Published : August 4, 2023In this modern world, where staying connected is more important than ever, having a reliable phone number has become critical for both personal and professional communication. But what if you only need a temporary phone number app and don’t want to sign a contract?
Temporary phone numbers are ideal for those who wish to maintain their privacy, protect their primary phone number, or have a burner phone as a disposable option for a short period of time. A temp phone number can be a game changer if you’re a business professional, frequent traveler, or simply someone who values your privacy. According to research, about 47% of organizations possess security mechanisms capable of detecting accounts registered with these temporary numbers.
This blog will go over how to get a temporary or second phone number in greater detail. We’ll go over various strategies, benefits, and use cases to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Whether you’re a business professional, a frequent traveler, or value your privacy, we have a variety of options for you to stay connected without making long-term commitments. Let’s dig deep!
"Users can easily create temporary lines using virtual phone number services, ensuring their anonymity during online conversations and safeguarding their personal data. Disposable SIM cards are a practical choice for travelers and people looking for transient communication options. "
What Is a Temporary Phone Number?
A temporary phone number is a virtual phone number that is usable temporarily. Also known as a disposable phone number, It acts as a temporary partner, hiding your personal phone number from inquisitive online eyes. When you join or sign up for a new phone app, game, or website, this magical number emerges, concealing your genuine digits from potential misuse and spam.
Consider the following scenario: You want to play a new online game, but they demand your real phone number first. Instead of providing strangers your real number as your primary contact information, you promote the temporary number as a trustworthy buddy. When you complete your objective, the number vanishes into thin air, leaving no trace.
In addition to gaming, these numbers are ideal for online shopping, socializing with strangers, and creating new contacts. You can swiftly discard an old disguise and create a new one as needed. This dynamic feature allows you to safeguard the integrity of your phone, keeping you safe and untouchable in the ever-changing digital world.
How Does a Temporary Number Work?
A temporary number generates a special phone number for a brief period of time or a particular use. Text messages and phone calls sent to this temporary number are routed to the user’s actual device. The number becomes inactive when the predetermined time period or purpose has passed, preventing future communication.
Temporary numbers are frequently used in online transactions, app verifications, and other circumstances when people want to protect their personal information from unauthorized parties while maintaining the internet connection anyway. These short-term fixes provide a solid defense against potential privacy invasions and ensure constant connectivity without disclosing one’s long-term contact information.
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How Do I Get a Disposable Phone Number?
Ensuring privacy and security in the digital age has become a paramount concern for individuals who wish to safeguard their personal information. Whether it’s the wariness of sharing their primary phone number online or the need for a temporary number for specific purposes, obtaining a disposable phone number has emerged as a practical solution.
Numerous methods are available on how to get a temporary phone number. These methods offer users a range of options to meet their needs. A few of them are written below; let’s take a look at them!
1. Using a Virtual Phone Number
A. Free Inbound SMS Confirmation Services
Certain websites and apps now provide free inbound SMS services, enabling users to send texts and receive text messages without the requirement of a dedicated phone number. This feature proves beneficial when signing up for online services that necessitate a verification code, allowing individuals to keep their actual phone numbers private.
B. Temporary Number Apps on Smartphones
To address the need for a temp phone number for OTP and calls, several mobile applications have been developed. These apps generate virtual numbers that can receive calls and texts, offering users an additional layer of privacy.
C. Borrowing a Friend’s Phone
In situations where a disposable phone number is only needed for single, limited use, individuals can seek the assistance of a friend or family member.
By asking to borrow their second phone number to receive a call or text message, users can avoid the need to divulge their primary number. However, it is essential to exercise caution and ensure that this approach aligns with the privacy preferences of the unknown caller and the friend or family member involved.
D. TextPlus for SMS-Only Service
TextPlus, a specialized service, grants users access to free virtual phone numbers primarily for receiving SMS messages. Although voice calls are not supported, this option proves valuable in scenarios where a disposable real phone number is exclusively required for SMS text messages for verification purposes.
2. Purchasing Temporary Use Phones or Cards
For those seeking physical devices for short-term use, several options are available:
A. Purchase a Prepaid Cell Phone
Many mobile carriers offer prepaid cell phones equipped with a new phone number and a specific amount of credit for calls and texts. These phones are not bound by any contracts and can be used until the credit is exhausted.
