How To Get a Temporary Phone Number? Top 6 Providers

Senior Writer: Juhi Parekh

Updated : August 10, 2025

Tired of your phone flooding with spam messages after one sign-up?

On average, people receive 9 spam calls a month; that’s over 100 unwanted calls a year.

If you’re constantly giving out your real number for free trials or online listings, you’re basically handing over access to your digital front door. That’s why temporary numbers exist. They’re fast, disposable, and built to protect your privacy.

In this guide, I’ll break down how temp numbers work, when to use them, and 6 top tools to help you get started.

What Is a Temporary Phone Number?

A temporary phone number is basically a digital burner, quick to get, easy to leave, and perfect when you don’t want to hand out your real number. You can get it through an app or platform, use it for a signup, a listing, or a one-off conversation, and it expires after a certain timeline.

So, whether you’re testing tools, managing business-related stuff, or avoiding marketplace replies, a temp number gives you privacy without cutting you off from what you need.

Recommended Read : How to Make an Anonymous Call?

6 Best Temporary Phone Number Providers

I have shortlisted the top-rated temporary number services based on pricing, features, and user experience. Go with the ideal app that matches your requirements:

1. CallHippo

CallHippo is a business VoIP provider that also enables short-term virtual numbers for startups and remote teams. It’s built for startups, sales teams, and remote-first companies that need quick setup, global access, and smart call handling without extra hardware.

Features

• Virtual phone numbers
• Auto rotate
• Power dialer
• Call forwarding
• Call recording
• Call monitoring
• Call analytics
• Automatic machine detection

Pros

• Quick setup makes it easy for teams to get started.
• Works smoothly on both desktop and mobile devices.
• Free trial helps you test features before committing.

Cons

• Only available for metered calling.
• Lack of voicemail dropping facility.

Pricing

• Starter: $18/user/month
• Professional: $30/user/month
• Ultimate: $42/user/month

2. Burner

Burner lets you spin up a second number instantly for calls and texts, great for Craigslist listings, online dating, or avoiding spam. When you make or receive calls or texts using the burner number, the app handles the routing, so your real phone number remains hidden.

Features

• Do Not Disturb mode
• Customizable voicemail greetings
• Integration with other apps
• Muting or blocking calls

Pros

• You can select local area codes that build trust with your contacts.
• A 7?day free trial gives you time to test the full experience.
• Perfect as a truly temporary number: use it then retire it when you’re done.

Cons

• Outgoing calls count toward your regular cell minutes unless you upgrade to VoIP.
• It can be an expensive platform for some small or medium-scale businesses.

Pricing

• Start at $6.99/month per month.

3. Freephonenum.com

Freephonenum.com gives you an instant virtual phone number right in your browser without sign-up or apps, allowing instant SMS reception. This is ideal for quick verifications on U.S. or Canadian websites.

Features

• SMS-processing
• No account or login required
• IVR setup

Pros

• Completely free to use. No hidden fees or upsells.
• Launches instantly in your browser for fast sign-ups.
• Offers strong privacy as nothing ties back to your personal info.

Cons

• No support for voice calls or voicemail.
• Sometimes, software can slow down and give a poor use experience.

Pricing

• Free, with optional paid upgrades available.

4. Ringover

Ringover is a cloud-based communication platform designed for growing businesses, particularly staffing and sales teams. It offers features like call recording, AI-powered transcription, CRM integrations (like Bullhorn, Salesforce, and HubSpot), and real-time analytics to streamline hiring, coaching, and collaboration.

Features

• Unlimited international calling
• Advanced IVR
• Smart integrations
• Advanced analytics
• Double listening
• Call transcription
• Voicemail transcription
• Call summary

Pros

• Offers seamless two-way sync with popular CRMs for sales workflow.
• Free trial lets you explore all features before committing.
• Includes powerful analytics and real-time coaching tools.

Cons

• File handling during calls can be limited.
• Performance may lag under heavy usage or poor Internet.

Pricing

• Smart: $29/user/month
• Business: $54/user/month
• Advanced: Customizable

5. Quackr.io

Quackr.io is a trusted virtual phone number platform that offers real non-VOIP numbers for SMS verification on any app or website. With coverage in 30+ countries, users can rent numbers for durations ranging from a week to a year.

