How to get a temporary phone number?
Hesitant about giving out your real phone number? It could be due to privacy concerns, or you want to avoid being spammed, or maybe you just simply do not want to use your main phone number while signing up for websites and services. If that’s what you’re looking for, then you are not alone!
In all these situations, a temporary phone number is the solution you are looking for. But, how do you get one? And which provider is the best option for you?
In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about temporary phone numbers – from why you might need one, to the different ways to acquire a temporary phone number, and how to use your virtual phone number safely.
What is a temporary phone number?
A temporary phone number (a.k.a virtual phone number, throwaway phone number, dummy phone number, or disposable phone number) is a “borrowed” phone number you may use for a short period. It is not connected to your main phone number and is mostly used when you don’t want to use your real phone number, such as signing up for a website, selling items online, etc.
Think of a temporary phone number as a piece of paper that you can discard once you are done using it.
Why would you need a temporary phone number?
There are tons of reasons why you might need a temporary or disposable phone number, the foremost being that you want to keep your main phone number private.
Selling something online and don’t want random people calling you at odd times after the sale? Get a temporary phone number.
Signing up for websites or services but doubt that they might spam you later with upsell or cross-sell? Get a temporary phone number for verification and once you are done using it, dispose of it. It is perfect for situations like these.
Another instance would be …. let’s say you are running a small business. You might want to keep your personal and work life separate, and a temporary phone number might be the best solution.
These are just a few instances. In brief, a temporary or throwaway phone number is an easy and flexible way to stay connected and protect your privacy.
Now, let’s answer the question that brings you here –
Ways to get a temporary/virtual phone number
There are several easy ways to obtain a paid or free temporary phone number. Let’s talk about some of the most popular ones:
Temporary phone number apps and websites
One of the easiest and fastest ways to get a virtual phone number is through mobile apps like iTeleCenter, Burner, Hushed, etc. These apps allow you to quickly generate a new number that you can use for calling, texting and even voicemail. While the extended use of their advanced features would require you to buy their subscription plans, apps like iTeleCenter allow you to use them for free trial for a short duration. Check out iTeleCenter for a 14 day free trial.
There are also some other online services and websites that offer temporary phone numbers. These platforms let you pick a number and use it for a specified period. Examples of such websites include TextNow, TextPlus, and CoverMe.
Changing your number through your mobile provider
You can also request a temporary number from your mobile provider. Some providers offer the option to add a secondary number to your existing phone line. This method is less common for temporary needs but can be useful if you need a new number for a short period and plan to switch back later. This involves contacting your provider and requesting a number change, which might come with a fee. However, this process can be cumbersome and time-consuming.
Buying an alternate phone and SIM card
Another method to obtain a temporary phone number is through the old-school way of buying a prepaid phone and a SIM card. Visit your nearest convenience stores or electronic stores, or buy them online. However, this method can be expensive and inconvenient, if you do not intend to use your alternate phone number for significant purposes and a prolonged period.
The latter two methods listed above are complex and expensive. They may not be suitable for everyone seeking a temporary phone number. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the top five temporary phone number apps and/or websites, along with their key features, limitations, and pricing to help you make an informed decision.
Top 5 temporary phone number apps/websites
iTeleCenter
iTeleCenter is designed with businesses in mind, but it can also serve individuals looking for a virtual phone number app. It’s known for offering a wide range of local and toll-free numbers.
Features
- Local, toll-free, and vanity numbers.
- Ability to port your existing number.
- Separate business and personal numbers.
- Custom call forwarding, voicemail and texting.
- Auto-reply and call routing.
- Available on mobile and desktop apps, making it easy to use on the go.
Limitations
- It’s mainly geared toward businesses, so some features may feel excessive for personal or temporary use.
Pricing
They offer a 14 day free trial, but their paid plans start from $19.95/month.
Burner
Burner is one of the best temporary phone number generator apps, widely known for creating temporary, disposable numbers for privacy, making it a great solution for short-term use.
Features
- Create multiple burner numbers.
- Supports texting, calling, and picture messaging.
- Auto-reply and voicemail features.
- Can integrate with apps like Dropbox and Slack to store communications.
- Numbers can be discarded and replaced easily.
Limitations
- Burner numbers are not suitable for long-term business use.
- Some numbers may be flagged by services as “temporary” and may be restricted.