B. Buy a Temporary Use SIM Card
In select regions, temporary-use SIM cards are available for purchase, featuring a new phone number and a limited amount of credit. These SIM cards can typically be found in convenience stores or mobile phone shops. Similar to prepaid cell phones, they can be used until the credit is depleted, making them ideal for short-term needs.
C. Change Your Phone Number through Your Mobile Provider
For individuals who prefer to avoid third-party services, inquiring with their mobile provider about temporarily changing their existing phone number is a viable option. Some carriers may offer this service for a nominal fee or as part of a package.
Whatever method is used, it is critical to be aware of how the disposable number is used and to ensure that it complies with individual privacy and security standards. Individuals may traverse the digital landscape with more confidence in the safety of their personal information if they use the right technique.
You May Also Read: 13 Best Second Phone Number Apps in 2024
Reasons To Get a Temporary Phone Number
The idea of committing to a permanent phone number might not always be practical or desirable, especially in certain situations where temporary communication solutions are preferred.
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A burner provides a viable solution to this predicament, offering virtual numbers that can be obtained for a limited duration without being tied to long-term contracts. Below mentioned are some of the top reasons why you must get a temporary phone number online. Let’s dig deep!
1. Turning an Old Device into a Phone
A common reason for obtaining a temporary mobile number is to unlock the potential of old or unused devices.
Instead of abandoning older smartphones after upgrading to newer models, people can give them new life by obtaining a temporary mobile number. They can temporarily convert their outdated device into a fully functional phone by doing so.
2. Running a Side Hustle
For aspiring entrepreneurs or those with a side hustle or small business, effectively managing communication while keeping a clear separation from personal life is critical. For this purpose, you can jump on how to get a throwaway phone number since it is a simple yet effective solution. Individuals who are interested in starting their own business can obtain a separate phone number.
3. Signing Up for an Account
The omnipresent requirement to sign up for online services, applications, and websites in the digital era mandates the provision of personal phone numbers upon registration. However, doing so may result in unwanted marketing calls or unsolicited texts.
During the registration procedure, a temporary phone number functions as a screen, protecting your privacy. Users can easily remove the temporary phone number once the intended purpose of free service has been met, ensuring that their primary phone number remains free of spam calls.
4. Separating Your Business from Your Personal Life
Many professionals struggle with establishing a clear line between their personal and professional obligations. Temporary phone numbers save the day by providing a unique channel of communication for professional interactions. Professionals can efficiently answer calls and messages during set business hours by using a different number.
5. Selling Something Online
Individuals often prefer to maintain their privacy and avoid sharing personal phone numbers with potential buyers when engaging in online transactions, such as selling items through marketplaces or classified ads. A temporary phone number is an ideal solution because it allows sellers to remain anonymous during transactions.
6. Online Dating
Online dating can be exciting, but it can also raise worries about security and privacy. People can use temporary phone numbers as an additional layer of security to reduce these risks.
Users can communicate with potential matches using temporary numbers without immediately disclosing their permanent contact details. People can choose when and if they want to reveal more personal information by developing a level of comfort and trust with a potential match.
7. Anonymous Communication
For various reasons, such as whistleblowing, reporting sensitive information, or seeking advice while protecting one’s identity, certain situations necessitate anonymous communication. Temporary phone numbers provide some anonymity, making it difficult to trace the source of communication back to the sender.
Individuals are empowered to speak out when they might otherwise be hesitant due to concerns about privacy or potential consequences. This ensures the confidentiality and safety of their communications.
Now you would have surely understood how to create a temporary phone number, and it offers a multitude of advantages for individuals seeking short-term communication solutions. Whether repurposing an old device, efficiently managing a side hustle, safeguarding privacy during online activities, or enabling anonymous communication, temporary phone numbers provide a versatile and convenient option.
7 Best Temporary Phone Number Apps
With various temporary phone number apps available, choosing the best one is not an easy task. However, here is a list of the seven best temporary phone number apps that can help you get going! Let’s take a closer look at each one of them!
After extensive research and analysis, we have curated a list of Temporary Phone Number. These softwares are carefully selected based on usability and satisfaction scores, including features, ease of use, customer support, ratings, and reviews from SoftwareSuggest, G2, and Capterra. Our aim is to assist businesses in identifying the most suitable software to streamline their operations.
1. CallHippo
CallHippo is a widely-known virtual phone system used by small and medium-sized businesses to connect with customers. It’s quite affordable, so companies can keep in touch with customers without making a hole in their pockets.
