By Alex Carter, Editor at GetVerifyCode
How do you get a new phone number? Ask your carrier for a number change, add a new SIM or eSIM line, or set up an app number that works over Wi-Fi. Before you switch, move your two-step verification codes off the old number so you don't lose access to your accounts.
Key facts
- A temporary activation stays live for about 20 minutes, so it suits one-time codes, not a number you keep.
- If no SMS arrives before the timeout, the unused credit returns to your wallet.
- Need the same number for days? Rentals keep one number for the rental period.
- GetVerifyCode lists numbers in 194+ countries, and the live catalog covers 1,600+ services.
What are the ways to get a new phone number?
There are three common routes to a new main number.
Ask your carrier for a number change
Most mobile carriers can swap the number on your existing line, so you keep the same phone, plan and SIM. Some do it in their app, others by phone or in a store. Ask whether a fee applies and how long it takes, because both vary.
Get a new SIM or eSIM line
A new line gives you a fresh number on a new plan, with a new carrier or as a second line with your current one. If your phone supports dual SIM or eSIM, run the new number next to the old one while you move your accounts. That overlap is the safest way to switch.
Use an app number over Wi-Fi
Calling and texting apps can give you a number that works over the internet, with no SIM and no mobile service. It suits a phone without a plan or a tablet. Some services won't send codes to these numbers. We explain every kind in how to get a virtual phone number.
Which route should you choose?
- Carrier number change: private, works for most apps, cost depends on your carrier, best when you like your phone and plan but need a fresh number.
- New SIM or eSIM line: private, works for most apps, monthly plan cost, best when you're changing carriers or want two lines during the move.
- App number over Wi-Fi: private, works for some apps, often free or low cost, best for a phone without service or a number you share widely.
- Temporary receive-only number: private, often works (each app decides), live price per service, best for a single sign-up code, never for a number you keep.
Before you switch: keep access to your accounts
A new number breaks every account that sends codes to the old one. Do these steps while the old number still works:
- Turn on an authenticator app for your email, bank and social accounts, so sign-in codes no longer depend on SMS. Google explains how in turn on 2-Step Verification.
- Save the backup codes each account offers, and keep them somewhere safe and offline.
- Update the recovery phone number and recovery email in each account settings page.
- Keep the old line active until the new number is confirmed everywhere. Don't cancel it first.
- If an app says your new number is already linked to someone else, follow what to do when a phone number is already used.
Want to keep your old number instead?
If you're changing carriers but not moving away, you can usually keep your number by porting it. The FCC says you should not end your old service before you start the new one, that the new company starts the port, and that simple ports are generally processed within one business day. Moving to a new area can make porting impossible, so check first. The steps are in the FCC guide Porting: Keeping Your Phone Number When You Change Providers.
How to get a phone number without service
No mobile plan? An app number over Wi-Fi is the usual answer, and some apps offer one free in supported countries. We list the free options in how to get a free phone number. If you only need a second line for sign-ups rather than a new main number, read second phone number for online sign-ups, and to compare sellers, see where to buy a phone number online.
Where a temporary number fits
Your new main number should come from a carrier or an app you control, because you'll need it for codes for years. A temporary number does the opposite job: one code for a sign-up you don't want tied to your new number. See keep your personal phone number private.
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.
Some apps reject virtual numbers. Acceptance is decided by the app, not by us. If you need one number for longer, use rentals or your own SIM, and see how it works for the full flow.
Is it legal to get a new or temporary phone 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. For more detail, read are temporary phone numbers legal and our acceptable use policy.
Related guides
- Using temporary numbers for account recovery while traveling
- Didn't get the verification code? 12 fixes
- What is a verification code?
Need a one-time code without giving out your new number? Get started with 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
Use a calling and texting app that gives you a number over Wi-Fi. It needs an internet connection but no SIM or mobile plan. Free options exist in some countries, and some services don't accept these numbers for codes.
No. Each account keeps sending codes to the number saved in it. Update the phone number in every account, or switch to an authenticator app, before you stop using the old line.
Usually, yes. Start service with the new carrier and ask it to port your number. Don't cancel the old service first, and note that moving to a new area can make porting impossible.
Ask your carrier for a number change in its app, by phone or in a store. Ask about any fee and timing first, since they vary by carrier.
No. A temporary activation lasts about 20 minutes and is meant for one code. For a number you keep, use your carrier, an app line, a rental, or your own SIM.