Features

• Register for any online platform
• Receive unlimited SMS verifications
• API access
• Live chat support

Pros

• Rent numbers starting at just $1/day, great for short-term needs.
• Stores up to 100 SMS per number with easy retrieval.
• Clean and intuitive interface for fast access.

Cons

• SMS-only platform. No audio calls or voicemails available.
• UI feels a bit dated compared to newer tools.

Pricing

• Weekly: $17.99
• Monthly: $29.99
• 6 months: $99.99
• 12 months: $149.99

6. DoNotPay

DoNotPay is an AI-powered legal and consumer rights platform designed to help users fight corporate red tape, protect their privacy, and save money. From generating burner phone numbers for secure signups to canceling subscriptions, it simplifies complex processes.

Features

• Supports SMS verification across Gmail, PayPal, Discord
• Legal tools
• Spam protection
• Burner phone numbers

Pros

• Instantly generates single-use burner numbers (valid for 10 minutes).
• Privacy-first: integrates burner numbers with virtual credit cards.
• Offers more than just phone: legal help, fee detection, and subscription cancellation.

Cons

• SMS flows depend on browser performance (can lag under load).
• Not a full telephony tool as calls are limited or absent.

Pricing

• Free trial available, then paid via DoNotPay subscription.

How Do Temporary Numbers Work?

You get assigned a virtual number that forwards calls and texts to your phone, but no one sees your real digits.

Usually, these numbers expire after a certain time or number of uses. You can pick the area code, set limits, and walk away when you’re done.

Think of it as giving people access on your terms. No lingering conversations or mystery voicemails. It’s the easiest way to stay available without staying connected. Honestly, it’s one of the most underrated privacy tools in the market.

How to Get a Temporary Phone Number?

You don’t need a burner from a gas station to stay anonymous. There are smarter, faster, and way less secretive ways to get a temporary phone number and most take under 5 minutes to set up. Have a look at these two solid options:

1. Using a Virtual Phone Number

A virtual phone number from a reliable provider like CallHippo is the fastest option. No hardware. No store visits. You just need to download the app, tap, and go.

 A. Free Inbound SMS Confirmation Services

Need a temporary phone number to receive a verification code or two-factor login text? Services like Receive SMS Online or FreePhoneNum offer free phone numbers you can use instantly.

They’re perfect for throwaway signups, but remember, these are public virtual numbers. So skip this option for anything sensitive.

B. Temporary Number Apps on Smartphones

Apps like CallHippo give you a fresh temporary number straight to your phone. You can send texts, make phone calls, get voicemail, and even customize caller ID.

It’s ideal for online dating, listing on Craigslist, or setting up short-term business accounts. You can even choose your area code, and when you’re done, deactivate the number.

C. TextPlus for SMS-Only Service

If all you need is to receive texts (no calls), TextPlus gives you a completely free number just for SMS. It’s lightweight, does the job, and works well for simple things like verification or signing up for a new account.

2. Purchasing Temporary Use Phones or Cards

Prefer something offline or more private? This route still works, especially if you’re travelling or need a hard reset from your primary number.

A. Purchase a Prepaid Cell Phone

Yes, burner phones still exist, and they’re easy to set up. Walk into any store, buy a prepaid phone, load it, and you’re ready.

B. Buy a Temporary Use SIM Card

Already have a phone lying around? Drop in a prepaid SIM card and get a new temporary phone number on the spot. You’ll get a fresh line, a limited balance, and a solid way to handle calls, texts, or even short-term projects, without spamming your real inbox.

C. Change Your Phone Number through Your Mobile Provider

Want to keep everything in one place but need a temporary number? Your carrier might let you swap your number for a small fee. You’ll still get your messages, voicemail, and account history tied to a new line.

Recommended Read : 13 Best Second Phone Number Apps

Reasons To Get a Disposable Phone Number

Text spam is rising too! Brands sent 31% more marketing messages in 2024 compared to 2023. Hence, getting a disposable phone number can save you from unwanted attention. Let’s break down the top reasons to get a disposable phone number.

1. Turn an Old Device into a Phone

Got an old phone lying in the corner? Use it purposefully.