Perfect for new businesses, it offers a dependable phone system for sales and customer service. CallHippo helps businesses offer great customer service, explore new opportunities, and boost sales.
Key Features
- Effective Call Management
- Call forwarding
- Call recording
- Automatic Call Distribution
CallHippo Pros and Cons
- Being user-friendly, beginners can easily get their hands on this software.
- This software offers a dedicated free trial which attracts many clients.
- With its cloud-based architecture, CallHippo can easily be integrated across many other platforms.
- This software doesn’t log all the call recordings into the CRM.
- CallHippo only allows for metered calling.
Pricing
- Bronze: $16 per user/month
- Silver: $24 per user/month
- Platinum: $40 per user/month
Note: CallHippo deals in business phone numbers not in temporary phone numbers.
2. Burner
Burner is a well-known virtual phone number service that provides a second line for calling and texting without incurring additional carrier fees. Burner gives you a disposable VOIP number with a local area code that you can use for a variety of purposes.
This includes dating, avoiding salespeople, online shopping, and conducting secure transactions on websites such as Craigslist. Because of its adaptability and practicality, it is a popular choice for people who want to communicate easily and privately in a variety of settings throughout different locations in their daily lives.
Key Features
- Easily block contacts
- Custom voicemail greetings
- Effective call management
Burner Pros and Cons
- This software offers a dedicated free trial of 7 days.
- Burner offers a special functionality of do not disturb mode.
- It supports call forwarding and texting that attracts many customers.
- At times, this software calls count against your cellular phone plan.
- Burner is quite an expensive software.
Pricing
- Starts at $4.99/month for 1 line
You May Also Read : How to Get a Virtual Phone Number for Telegram in 2023
3. DialerHQ
DialerHQ will transport you to a world of effortless communication. There’s no need for a physical SIM card because talking and messaging are so simple. You buy a local telephone number and a backup phone number, all managed in one place, regardless of the size of your business. You can easily enjoy worry-free communication with DialerHQ as your reliable companion!
Key Features
- Call recording
- Top-notch call quality
- International calling & texting
- Call routing
- Seamless business phone line setup
DialerHQ Pros and Cons
- DialerHQ provides exceptional customer service.
- This software provides multiple unique calling features along with easy and seamless integration.
- It offers a dedicated ten-day free trial that tends to attract various potential customers.
- Sometimes, this software can slow down and hamper work.
- Being a little expensive, it’s difficult for start-ups to use this software.
Pricing
- Offers a free version
- Bronze: $7.99/month
- Silver: $11.99/ month
- Platinum: $ 19.99/ month
4. Freephonenum.com
It is a VoIP call service that helps you make fake phone calls to the USA and Canada without the need to create an account. With this specific service, you can easily create a virtual phone number that is linked to your real phone number. This adds an extra degree of security against fraud and other illicit acts.
Key Features
- Data synchronization
- High security
- Browser-based
- Effective call management
Freephonenum.com Pros and Cons
- This platform uses browser capability to make calls accessible to numerous people across the globe.
- This software offers smooth verification that attracts various customers.
- Being quite budget-friendly, Freephonenum.com is an excellent option for start-ups.
- At times, this software can slow down and cause certain difficulties.
- Its customer support functionalities need improvement.
Pricing
- On-request
5. Ringover
Ringover is a cutting-edge cloud-based phone system designed to boost sales, customer support, and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) teams’ productivity. The platform also offers comprehensive statistics, and in-depth analysis for insightful data.
The cloud-based system, which is completely adaptable, transforms how businesses interact with their clients and customers while streamlining operations for peak performance. It also promotes employee mobility and collaboration.
Key Features
- Data synchronization
- One-click dialing
- Unlimited calling
- Call supervision
Ringover Pros and Cons
- This software integrates seamlessly with CRM and Helpdesk platforms.
- It offers a dedicated free trial which attracts a wide range of customers.
- Ringover helps to manage a plethora of various call records efficiently.
- Its file-converting functionalities need improvement.
- At times, this software can get a bit slowed down.
Pricing
- Starts at $24 per user/month
6. Quackr.io
Quaker.io is a web-based service offering free temporary phone numbers for receiving messages, OTPs, and verification codes. It’s focused on SMS, not calls. Access virtual phone numbers from 27 countries which is great for online accounts and easy verifications.
