How to Get a Temporary Phone Number for Verification (Free)

Many apps will not let you in until you confirm a phone number. A temporary phone number solves this: it receives the code for you, and your own number stays private. Here is how to get one for free.

Step 1: Choose a country and an app

Open the home page and pick the country the app expects. Then choose the app you are signing up to. A temp number appears at once, and it is held for you for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Enter the number in the app

Copy the number and paste it into the sign-up form. Keep this page open. The app sends its SMS to the temp number, not to your phone.

Step 3: Read the verification code

The code shows on the page, usually within a minute. Type it into the app and you are verified.

What if the code does not arrive?

• Wait the full 15 minutes. Some apps are slow.
• Cancel the number and take a new one.
• Try a number from another country.

When to use a private number instead

Free temp numbers are shared, so use them for sign-ups and trials. For an account you want to keep, rent a private number that only you can read. You pay only when the SMS arrives.