Temporary Phone Number for Verification
Need a phone number for verification without giving out your own? A temporary number for verification is a private mobile number that receives the code in seconds. Keep it for a few minutes for one code, rent it for days, or test with a free public number.
How to get a temporary number for verification
- Create a free account and add a small balance.
- Pick the app you are verifying, such as WhatsApp or Gmail, and a country.
- Copy the number and enter it in the app's sign-up or login screen. Choose SMS if the app offers a call instead.
- The code appears on your dashboard within seconds. If none arrives in 15 minutes, the number expires and you pay nothing.
- Once you are in, add an email or authenticator app to the account so you do not depend on the number later.
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 |
Phone number for verification, by app
Today's cheapest USA price for the apps people verify most. Each link opens that app's number page with every route and rental price.
| App | From | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp number | $0.45 | Rent the number if you may move WhatsApp to another phone. Code not arriving? |
| Telegram number | $0.30 | Stay logged in on one device so later codes arrive in the app. Code not arriving? |
| Gmail / Google number | $0.15 | Google limits how many accounts one number can verify; use a fresh number. Code not arriving? |
| Instagram number | $0.31 | Add an email and two-factor app once you are in. Code not arriving? |
| PayPal number | $0.50 | A money account: open it in your own name and rent the number. Code not arriving? |
| Venmo number | $0.20 | A money account: open it in your own name and rent the number. Code not arriving? |
Why free temporary numbers often fail
Free receive-SMS sites share a small set of numbers with everyone. Popular apps notice a number that has verified hundreds of accounts and stop sending codes to it, and many of those numbers are VoIP lines that banks and payment apps refuse outright. A private non-VoIP number used once per app avoids both problems. Free numbers are still handy for a quick test: see the free numbers.
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.
Code still not arriving? See verification code not received: fixes for 40 apps.
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) | $2.60 |
| 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 |
| 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
What is a temporary phone number for verification?
A phone number you use for a short time to receive a verification code, instead of giving an app your own number. Here it is a private mobile number that shows the code on your dashboard.
Where can I get a phone number for verification?
Create an account here, pick the app and a country, and you get a number at once. One-time numbers start at $0.05 and are charged only when the code arrives.
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.