Install a temporary phone app, get a virtual phone number or burner phone SIM card, and it can become a second phone. You can receive SMS online, phone calls, and SMS text messages, all without touching your personal phone number. Indeed, it’s a smart way to get a new temporary phone number using what you already own.

2. Run a Side Hustle

Need a second phone number for business? A temporary number offers caller ID, voicemail, and unlimited texts, so you can manage clients without lighting up your primary number. Do you want to dodge job calls after 5 PM? No problem. A temporary number simplifies work-life separation as well.

3. Sign Up for an Account

Signing up on new websites, apps, or services often triggers a verification code via SMS or two?factor authentication. Use fake phone numbers or virtual numbers instead to keep your real phone number private. Additionally, you can even use Google Voice or burner numbers to verify accounts without getting spam messages on your main line.

4. Separate Business from Personal Life

Balancing real business calls and personal messages on one device? Get a throwaway phone number to route work calls, complete with voicemail, SMS, and caller ID so your personal life stays untouched. No confusion over which phone number got that urgent text.

Pro Tip:

Set up your business voicemail with a distinct tone and message, and use labels or call-forwarding rules to auto-sort client calls. Apps like Google Voice or CallHippo let you customize alerts, so you never mix up a sales lead with a brunch plan. Protect your time and your headspace.

5. Sell Something Online

Do you want to post on marketplace sites? Use a temporary number for listings. It gives unknown callers a line while protecting your real number. Once the sale is done, delete the number and forget it. Save yourself from persistent spam or follow-up calls.

6. Online Dating

Tinder, Bumble, you name it, online dating shouldn’t mean your number gets leaked. A virtual phone number lets you chat, move to SMS, or call without sharing your primary number. If things go sideways, you can retire the new number and move on.

7. Anonymous Communication

Need to report something, give feedback, or simply stay anonymous? Temporary phone numbers let you send that message or place that call without revealing personal info. Perfect for whistleblowers who want to disappear in thin air.

8. Use a Temp Number for OTP Verifications

Verification codes are everywhere: banking sites, streaming trials, secured apps. Temporary phone numbers can receive OTPs, verification codes, and two-factor authentication texts, while keeping your real phone number private. Temporary numbers keep you safe from SIM?swap hacks.

How Much Do Temporary Numbers Cost?

Temporary numbers are surprisingly affordable and flexible, too.

Some platforms offer free trials or basic SMS reception. Others start at around $1.99 for 50 minutes. It allows you to test the platform before committing.

Here’s what most pricing models look like:

• Pay-as-you-go – Ideal for one-off tasks like account verification or quick calls.
• Monthly plans – Great if you need consistent, ongoing access.
• One-time rentals – Use it for a day or week, no strings attached.

Wrapping Up

Temporary numbers are the digital version of a burner jacket—smart, subtle, and protective. You get to keep your personal number off the grid while still doing all the things like making sales, testing products, booking appointments, or managing marketplace listings.

The best part? Most apps like CallHippo make it very simple. Download, pick a plan, and you’re up and running in minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I pick any area code for my number?

Yes! Most platforms let you choose a local or out-of-state area code, which is great for branding or added flexibility.

2. Can I use a temp number on a tablet?

Definitely, as long as your tablet can run calling or texting apps, you’re good to go.

3. Are there any free fake number apps?

A few, like Quackr.io and Freephonenum.com, offer limited SMS-only numbers at no cost.

4. Which apps offer temporary numbers?

Popular apps such as CallHippo, Burner, DoNotPay, DialerHQ, and Hushed are trusted names in the market.

5. Is it legal to use a fake number?

Yes, if you’re using it ethically, like protecting your privacy or running tests. It crosses the line if used for scams or illegal activity.

6. Can a temp mobile number be traced?

Not easily. Most providers protect user identity, but law enforcement can get access to temp mobile number in serious cases.

Published : July 23, 2025

Juhi Parekh

Juhi is a senior content writer with over 4 years of experience in the B2B SaaS industry. A passionate storyteller at heart, she transforms complex ideas into compelling narratives with an adaptive and audience-first writing style. Juhi has helped multiple brands strengthen their voice, connect with their audience, and drive measurable growth through content. When she is away from the screen, she enjoys winding down with a well-written book!

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