How To Get a Temporary Phone Number? Top 9 Providers

Having a reliable phone number is essential for your personal and professional communication. But sometimes, you also need a temporary phone number to maintain your privacy or protect your actual phone number. 📞

Temporary phone numbers are convenient solutions if you are a frequent traveler, business professional, and someone who simply worries about privacy. These numbers are useful for those who don’t want to share their personal phone number or who need a separate number for work-related calls, texts, or voicemails. 

In this guide, we will equip you with knowledge about how temporary phone numbers work, how to get a temporary phone number, and suggest you five best temporary phone number apps. We also cover the cost of a temporary phone number and when you should get one. 

What Is a Temporary Phone Number?

A temporary phone number is a disposable number or short-term number for temporary uses. It acts like a shield for your real phone number. You can use these phone numbers to sign up for websites, games, or apps, online shopping, and socializing with strangers. 

This number will automatically hide your genuine digits from potential misuse and spam. In addition, this phone number allows you to call someone without showing them your real phone number. These numbers come as your actual entire phone number range.

For example: you’re browsing online and stumble upon an incredible deal for concert tickets. But to snag these tickets, you need to verify your account with a phone number. You don’t want to hand out your personal number for fear of spam calls. This is where a temporary cell phone number comes in.

Disposable phone numbers are usually obtained through an online application or service. There are free options with limited availability and paid options with more features, such as advanced usage and multiple numbers. Some services offer limited free text messages, while others charge for long-term use. It’s always a good idea to check the pricing structure of a service before signing up.

How Does a Temporary Number Work?

A temporary phone number works by offering a disposable number for a limited time. The temporary phone numbers are virtual ones and not tied to a physical device. It generates a specific phone number for a certain period of time or for a particular use. Then, the number will be displayed on other people’s mobile phones when you call someone instead of showing your actual number. But when someone calls or texts you, it automatically routes to your actual device. Once the pre-defined time or purpose is passed, the number becomes inactive.

These numbers are ideal for several purposes, including online dating, anonymous communication, online transactions, and others who want to protect their personal information from potential unauthorized access. These certain time numbers allow you to defend against potential privacy invasions.

How to Get a Temporary Phone Number?

Privacy and security matter a lot in this digital era, especially in protecting your information from hackers. And your primary number contains your personal information that could get access by someone easily. Therefore, to protect your privacy, throwaway phone numbers emerge. 

There are several methods to get a temporary phone number. Here are a few methods that you can look out for:

Using a Virtual Phone Number

• Free Services for Incoming SMS Confirmation: There are certain websites and apps that offer you free inbound SMS services. It allows you to send and receive text messages without any dedicated phone number. It is useful for you when you just need a temporary phone number to receive a confirmation code while registering for an account. 

• Temporary Number Apps: Multiple temporary number apps have been developed over time to address the need for temporary phone numbers to make calls and send text messages. These apps offer you a new virtual phone number that can be used for a certain period of time. It helps you call someone without showing your actual phone number. 

• Taking Out a Friend’s Phone: As the temporary phone number is used for a short time only, you can also ask your friends and family for assistance. Then, you can call or text them on their second phone number without giving them your primary phone number. But always remember to proceed with caution and confirm that this strategy respects the privacy choices of both the friend or family and the unknown caller. 

• TextPlus for SMS-Only Service: TextPlus assigns you a free virtual phone number mainly for sending and receiving SMS messages. Even though it doesn’t support calls, this could be a great option if you just want to send or receive text messages. 

Buying a Temporary Use Phone or Card 

• Acquire a Prepaid Mobile Phone: For temporary use, you can also purchase prepaid cell phones from mobile carriers. It includes a new phone number with a certain credit for calls and texts. A prepaid cell phone is not bound by any contracts and is exponentially cheap. 

• Get a SIM card for temporary use: Temporary use SIM cards can be used in unlocked phones and are available in selected regions only. You can find these SIM cards in mobile shops or convenience stores. It has a limited credit that you can use to call or send text messages. 

• Using your mobile provider, change your phone number: Whether you don’t like the same phone number for too long or don’t prefer third-party services, requesting the mobile provider to change their number temporarily could be a feasible option. In the process, a certain amount of fees can be required, or some carriers offer as part of the package. 

Why Should You Get a Disposable Phone Number? Top Reasons

Freely sharing your actual phone number for every online interaction can feel intrusive and expose your information to potential span or privacy concerns. 

This is where disposable phone numbers enter. It offers you a convenient solution for specific situations. But when exactly does using a disposable phone number make sense? So, let’s explore some scenarios in which you have to get a disposable phone number:

• Signing up for an account on websites: You might need to sign up for several apps and websites for a short time. So, providing an actual number can lead to potential leaks of your personal information. In this case, you need a temporary phone number. 

