Temporary Phone Numbers for SMS Verification
What a temporary phone number is
A temporary phone number is a real mobile number you use for a short time to receive a one-time SMS verification code. You choose the service and the country, the number is assigned to you, and the code appears on your dashboard. When the number expires it is released, so it is meant for signups and tests, not for keeping.
If no code arrives before the number expires, your credits are refunded automatically. Delivery depends on the service sending the code, so a code is never guaranteed, which is why the refund exists.
Choose a country
Apps usually check the country prefix, so pick the country the app expects.
- United States (+1): for US apps that reject numbers from other countries. Many US services run a carrier lookup and refuse VoIP or landline lines.
- United Kingdom (+44): for UK services that expect a +44 mobile.
- France (+33): for French services; mobiles start with 06 or 07.
- India (+91): for Indian apps that expect a ten-digit mobile starting with 6 to 9.
- Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Spain, Brazil, Israel and Russia are also available.
Each country page explains the number format, the apps people commonly verify there, and the accounts you should keep on your own number.
How to get a number
- Open Services and pick the app or website you want to verify.
- Choose the country the app expects.
- Request the number and enter it in the app.
- Wait for the SMS; the code shows on your dashboard.
Check pricing before you start. Price depends on the service and country.
What a temporary number cannot do
A temporary number cannot receive a code a month later, so it is the wrong tool for accounts you will need to recover by SMS. Keep banking, payments, health, tax and government accounts on a number you own. Some apps also refuse numbers they classify as VoIP, or limit how often one number can be used; if one is refused, request a new number for the exact service.