What is a burner number?
The name comes from prepaid “burner” phones people used once and threw away. Today you don’t need a second phone: a burner number is a real mobile number you use online for a short time, mostly to receive a verification code.
Unlike a made-up “fake” number, it actually receives the SMS. A number you invent will never get your code, and it may belong to a real person who then gets your messages.
Good reasons to use a burner number
- Trying a new app or service without getting marketing texts afterwards.
- Marketplace listings, giveaways and one-off sign-ups.
- Getting a code on a number from another country while you travel.
- Developers testing their own SMS sign-up or login flow.
How a burner number cuts spam calls and texts
Every form that asks for your phone number is a new way for spam to reach you. Numbers get shared with marketing partners, sold to list brokers or exposed in data breaches, and once your real number is on those lists it is very hard to get it off again.
A short-lived number breaks that chain. The sign-up gets the code it needs, and when the number expires there is nothing left to call or text. Spam blocking apps and carrier filters can only react after the unwanted calls start; keeping your real number out of the database stops many of them before they begin.
- Fewer robocalls and promotional texts on your personal phone.
- Less exposure when a site you signed up to is breached.
- No need to unsubscribe from lists you never meant to join.
Choosing the right country and pool
Pick the country the service expects. US services usually work best with a +1 number, and UK or European services with a local one. The order box shows which apps currently have numbers in stock for each country.
Numbers come from three independent pools. “Best pool” chooses the one delivering best for your app right now, or you can pick one yourself. If no SMS arrives within 20 minutes, the full cost goes back to your balance automatically and you can try another country or pool.
Burner apps vs burner numbers here
Burner phone apps usually sell a monthly plan for a second line with calls. If all you need is the code, that is more than you need. Here you pay per number, there is no subscription, and you don’t install anything: the SMS shows up in your browser, our app or the browser extension.
Our numbers receive SMS only. They can’t make calls or send texts.
When a burner number is the wrong choice
Don’t use one on accounts you will need for years, like your bank, main email or important social profiles. If the service asks for a code again later, the number will be gone and you could lose access. If you need the same number for a while, rent it for up to 30 days.
Burner number FAQ
Is there a free burner number?
Yes, our public free numbers when they are available. Everyone can read the SMS on them. A private number is only yours, and you are refunded automatically if no code arrives.
Is using a burner number legal?
Keeping your personal number private is legitimate. Follow each platform’s terms, though. Some require a long-term personal number or don’t accept virtual numbers.
How long does it last?
20 minutes for a one-time activation. A rental lasts from 2 hours to 30 days and can be extended.
Can I call or text from it?
No, our numbers only receive SMS.
Will a burner number stop spam calls?
It keeps your real number away from the sites you sign up to, so those sites, their partners and any leak of their data can’t reach your personal phone. It does not block spam already reaching your own number; for that, use your carrier’s or phone’s spam blocking.
What if the code never arrives?
An activation stays open for 20 minutes. If no SMS arrives in that time, the full cost goes back to your balance automatically, and you can try another country or pool straight away.
Use it for your own accounts and follow each platform’s terms; some platforms don’t allow virtual numbers.