications in bulk or automate the verification process?

Yes, you can do verifications in bulk or automate the verification process by referring to our API feature.

What do I do if the service I’m trying to verify won’t send a SMS to the temporary phone number I got assigned?

If a temporary phone number is not working for you, it can be from a variety of factors. Are you stealth enough? Was your IP address flagged before? Was your computer / browser flagged before?

Your credits will not be deducted unless you successfully get a sms verification code, so you can start by requesting a new temporary phone number to see if that works. You can also try using another country’s phone number.

If you haven’t already, use a USA number for best results.

I got an error saying the phone number is not valid or not supported. Why is that?

If you encounter this error, the first step is to request a new number from MobileSMS.io and try again. It’s possible that the issue is with the phone number. However, if the problem persists, it may be that your digital footprint is not stealthy enough.

When creating multiple accounts, certain apps or websites can detect repeated usage of the same digital footprint and prevent you from signing up for another account.

In this case, it is recommended to use tools such as SmartProxy and X-Browser to maintain unique digital footprints and avoid detection.

What do I do if I used one of your temporary phone numbers to verify a service in the past and now I need that number again to access my service account?

If you used a one-time use phone number, you are out of luck. We do not have access to them once they have been cycled out.

If you are planning on long term usage of a service account verified through our one-time use phone number, we strongly recommend removing the one-time use phone number from your service account, if possible. This will help prevent re-verification issues arising from the use of a temporary number.

If you need the phone number more than one time, please consider using the long term phone rental.

What is the advantage of using SmartProxy VPN with X-Browser?

Using SmartProxy in conjunction with X-Browser allows you to manage multiple profiles and have multiple digital fingerprints, all managed for you. This combination provides an extra layer of security and privacy while maintaining your online activities, as it can hide your real IP address, encrypt your data, and allow you to browse anonymously.

Do you provide an API?

Yes, we provide an API for Temporary Phone Numbers. You need a MobileSMS.io account to view the API Docs.