By Alex Carter, Editor at GetVerifyCode
Yes, you can get a second phone number without a new SIM. Add an eSIM line if your phone supports it, use an app or rental number for a line you keep, or use a GetVerifyCode temporary number for one sign-up code, which stays live for about 20 minutes.
Key facts
- GetVerifyCode lists numbers in 194+ countries.
- A temporary activation stays live for about 20 minutes.
- If no SMS arrives before the timeout, the hold returns to your wallet.
- Top up your wallet from $1 (a package or a custom amount). Each number is priced live per service and country, and you see the quote before you confirm.
- Need the same number for days? Rentals keep one number for the rental period.
Quick Answer
- Phone supports eSIM? Add a second eSIM plan from a carrier and you get a real mobile line with no plastic SIM.
- Want a line you keep for calls and texts? Use an app number or a rental number.
- Need one sign-up code without sharing your main number? Pick the service and country on GetVerifyCode, confirm the live quote, and read the SMS in your inbox.
- Some apps reject virtual numbers. Acceptance is decided by the app, not by us. Updated October 24, 2026.
Ways to get a second number without a SIM, compared
Each route solves a different problem, so compare them on privacy, how often apps accept them, cost and what they are best for:
- eSIM line from a carrier: private to you, works with most apps, costs a monthly or prepaid plan, best for a long-term second line, travel and account recovery.
- App or VoIP number: private, some services reject VoIP numbers, free or paid depending on the app, best for Wi-Fi calls, texts and low-stakes sign-ups.
- Rental number: private, acceptance is decided by each app, paid for the rental period, best when you need the same number for codes over several days.
- GetVerifyCode temporary number: private, acceptance is decided by each app, priced live per service and country, best for a one-time sign-up code or an app test.
- Free public SMS sites: not private (anyone can read the inbox), rarely accepted, free, only for low-stakes tests. See are free receive-SMS sites safe?
How to get a second number without a new SIM
Add an eSIM line
- Check that your phone supports eSIM and dual SIM in its settings.
- Choose a carrier or travel eSIM plan and install it with the carrier's QR code or app.
- Label the new line and choose which line handles calls, texts and mobile data.
Get an app number
- Install a calling or texting app that offers numbers where you live. Google's Google Voice setup guide shows how one such service works.
- Choose a number and link it to your account.
- Check the app's rules on inactivity, since some providers reclaim numbers that go unused.
Use a temporary number for one code
For a single sign-up code, follow the GetVerifyCode steps further down this guide. For every kind of virtual number, see how to get a virtual phone number. Changing your main number instead? See how to get a new phone number without losing access.
Which numbers do apps accept for codes?
Each app decides which numbers it accepts, so results vary by number type:
- eSIM: a carrier mobile line, so apps treat it like any other SIM-based number.
- App or VoIP number: some services reject VoIP numbers. See VoIP vs non-VoIP numbers for verification.
- Temporary number: acceptance depends on the app, service and country. A fresh number or another country can help. Some apps reject virtual numbers. Acceptance is decided by the app, not by us.
Which option keeps your main number private?
- eSIM: keeps your main number out of sign-ups, but the carrier holds your account details.
- App or VoIP number: keeps your main number private, though the app provider can see activity on that line.
- Temporary number: keeps your main line out of sign-up databases, but avoid it on accounts you must recover later, because you cannot get the same number back. See keep your personal number private and reuse vs fresh numbers.
Which option should you pick?
- Long-term second line for calls, banking or account recovery: an eSIM or a second SIM.
- Wi-Fi calls and texts for low-stakes use: an app or VoIP number.
- The same number for codes over several days: a rental number.
- One-time code for a sign-up, app test or travel: a temporary number. Still comparing providers? See where to buy a phone number online for carriers, VoIP apps and pay-per-use numbers side by side. For further reading, check pay-per-SMS vs monthly virtual numbers and temporary numbers for QA.
How to get a second number for a code on GetVerifyCode
- Create an account at getverifycode.com/start.
- Top up your wallet. See pricing.
- Pick the service and country, and check the live quote.
- Confirm, and the number is shown right away.
- Enter it in the app and request the code. The SMS appears in your inbox.
- Wait up to about 20 minutes for the code, or cancel early from the inbox.
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.
Popular countries for a second number
- Temporary USA number
- Temporary UK number
- Temporary Canada number
- Temporary Germany number
- Temporary Georgia number
- How to choose a country for OTP numbers
Code not arriving?
- Request the code only after the number is entered in the app.
- Wait 60 to 90 seconds before tapping resend.
- If the app says the number can't be used, try a fresh number or a different country. See this phone number can't be used for verification.
- Check that the app supports the country you picked.
- Watch the window of about 20 minutes. If no SMS arrives, the unused credit returns to your wallet. See didn't get the verification code?
Is using a second number legal?
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, see are temporary phone numbers legal? and the acceptable use policy.
Related guides
- How to get a virtual phone number (free and paid)
- How to get a new phone number without losing access
- How to get a temporary phone number for verification
- How to get a free phone number (and when to pay)
- Google Voice alternative for verification codes Need a second number for one code? Start on GetVerifyCode or see how it works and pricing. 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.
Live prices and routes: Get a temporary number
FAQ
FAQ
Add an eSIM line if your phone supports it, sign up for an app or rental number for a line you keep, or use a temporary number when you only need one verification code.
Yes, if your phone supports dual SIM. Many phones can hold a physical SIM and an eSIM, or two eSIMs, and let you choose which line handles calls, texts and data.
Some calling apps offer free numbers with limits, and free public SMS sites exist but are not private. See how to get a free phone number for the trade-offs.
Sometimes. Some services reject VoIP numbers, and each app decides which numbers it accepts.
No. A temporary activation stays live for about 20 minutes and is meant for one code. Use an eSIM, your own SIM or a rental number for accounts you need to recover later.
If no SMS arrives before the timeout of about 20 minutes, the hold returns to your wallet as unused credit. You can then try a fresh number or another country for the same service.
