Why use a temp phone number for verification?
More and more sites ask for a phone number before you can try them. A temp number keeps your personal number out of yet another database: fewer marketing texts, fewer spam calls, and nothing to worry about when that database leaks.
It also helps when you travel or live abroad and need a code on a number from another country, and when you are a developer or QA engineer testing your own SMS sign-up flow without a drawer full of SIM cards.
Free vs private verification numbers
Free "receive SMS" sites show every message publicly. Anyone can read your code, and popular apps block those numbers quickly, so the code often never arrives.
- Public free number: costs nothing, but every SMS is visible to everyone and many apps reject it.
- Private activation: one number for one code, open for 20 minutes, automatic refund if nothing arrives.
- Private rental: keep the same number from 2 hours up to 30 days and receive several codes.
Which country should the number be from?
Pick the country the app expects. Many US services work best with a +1 number; for UK or European services, a local number is usually the safer choice. In the order box above you see, for each country, which apps currently have numbers in stock. If one is sold out, you can ask to be told when numbers are back.
Numbers come from three independent pools. "Best pool" picks whichever is delivering best for your app right now, or you can choose one yourself.
Number for SMS verification in the United States
Many US apps send the OTP verification code only to a +1 number, and some reject numbers they recognise as VoIP. Google Voice, for example, is a VoIP service, and several platforms refuse it for sign-up. Our US numbers come from mobile networks, which is why they usually get through where VoIP numbers fail.
The same applies elsewhere: a local mobile number for the UK, Germany or France is usually the safer choice for services in those countries.
Free SMS sites vs a private number
Sites that let you receive SMS messages online for free post every message on a public page. Disposable numbers like these are fine for checking how a sign-up works, but anyone can read your code, and well-known apps block them quickly.
A private number is used for one code only and nobody else sees the SMS. If it doesn’t arrive, you don’t pay.
When not to use a temporary number
For accounts you will keep for years (your bank, your main email, important social profiles), use a number you will still control later. If the app asks for a code again in six months, a one-time number will be long gone. If you need the same number for a few days, rent it instead.
Verification by API
Everything here also works from code: buy a number, wait for the SMS by webhook or live events, then finish the activation. There are SDKs for TypeScript, Python, Go and PHP, the notp command-line tool and an MCP server for AI agents, with idempotent retries so a network error never buys twice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a free phone number for verification?
Yes, from our public free numbers when they are available. Every SMS on them is visible to everyone, and many apps block them. For your own account, a private number is safer, and you get your money back if no code arrives.
How long does the temp number last?
An activation stays open for 20 minutes, enough to receive one code. A rental keeps the same number from 2 hours to 30 days and can be extended.
What if the verification code never arrives?
When the 20 minutes are up, the full cost is credited back to your balance automatically. You can then try another country or pool straight away.
Will every app accept the number?
Usually, but not always. Some platforms reject virtual numbers or change their rules. That is why every activation has an automatic refund if no SMS arrives.
How do I pay?
Top up your balance by card or crypto and pay only for the numbers you buy. There is no subscription.
Use it for your own accounts and follow each platform’s terms; some platforms don’t allow virtual numbers.