• Online dating: Nowadays, most people sign up for online dating to find a match. But entering your actual number can be possibly a security threat. Therefore, temporary phone numbers should be used, which act as an additional layer of security to reduce these risks.

• Making a phone out of an old device: No wonder people switch to a new model, leaving the old one unused. So, instead of abandoning older smartphones, you can use these phones by obtaining temporary phone numbers. 

• Maintaining a side business: For aspiring entrepreneurs, keeping personal and work life can be challenging. But getting a temporary phone number is a simple yet effective solution. This allows for the segregation of work and personal life. 

• Selling goods online: To sell products, individuals need to place an ad to reach more people. Keeping your personal number in the ad can be dangerous. For this, a temporary phone number is the ideal solution, as it keeps you anonymous during transactions.  

9 Best Temporary Phone Number Apps

There are various temporary phone number apps available, but choosing the right one is challenging. However, here are some temporary phone number providers that can help you get going.

Temporary Phone Number Providers	Pricing	Key Features	Best For
KrispCall	Starting from 15/user/month	Calling and messaging, Shared & Multiple phone numbers, Call forwarding and transferring, Live call monitoring	OTP Verification for Businesses Who Need Secured Encryption
Burner	Starting from $4.99/month/1 line	Disposable phone numbers, privacy controls, multiple numbers & lines, enhanced communication features, organizational tools	Privacy and security, integration and customization, cost-effective and unlimited use
Quackr.io	On-request	Temporary phone numbers, bulk discounts, dedicated account manager, privacy and security assurance, multi-platform support	Free and paid options, reliable and secure service, temporary phone numbers
Hushed	Starting from $2.99/month	Anonymous calling, secure texting, multiple private numbers, auto-reply messages, call forwarding and routing	Protecting privacy and anonymity, affordable international calling, flexibility for business and personal use
Ringover	Starting from $21/month/user	Unlimited calls to over 110 destinations worldwide, interactive voice response (IVR), call recording, integrations with business tools, SMS and fax	Call center operations, business communication, integration and customization
DoNotPay	On-request	Fight corporations, manage subscriptions, burner phones, high security, warranty claims	Cancel free trials, fight corporations and bureaucracy, get refunds
TextNow	On-request	Free texting and calling, custom phone numbers, voicemail transcription, Wi-Fi calling and messaging, unlimited talk time and texts	Reliable service, free texting and calling, customizable phone number
Freephonenum.com	On-request	Browser-based, data synchronization, high security, effective call management, on-request pricing	Very short-term use, basic functionality, trying out burner numbers
TextPlus	On-request	Reliable service, low-cost international calling, free texting and calling, free inbound calls and voicemail, customizable phone number	Ad-supported service, customizable phone number, free texting, and calling

1. KrispCall

KrispCall is one of the most reliable and secure virtual phone number providers. It offers a comprehensive suite of advanced calling and messaging features within the number subscription. 

The virtual phone number provided by KrispCall can be used for both short-term (temporary) and long-term purposes, as well as for personal and business use. It can be obtained from anywhere in the world without additional setup. 

⚡Top Features

• Calling and messaging
• Shared & Multiple phone numbers
• Call forwarding and transferring
• Live call monitoring 
• Multi-level IVR

👍Pros

• Easy setup without hidden charge.
• Integrations with valuable tools.
• Dedicated 24/7 customer support.
• 40+ advanced telephony features available
• Multiple numbers available.

👎Cons

• No free trial, but it offers a demo session 
• Not available in mac and Linux

💰Pricing

Plans	Pricing
Essential	$15/user/month
Standard	$40/user/month
Enterprise	Custom

2. Burner

Burner is for those who want privacy and control over their phone numbers. With Burner, you can get a temporary phone number that can be used once or sent after a certain period of time. Calls, texts, and voice messages are anonymous. 

This is great for situations where you do not need to show your individual number. Burner offers several membership options, and you’ll select the conveyance line and number of messages that best suit your needs.

⚡Top Features

• Disposable phone numbers
• Privacy controls
• Multiple numbers & lines
• Enhanced communication features
• Organizational tools

👍Pros

• Easily create multiple private phone numbers
• Integrates with various apps and services
• Provides a 7-day free trial
• Allows you to easily block unwanted contacts
• Offers a local area code

👎Cons

• Calls count against your cellular phone plan
• Costly than some alternatives
• Limited privacy features
• Custom voicemail greeting
• Easily block contacts

💰Pricing

Plans	Pricing
1Line	$4.99/month

3. Quackr.io

Quackr.io stands out as a free temporary phone number provider that focuses on simplicity and anonymity. Unlike competitors requiring a subscription, Quackr offers disposable phone numbers without registration. You can choose between several phone numbers in different countries. 

