By Alex Carter, Editor at GetVerifyCode
How do you get a temp number (temp phone number) for verification? Pick a pay-per-use service such as GetVerifyCode, choose the app and the country, confirm the live quote, and paste the number it shows into the sign-up form. The SMS code appears in your inbox online, and the activation stays live for about 20 minutes.
Key facts
- GetVerifyCode lists numbers in 194+ countries.
- The number is shown right after you confirm, and you can cancel early from the inbox.
- A temporary activation stays live for about 20 minutes.
- If no SMS arrives before the timeout, the hold returns to your wallet.
- Need the same number for days? Rentals keep one number for the rental period.
What is a temporary phone number?
A temporary phone number is a real mobile-style number that you use for one job, usually receiving a single sign-up or login code, instead of handing over your own SIM number. Once the code arrives, you are done with it, and your personal number never appears on the form.
People also call it a temp number, or search for a "number temp" service. It is different from a SIM line you keep for years, and different from a free public inbox where anyone can read the same messages. If you are new to one-time codes, see what a verification code is first.
Which kind of temporary number should you get?
Each option below is rated on privacy, how often apps accept it, cost, and what it suits best.
- Free receive-SMS websites: not private (public inbox), rarely accepted, free, fine only for low-stakes tests. See our free numbers page.
- Free VoIP apps such as Google Voice: private, refused by some sign-ups, free where available (mainly US users), best for calls and texts you keep. See Set up Google Voice.
- Pay-per-use temporary number on GetVerifyCode: private, often accepted (each app decides), live price per service and country, best for one-time sign-up codes.
- Rental number: private, often accepted, costs more than one code, best when you need the same number for several days.
- Second SIM or eSIM: private from your main line, widely accepted, monthly plan, best for banking and accounts you keep.
For a deeper look, read are free receive-SMS sites safe? and where to buy a phone number online.
How to get a temp phone number for verification on GetVerifyCode
- Create an account on the start page.
- Top up your wallet on the pricing page.
- Pick the service that will send the code, for example WhatsApp, Telegram or Google.
- Pick the country, for example a US number or a UK number.
- Check the live quote and confirm.
- Copy the number and enter it in the app with the full country code.
- Read the code in your GetVerifyCode inbox, or cancel early if you no longer need it.
Some apps reject virtual numbers. Acceptance is decided by the app, not by us.
When should you use your own number instead?
A temporary number is built for one code, so it is the wrong tool for some accounts.
- Banking, payment and tax accounts, which may send codes for years.
- Accounts you must be able to recover later. Rent a number or use your own SIM; see reuse vs fresh temporary numbers.
- Work or government accounts that ask for a number tied to you.
What if the code doesn't arrive?
- Wait a minute or two, then tap resend once. Repeated requests can trigger a cooldown.
- Check that you entered the full country code and did not add a leading 0.
- Try another country for the same service, since routes differ by country.
- Let the activation time out so the hold returns to your wallet, then get a fresh number.
More fixes are in didn't get the verification code?, how to check an OTP sent to a virtual number and SMS holds, timeouts and credit returns.
Is it legal to use a 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.
Read are temporary phone numbers legal? and our acceptable use policy. This is general information, not legal advice.
Related guides
- How to get an anonymous phone number for SMS OTP
- Disposable mobile number for SMS OTP
- Second phone number for online sign-ups
- Which apps receive verification codes for free?
- Temporary US number for OTP
Ready to try it? Create your account and pick a service. 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.
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
Sign up on a pay-per-use service such as GetVerifyCode, top up your wallet, pick the app and country, and confirm the live quote. The number appears right away, and the code shows up in your online inbox.
Yes, free receive-SMS websites exist, but their inboxes are public and many apps reject those shared numbers. Use them only for throwaway tests, and pay for a private number for anything you care about.
A temp number is a short-term phone number you use to receive a verification code instead of giving out your own SIM number. On GetVerifyCode, a one-time activation stays live for about 20 minutes, and for longer use you can rent a number.
On GetVerifyCode, a temporary activation stays live for about 20 minutes. If you need the same number for days, choose a rental instead.
It can work, but each app decides which numbers it accepts. Pick the service on GetVerifyCode first so you get a number offered for that app, and keep your own number for accounts you must recover.
If no SMS arrives before the timeout, the hold returns to your wallet. You can then try another country or a fresh number.
Not a one-time activation, which ends after the code window. If you need to keep receiving codes on one number, rent a number for the rental period or use your own SIM.
