By Alex Carter, Editor at GetVerifyCode
How do you get a phone number for free? The two real options are a free app line, such as Google Voice in the US, which you keep and use with your own account, and a shared free inbox, which anyone can read. Pay for a private temporary number when the code must stay private.
Key facts
- GetVerifyCode lists numbers in 194+ countries, and the live catalog covers 1,600+ services.
- Free numbers on GetVerifyCode are shared inboxes, so anyone on the page can read the same SMS.
- A temporary activation stays live for about 20 minutes.
- If no SMS arrives before the timeout, the unused credit returns to your wallet.
Option 1: Free numbers you keep (app lines)
A free app line is a real number tied to an account you create. You can call, text and receive codes on it for as long as the provider lets you keep it.
- Google Voice gives you a free number for calls, texts and voicemail. If you're in the US, you can choose your own number, and setup texts a code to a phone you already have. Google explains the steps in Set up Google Voice.
- Other free texting apps, such as TextNow, offer numbers in a few countries, mainly the US and Canada at the time of writing. Check each app's current country list and inactivity rules before you rely on it.
What to watch for:
- Many apps treat these lines as VoIP numbers. OpenAI's help centre, for example, says landlines, VoIP and Google Voice numbers are not supported for its phone verification (OpenAI phone verification help).
- Free app lines can be reclaimed if you stop using them, so don't make one your only recovery phone.
- You usually need an existing phone number or a supported country to sign up.
If Google Voice is not available where you live, see our Google Voice alternative for verification codes or TextNow alternatives for SMS codes.
Option 2: Shared free inboxes
Free receive-SMS pages show a list of public numbers and the texts they get. You don't need an account. You pick a number, enter it in the app, and read the code on the page.
The catch is that the inbox is public. Anyone can see the same code, the number has often been used by many people before you, and many apps block numbers that appear on these pages. Use them only for low-stakes tests where nobody could misuse the code.
You can browse the free shared numbers on GetVerifyCode by country. For the risks in detail, read are free receive-SMS sites safe?, and for a list of free apps, see which apps receive verification codes for free.
Free vs paid numbers: how they compare
- Free app line (for example Google Voice): private, works for some apps, free, best for a long-term second number if you're in a supported country.
- Shared free inbox: not private, rarely works for popular apps, free, best for low-stakes tests only.
- Private temporary number (GetVerifyCode): private, often works (each app decides), live price per service, best for one-time sign-up codes you want to keep private.
- Your own SIM: not private from the app, works, plan cost, best for banking and long-term accounts.
Some apps reject virtual numbers. Acceptance is decided by the app, not by us.
When paying for a number makes sense
Pay a small amount when any of these is true:
- The code protects something you care about, so it can't sit in a public inbox.
- The app rejected a free app line or a shared number.
- You need a number in a country where free app lines aren't offered.
- You only need one code and don't want to keep a second line.
Top up your wallet from $1. Each number is priced live per service and country, and you see the quote before you confirm. If no SMS arrives in about 20 minutes, the unused credit returns to your wallet.
How to get a private number on GetVerifyCode
- Create an account at GetVerifyCode.
- Top up your wallet. See pricing for packages.
- Pick the service you need a code for, such as WhatsApp or Google.
- Choose a country, for example a US number, and check the live quote.
- Confirm. The number is shown right after you confirm.
- Enter the number in the app and request the code.
- Read the code in your GetVerifyCode inbox. If nothing arrives, you can cancel early from the inbox.
For a step-by-step guide, read how to get a temporary phone number for verification. If the code doesn't come, try these fixes for a missing verification code.
Is it legal to use a free or temporary number?
Using a temporary number to protect your privacy, travel, or test your own app is generally lawful in many places, but laws differ by country and each app sets its own terms. Check both. Never use it for fraud, impersonation, or getting around a ban. See are temporary phone numbers legal? and our acceptable use policy.
Related guides
- Where to buy a phone number online
- How to get a second phone number for online sign-ups
- What a verification code is
- How to get a virtual phone number (free and paid)
- How to get a new phone number without losing access
- Can you create your own phone number?
- How to get a new TextNow number
Need a private code today? Get a number on GetVerifyCode.
About the author: Alex Carter is the editor at GetVerifyCode. Alex tests SMS verification routes across services and countries and writes plain-language guides on receiving OTP codes safely.
GetVerifyCode is not affiliated with the apps named in this article. Follow each app's terms and local law.
FAQ
FAQ
Yes. Free app lines such as Google Voice give you a number you keep, if you're in a supported country, and shared free inboxes let anyone receive texts on public numbers. Neither is guaranteed to work for every app.
Google says almost all Google Voice calls from the US to the US and Canada are free. Getting the number is free too, but setup asks for a phone that can receive a text code.
Sometimes. Many apps reject VoIP and shared numbers, and a code on a public inbox can be read by anyone. Use free numbers only for low-stakes sign-ups.
App lines tied to your account are reasonably private. Shared free inboxes are not, because anyone can read the texts. Never use a shared number for banking, email or account recovery.
Pay when the code must stay private, when the app rejected a free number, or when you need a country that free apps don't offer. A one-time temporary number is usually cheaper than a monthly plan.
Often, yes. Free app lines can be reclaimed after a period of inactivity, and shared inboxes rotate numbers. Keep important accounts on a number you own long term.