Messages are automatically deleted after 24 hours, ensuring complete privacy. Quacker is a good choice if you need a quick and easy way to get SMS verification codes or one-time passwords without revealing your real number or processing orders.

⚡Top Features

• Temporary phone numbers
• Bulk discounts
• Dedicated account manager
• Privacy and security assurance
• Multi-Platform support

👍Pros

• Instantly receive messages, OTPs, and Verification Codes
• Stores Up to 100 messages per number
• Rent an actual phone number for $1/day
• High security
• Access virtual phone numbers from 27 countries

👎Cons

• Functionality is limited to receiving messages only
• The user interface can be improved
• Limited services
• No call management
• No integration with CRM

💰Pricing

On-request

4. Hushed

Hushed is the best temporary phone number app for Wi-Fi calling. It allows you to make individual calls, send text messages, and manage multiple numbers from one device. Hushed is designed for both budget-conscious users with a free plan and those looking for more features. 

The free contract allows basic use, while the paid plan offers credit hours, extra minutes, and the option to send text messages and dial additional numbers for business use.

⚡Top Features

• Anonymous calling
• Secure texting
• Multiple private numbers
• Auto-Reply messages
• Call forwarding and routing

👍Pros

• Provides a second phone number
• Offers local numbers
• Enables multiple numbers
• Includes features like auto-replies, unique voicemails, and the ability to forward calls
• Provides a reliable, secure platform

👎Cons

• Confusing settings
• Limited compatibility for SMS short codes and verification texts
• No advanced call-handling options
• No integration with popular platforms
• No utility to mirror phone display settings

💰Pricing

Plans	Pricing
Prepaid	$2.99/month
Unlimited	$4.99/month
Pay-as-you-go	$6.99/month

5. Ringover

Ringover is a cloud-based VoIP system that offers temporary phone numbers as part of its services. It offers unlimited calling plans to many destinations, greater flexibility to make and receive calls from any device, and a user-friendly interface that simplifies call management. 

Ringover have advanced features like real-time call analysis, call recording for training, and integrations with CRM software, all designed to improve communication and overall performance.

⚡Top Features

• Unlimited calls to over 110 destinations worldwide
• Interactive voice response (IVR)
• Call recording
• Integrations with business tools
• SMS and fax

👍Pros

• Easy to use
• High-quality voice and video calls
• Integration with other tools
• Cost-effective pricing
• Good customer support

👎Cons

• Pricing plans are limited
• Potential for inconsistent call quality
• Limited reporting features
• Limited free support

💰Pricing

Plans	Pricing
Smart	$21/month/user
Business	$44/month/user
Advanced	$54/month/user

6. DoNotPay

DoNotPay is an online consulting platform known for innovative legal assistance. It is one of the best apps for those who are looking for a temporary phone number. DoNotPay not only offers temporary phone numbers to their customer they also offer free virtual phone numbers for SMS verification. 

DoBotPay makes it simple for people to challenge businesses, navigate bureaucracy, find hidden cash, and file lawsuits. It has been praised by several media outlets for its user-friendly interface and innovative and successful approach to helping people in their legal battles.

⚡Top Features

• Fight corporations
• Manage subscriptions
• Burner phones
• High security
• Warranty claims

👍Pros

• Managing subscriptions
• Providing burner phones
• Negotiating lower bills
• Locating and helping claim unclaimed property
• Fighting corporations

👎Cons

• Predatory membership fees
• Limited transparency
• Technical issues
• Limited legal expertise
• Potential for errors

💰Pricing

• On-request

7. TextNow

TextNow is another option for those who are looking for temporary phone numbers. With TextNow apps you can get a free temporary phone number that can be used for various purposes such as online dating, business transactions, online registration, and account verifying.

This application is completely free and allows you to continue using the selected phone number until you stop using it or deactivate the application. 

⚡Top Features

• Free texting and calling
• Custom phone numbers
• Voicemail transcription
• Wi-Fi calling and messaging
• Unlimited talk time and texts

👍Pros

• Free calling and texting to the U.S. and Canada
• Ability to use TextNow both with and without WiFi
• User-friendly interface
• Reasonable pricing plans
• Ability to pick a premium number

👎Cons

• Limited data options
• No video calling
• Throttled data speeds
• Expensive data
• Ads

💰Pricing

• On-request

8. Freephonenum.com

Freephonenum.com is a website for people who want a temporary phone number to receive text messages. It is a free virtual phone number service that offers phone numbers in many countries, including Germany. 