Quaker.io keeps its phone numbers updated regularly, ensuring a reliable experience. It’s the perfect platform for receiving SMS messages, making it your go-to choice for all verification needs.
Key Features
- Data synchronization
- Call verification
- High security
Quackr.io Pros and Cons
- This software offers to stop SMS spam by never having to reveal your real number.
- It stores up to 100 messages for each number.
- Quaker.io allows you to rent an actual phone number for $1/day on a pay-as-you-go basis.
- This software’s functionalities are limited to only receiving messages.
- Its user interface can be improved.
Pricing
- On-request
7. DoNotPay
The DoNotPay app is a chatbot-powered platform that has been recognized for its innovative legal aid. It makes it simple for people to challenge businesses, navigate bureaucracy, find hidden cash, and file lawsuits.
Its user-friendly interface has been praised by a variety of media outlets for its innovative and successful approach to assisting individuals in their legal struggles.
Key Features
- High security
- Warranty claims
- Trademark registration
- Notarize documents
DoNotPay Pros and Cons
- This app is available to users 24/7 and provides a free trial.
- DoNotPay helps analyze user accounts to find hidden money like bank fee refunds.
- This app can get slowed down at times which causes difficulties.
- Its customer support can be improved a bit.
Pricing
- On-request
How Much Do These Fake Phone Numbers Cost?
According to usage and duration, fake phone numbers are priced differently. Depending on their preferences, users can choose from a variety of options. Prepaid plans give you access to the real phone number for a predetermined amount of time, with the option to extend it if necessary.
Pay-as-you-go plans only allow payment for active usage, whereas subscription services offer a fake phone number in exchange for a recurring fee. The cost is not fixed and can range somewhere around $1.99 for like 50 minutes of talk.
Special discounts that enable users to permanently own the fictitious phone number with yearly credit renewals may be offered as a long-term fix. As a result of the small fee amount, accessibility is guaranteed without the cost and hassle of frequent payments. The fee structure offers both temporary and long-term options to suit different needs, preferences, and budgets.
Conclusion
Whether you require a temporary number for online verification, business needs, or dating applications, it is crucial to pick a trusted service provider and comprehend their terms and conditions to prevent any trouble.
By keeping the considerations mentioned in this blog, users can acquire a temporary phone number with confidence and take advantage of the advantages it offers in several areas of their online lives. Connect with our professionals to learn more about the vast field of temporary phone numbers today!
FAQs
1. Can I Only Buy Numbers in My Real Area Code?
Although phone companies typically assign local area code numbers to customers within a region, some providers allow customers to purchase area code numbers from other regions. This can improve communication options for both businesses looking to expand their market and individuals who prefer a specific area code for personal reasons.
2. Can I Use My Temporary Number on My iPad or Tablet?
If your iPad or tablet supports calling and messaging functions, using a temporary number is possible. A wide range of apps cater to this need, providing virtual numbers that seamlessly work on these devices.
3. How To Get a Fake Number for Free?
It can be difficult to get a completely free fake number because most services have fees attached to them. However, some apps and websites might provide limited free usage or trial periods for temporary numbers, giving users a chance to access these free phone numbers without paying a fee.
4. What App Can Use Fake Phone Numbers?
There are numerous apps available that allow users to use fake phone numbers for a variety of purposes. Platforms such as Burner, Google Voice, etc., enable users to generate temporary or alternate phone numbers, enhancing communication privacy and convenience.
5. Are Fake Phone Numbers Illegal?
The legality of using fake phone numbers depends on the intention and context of their usage. Employing them for legitimate purposes like online verification or safeguarding privacy is generally acceptable. However, engaging in illicit activities using fake numbers could result in legal repercussions.
6. Can Fake Numbers Be Traced?
Tracing fake numbers directly can be challenging since they often rely on virtual or disposable options that conceal personal information. Nevertheless, with cooperation from service providers and law enforcement agencies, it is possible to trace these numbers back to their users in specific cases, aiding investigations and ensuring accountability.
Updated : July 17, 2024
Supriya Bajaj is a senior content developer with immense experience in the VoIP telephony domain. With a deep knowledge of VoIP systems and emerging technologies in the field, she provides insightful and targeted content. Known for simplifying complex topics and her thought-leadership articles, Supriya delivers actionable content for both technical and non-technical audiences.
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