Pricing
- Free trial with one number.
- Paid plans start at $4.99/month for additional numbers and features.
TextNow
TextNow offers both temporary and permanent numbers, making it a versatile option. It is one of the free temporary phone number apps, which operates on Wi-Fi and is ideal for users looking for free phone numbers for temporary use.
Features
- Free phone numbers for calling and texting over Wi-Fi.
- Paid plans offer data, without needing a Wi-Fi connection.
- Works across multiple devices.
- Provides voicemail, call forwarding and picture messaging.
Limitations
- Ads in the free version.
- Some numbers can get recycled if unused, making them really unreliable for long-term use.
Pricing:
- Free for Wi-Fi-based calling and texting.
- Ad-Free plans start from $8.99/month for an ad-free experience.
Quackr.io
Quackr.io is a free service for generating temporary numbers, particularly useful for obtaining virtual phone numbers for SMS verification, without requiring an account or app download.
Features
- Completely anonymous, free virtual numbers.
- Publicly available numbers for SMS verification.
- Rotates numbers every 30 days or so for enhanced privacy.
- Offers premium paid numbers for services that block virtual numbers (like Telegram).
Limitations
- Free numbers are public, meaning others can see the received SMS.
- Some sites have been known to block these numbers due to their public nature.
Pricing
- Free for most features.
- Premium private numbers start at $2/week.
CallHippo
CallHippo offers a sophisticated VoIP platform with a variety of numbers that can serve both businesses and individuals needing temporary or permanent numbers.
Features
- Local, toll-free, and international numbers.
- Advanced features like call tracking, auto-attendant, and CRM integration.
- Works across multiple devices through mobile and web apps.
- Excellent customer support and easy setup process.
Limitations
- It’s more suited for businesses due to its complex features, which can feel overwhelming for personal use.
- The platform isn’t free, paid plans apply.
Pricing
- Plans start at $16/month per user
Should I get a temporary phone number?
Let’s break down some scenarios when a temporary phone number could come in handy for you.
Protect your privacy
We are sure you have faced this – Companies require you to sign up for their services or even information, and once you provide your phone number, they spam you with calls and texts. We’ve all gone through (we still do) this. This is where a temporary phone number could save the day.
A temporary phone number lets you sign up for websites and services online, and once you are done using it, you can let it go without compromising the privacy of your primary phone number.
Selling stuff online
Ever sold something on online marketplaces? If yes, you know you need to put your phone number online for buyers to contact you. But do you want to give out your personal phone number to random people & then also talk about how people call or text long after the sale is done? Nope, right?
Using a temporary number makes things easier. Once you’re finished with your sale, no more calls. Problem solved!
Travelling
International travel comes with expensive roaming charges, if you continue to use your primary phone number. A temporary local number helps you stay connected without incurring large roaming costs. Whether you’re studying abroad or going on vacation, having a local number keeps things easy and affordable.
Keep your business and personal lives separate
A temporary phone number could help you separate your professional and personal lives. You would not want to receive business calls on your primary phone number outside of your business hours. This kind of blurs the line between personal and professional life. Use an alternate phone number instead.
In short, if you’re someone who values privacy or just needs a number for short-term use, a temporary phone number can come handy . It’s easy to set up, versatile, and doesn’t come with the risk of privacy invasion. They’re easy to use, and once you’re done, you can make them disappear!
Frequently asked questions
How to get a USA virtual phone number free?
iTeleCenter provides you with one free virtual phone number with your preferred U.S. area code on signing up. You can use this number for free for up to 14 days.
Where can I get a temp phone number for OTP?
Platforms like TextNow, Burner, iTeleCenter , etc. can help you generate temporary phone numbers for texting and receiving OTP purposes.
What are some of the best temp phone number apps?
Here are a few examples of some of the best temporary phone number apps: iTeleCenter, TextNow, Burner, CallHippo, Quackr.io, etc.
How to get a fake number?
Some websites and apps such as TextNow can help you get a fake phone number for a limited period of use.
Is it legal to use fake phone numbers?
The legality of using a fake phone number depends on your intent and context of using it. Using them to verify OTP, signing up for websites and services, or selling certain products is fine. However, using fake phone numbers for any illegal or illicit activities can land you in legal trouble, so it's better to use it for normal purposes.
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