This helps in situations where you don’t want to use your phone number to sign in and register online or if you need a temporary solution to receive text messages. However, it is important to know that these temporary numbers are often publicly available and can be used by others.

⚡Top Features

• Browser-Based
• Data synchronization
• High security
• Effective call management
• On-Request pricing

👍Pros

• Privacy
• Convenience
• Cost-Effectiveness
• International options
• Security

👎Cons

• Limited availability and features
• Unreliable service
• Privacy concerns
• Security risks
• Short-Term use only

💰Pricing

• On-request

9. TextPlus

TextPlus offers a free and convenient way to make calls and send texts, especially if you are on a budget or traveling abroad. It allows you to get free US phone numbers and send unlimited text messages to US and Canadian numbers for free. 

You can also make free calls with a Wi-Fi connection, and international calls can be purchased cheaply. TextPlus can be the best choice for keeping in touch with your customers.

⚡Top Features

• Real SMS texting and calling
• Free voicemail
• International calling
• Customizable interface
• Free texting and calling

👍Pros 

• Reliable service
• Low-Cost international calling
• Free texting and calling
• Free inbound calls and voicemail
• Customizable phone number

👎Cons

• Limited international coverage
• Dependence on Wi-Fi
• Limited features compared to competitors
• Potential for Ads
• Risk of account suspension

💰Pricing

• On-request

How Much Does a Temporary Phone Number Cost?

Temporary phone bills depend on your chosen service and the features you need. Some services offer free temporary phone numbers but usually include restrictions such as calling or temporary access.

The usage fee only allows you to pay for active use, while subscription services offer a fake phone number instead of a recurring payment. Prices are not fixed and cost about $1.99 for a 50-minute call.

For unlimited calls, texts, and pictures, you have to pay, on average, $9.99 per month. Further, some services provide alternative pricing structures, such as starting at $4.99 per month for a single-line subscription with unlimited calls, texts, and pictures.

Therefore, it’s important to consider the different plans and pricing options available to choose the most suitable and cost-effective burner phone number for your needs. 

Conclusion

It’s essential to have a temporary phone number in case you have to constantly sign up for new websites and games. 

This temporary phone number generates a specific phone number, allowing you to call and send text messages for a short period of time. Then, it automatically becomes inactive. You can easily get a temporary number just by using a virtual phone number or buying a temporary phone or card. 

In addition, you can get disposable numbers from various providers and the cost of these numbers depends on the provider and the features they offer. 

Using temporary numbers can be great, but it comes with many limitations, such as limited functions, reliability, quality, security concerns, and lack of personalization.

So, we recommend getting a virtual phone number from a reliable service provider like KrispCall. With KrispCall, you can get a range of features, including custom caller ID. You can securely contact other people without revealing your actual number. 

FAQs

1. Is there such a thing as a temporary phone number?

Yes, there is such a thing as a temporary phone number. Disposable phone number apps like Burner, Hushed, and 2ndLine allow you to create temporary numbers that you can use quickly and then discard. 

Moreover, These are great for situations where you need to provide a phone number for verification purposes but don’t want to give out your real number. There are also online services that offer free temporary phone numbers for receiving SMS verification codes. These services typically display the code received on the temporary number on their website.

2. Can I get a temporary phone number?

Absolutely! You can get a temporary phone number. Apps like Burner or Hushed offer temporary numbers that you can discard after use. Alternatively, websites can provide temporary numbers for receiving verification codes online.

3. Are Temporary Phone Numbers Legal?

Yes, Temporary phone numbers are generally legal. They function like regular numbers for calls and texts but for a limited time. The key is using them for lawful purposes. In most places, like the US, temporary phone numbers are legal as long as your activity with them is legal.

4. Is a temporary phone number safe?

Yes, a Temporary phone number is safe, but it depends on the provider and how you use them. Reputable apps offer encryption and privacy features. However, some free services might be less secure. It’s best to stick to well-known apps and only use temporary numbers for low-risk situations like online verification.

5. Can I text from a temporary number?

Yes, texting is often a main function of temporary phone numbers. App like KrispCall let you send and receive texts from your temporary number, while some services offer temporary numbers solely for receiving verification codes.

6. Can I use a temporary number for OTP verification?

Absolutely! Temporary phone numbers are designed for exactly this purpose. You can use them to receive one-time verification codes (OTPs) during online registrations without exposing your real number. 

7. How to get a temporary mobile number?

You can get a temporary number by downloading apps like Burner or TextNow that offer temporary phone numbers.