Temporary Phone Numbers for SMS Verification
A temporary number lets you pass a phone check without giving out your own. Pick how long you need it: a few minutes for one code, a few days for a rental, or a free public number for quick tests.
Three kinds of temporary number
Which one should you use?
| You want to… | Use |
|---|---|
| Sign up once and never need the number again | One-time activation |
| Log in again, or expect a second code within days | Rental |
| Check whether a site sends codes at all | Free number |
| Verify WhatsApp, Telegram, Gmail, PayPal or a bank | One-time or rental on a USA number |
What to know before you use one
- Recovery. If an account can only be recovered by SMS, a one-time number will not help you later. Add an email or authenticator app to the account straight after sign-up.
- Reuse. Once a one-time number expires it can go to another customer. Do not rely on it for anything long term.
- Line type. Many apps reject VoIP numbers. Our USA numbers are carrier mobile lines, which is why they work where free VoIP apps do not. Read more about non-VoIP numbers.
- Charging. A one-time number is charged only when a code arrives. If nothing comes in 15 minutes, it expires at no cost.
Popular USA services and prices
Live prices for the services customers buy most. Each link opens that service's page with the current price and a direct sign-up link.
| Service | Price per number |
|---|---|
| WhatsApp number (USA) | $2.20 |
| Telegram number (USA) | $1.20 |
| Gmail number (USA) | $0.35 |
| Yahoo number (USA) | $0.10 |
| PayPal number (USA) | $0.50 |
| Venmo number (USA) | $0.20 |
| Kraken number (USA) | $0.30 |
| Facebook number (USA) | $0.50 |
| Instagram number (USA) | $0.40 |
| Google Voice number (USA) | $0.35 |
| Walmart number (USA) | $1.00 |
| Credit Karma number (USA) | $0.25 |
| CashApp number (USA) | $0.20 |
| Amazon number (USA) | $0.15 |
| Coinbase number (USA) | $0.30 |
| TikTok number (USA) | $0.20 |
Looking for something else? See all services and countries.
For developers
The same numbers are available through a REST API: request a number and poll for the SMS, at the website's prices and with the same charge-on-delivery rule. Endpoints and examples are in the API guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a temporary number last?
A one-time activation number stays yours for 15 minutes, long enough to receive one code. A rental keeps the same number for the days you pay for, so you can receive codes again later.
Can I use a temporary number to log in again later?
Only with a rental, and only while it is active. After a one-time number expires it can go to another customer, so do not use it on an account you will need to recover by SMS.
Are free temporary numbers safe?
They are fine for testing, but every message is public and anyone can use the same code. Never use a free number for a bank, email or any account you care about.
Do temporary numbers work for WhatsApp and Telegram?
Yes, on private USA numbers. WhatsApp and Telegram block most public free numbers, so use a paid number for those.
Is it legal to use a temporary phone number?
Using a second number to protect your privacy is legal. Using any number to commit fraud or break a site's terms is not, and accounts doing that are suspended without refund.