Get a Temporary Phone Number for SMS Verification
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SMS verification is essential when signing up for online services, securing accounts, and verifying identities. For this, the service provider sends a verification code to your phone number, which you’ll use to confirm your identity. But not all the time, you may want to share your personal phone number on the online platforms. In such cases, you can use a temporary
phone number.
A temporary phone number is a phone number designed to be used for a short term. After using it, you can easily discard the number.
Online communication platforms like Google Voice and VoIP service providers like Calilio offer a temporary phone number for SMS verification.
Why Use a Temporary Phone Number for OTP Verification?
A temporary phone number helps you avoid sharing your private number on different online platforms. Use a temporary number for OTP verification to protect your private number.
Privacy Protection
As you use your personal number online, you’re always at risk of cyber attacks. The cyberattackers can steal your number and expose you to unwanted contacts. So, using an alternative temporary number can keep your personal information safe.
Security
Using a temporary number that is not associated with personal details you can reduce the risk of identity theft and unauthorized access. Even if someone else knows your phone number, your personal details remain safe.
Access to International Services
You can access different international services, especially when using a virtual number as a temporary number. For instance, some US-based services require a US - phone number for registration or verification. You can easily access these services from anywhere in the world using a US virtual phone number.
How to Get a Temporary Phone Number for SMS Verification?
You can get a temporary number for an OTP verification from online services like Google Voice, disposable number providers like Burner, or VoIP services such as Calilio.
Using Online Services
Online services like Google Voice offer you a temp. OTP number. It’s also an ideal option if you’re looking for a free temporary phone number for SMS verification. It provides a free US-based number that you can use for verification, calls, and voicemails.
Here’s how to get a text verification number from Google Voice:
Step 1: Visit the Google Voice website or download the Google Voice app.
Step 2: Select the phone number for business or personal use.
Step 3: Sign In. Then, click on the ‘Continue’ button.
Step 4: Select your desired phone number from the search box.
Step 5: You’ll get the OTP code via text. Now, enter that code in the prompt field.
Step 6: Finally, link your Google Voice number with your existing phone number.
Apps for Disposable Phone Number
Disposable phone number apps like Burner are a perfect option if you’re looking for a phone number for short-term use. After using this temp number for OTP verification, you can easily delete it if you wish to.
Here’s how to get a temporary number for OTP verification from Burner:
Step 1: Download the Burner app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Step 2: Sign up and choose the number - local or international.
Step 3: Select a number from the list provided by the app.
Step 4: Activate your Burner number.
Step 5: Use your Burner number for SMS verification and discard it when you're finished.
Through VoIP Services
VoIP services like Calilio offer a virtual phone number that you can also use to verify SMSs. It offers a free temporary phone number for SMS verification (US and Canada numbers) upon subscribing to one of its VoIP plans. For other numbers, the additional costs apply, though.
Follow these steps to get a virtual phone number from Calilio:
Step 1: Download the Calilio app and create your account.
Step 2: Calilio offers a range of VoIP plans. Select your plan.
Step 3: Choose from the available virtual phone numbers.
Step 4: Complete the payment process to secure your number.
Step 5: Set up and start using your new virtual phone number for text verification.
How to Use a Temp Phone Number for OTP Verification?
To use temp. SMS verification number, provide your temporary number to service when signing up, receive the code in the provided number, and enter the received code to verify.
Step 1: Enter Temporary Number During Sign Up
When registering your account on the new service or platform, enter your temporary phone number when asked to provide your number.
Step 2: Wait for the Verification Code
The service provider will send a verification code via SMS to the phone number you provided. This usually takes a few seconds.
Step 3: Retrieve the Verification Code
Access the platform or app where your temporary number is registered. For instance, if you have a temporary number from Google Voice, then open this app. You’ll get the verification app in the respective app.
Step 4: Input the Verification Code
Return to the service or platform and enter the verification code you received.
Step 5: Finalize the Verification
After entering the code, the service generally informs that the verification is complete. Now, you can start using the service with your verified temporary phone number.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Temp. Numbers for OTP Verification?
While temporary numbers can protect your private numbers, they also come with certain limitations, like reliability issues and network connectivity problems.
Advantages
- Temporary numbers help maintain your anonymity online. This is especially useful for verification purposes for services where you do not prefer sharing your real identity.
- Once the verification process is complete, you can easily discard the number. You do not have to commit to long-term use like for other regular numbers.
- Since the temporary number can be deleted after use, you avoid receiving unwanted messages or calls in the future.
- Getting a temporary number is usually fast and straightforward. You just need to create an account with the service provider and purchase your number.
Disadvantages
- Temporary numbers, especially disposable numbers, can expire soon and become unavailable in a short time. So, it may not be the best choice if you need to verify the same account multiple times.
- Some platforms may not accept temporary numbers. In such scenarios, you do not have an option but to use your personal phone number.
- While some services offer free temporary numbers for OTP verification, others may require payment. Additionally, the free numbers often come with limited functionality.
- Some temporary numbers may be recycled or reused once you discard them. If the number is reassigned, then there’s a risk that someone else could receive messages that are actually intended for you.
Wrapping Up
Temporary phone numbers provide an effective way to protect your privacy and security during OTP verification processes. You can obtain these numbers from online services, disposable number apps, or virtual phone number providers. Among these, virtual numbers can be an ideal choice if you're looking for a versatile option. Virtual numbers come with added business communication features, which are useful whether you’re looking for a number for temporary or long-term use.
Get your virtual temporary number for OTP verification from Calilio. We not only provide feature-rich numbers but also have advanced networking technology. Our robust technology ensures that you’ll face no networking issues when receiving SMS verification codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a temporary phone number safe to use for SMS verification?
Yes, a temporary phone number is safe to use for OTP verification. In fact, it provides an additional layer of privacy by avoiding exposing your personal number.
Can you use a virtual phone number for SMS verification?
Yes, you can use a virtual phone number for SMS verification. In addition to verifying your account, they often come with extra features like forwarding, voicemail, and call recording.
How long can you use a temporary phone number?
Well, it depends on your service provider. Some temporary numbers are only available for a few minutes or hours, while others may last for several days or weeks.
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