A Complete Guide to Renting a Phone Number for SMS Verification
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Signing up for almost all mobile applications requires completing SMS verification to authenticate you as a genuine user. However, you might not feel secure receiving such SMS on your phone number, especially if you are trying to access location-restricted apps and services.
Renting a phone number is a good solution for temporary phone needs like calling and texting. While traveling to a new country, many travelers need a local number for a short period; renting a number is simple and cost-effective for them compared to purchasing a new SIM card and going through the registration process. Likewise, if you want to expand your business abroad, renting local numbers for marketing might be better for reaching local customers while analyzing the market.
Renting a phone number for SMS verification is a simple process that lets you access any application verification code without using your private number. It helps you use location-restricted apps and manage multiple accounts without owning the SIM card.
How Does Renting a Phone Number Work?
Phone numbers available for renting are usually virtual phone numbers that function over the Internet and do not require a physical SIM. The process for renting a number involves selecting a provider and choosing the best rental duration plan, after which the provider will assign you a virtual number and ask for payment.
The numbers are cloud-based and have robust security measures, encryption protocols, and privacy policies to ensure the safety of the users' data. Like your regular cell number, you can use these numbers to receive calls, send SMS verification, and customize them for other communication needs.
Since virtual numbers are hosted on a cloud platform, you can access them from anywhere in the world using any device, be it your phone or tablet. When someone calls or sends a message to your rented number, the cloud-based phone system routes it to the service provider's app, which you can use to receive and respond to calls and messages.
Renting phone numbers lets you access an active phone number for your desired course of time while staying anonymous. It is legal in many places, including the European Union countries, where renting numbers are famous among international travelers for their reliable communication.
Best Place to Rent a Phone Number for SMS Verification
Many providers with distinct features and pricing are available for short-term or long-term phone renting. While they may have pros and cons, you can identify your needs first and pick the one that matches your preference the most. Here is a list of five authentic providers where you can rent a phone number for SMS verification.
SMS MAN
SMS MAN is a mobile application that sells virtual numbers at a minimum cost of as little as $0.05. With an SMS-MAN account, you can access numbers that receive verification codes from over 1500 social media platforms, marketplaces, and websites. For short-term use, it offers a one-time SMS verification number for 20 minutes and is available in over 200 countries. Similarly, it provides a 90-day virtual number from 16 countries with an unlimited SMS verification plan allowed on any website or app.
CarrierX
CarrierX is a phone number rental service that sells virtual numbers for SMS verification and offers advanced features like SIP Trunking and third-party app integration. Both its call and SMS service plans start from a minimum charge of $0.60. To rent a number via CarrierX, request it through the API, after which the number is assigned to you and linked to your account. Besides, it provides reliable customer support and a user-friendly phone API.
Bitrix24
Bitrix24 is an online customer relationship management platform that rents local cloud phone numbers in around 50 countries. As a CRM software, Bitrix offers many features to streamline communication and maximize operational efficiency. Comparatively, it is more expensive than other number providers as its basic plan starts from $61.00. Nevertheless, Bitrix24 often announces flash sales when prices drop by 35%.
Octopush
Octopus is a multichannel communication solution that offers bulk text messaging services in over 33 countries. It targets businesses and provides them with multichannel messaging like SMS, RCS, Voice, E-mail, and two-way text messaging. Octopush emphasizes data privacy and maintains security standards such as ISO 27001 and GDPR. It enables SMS service in less than a dollar; however, it takes an extra set-up fee ranging from €3 to €150 depending on the country.
Phone Numbers Store
Phone Numbers Store is the UK’s leading provider of memorable phone numbers, offering a wide range of rental services. They have over a thousand numbers available daily, with rental plans starting at £12 per month, including unlimited incoming calls when forwarded to a landline. It allows you to forward calls to multiple numbers or choose a pay-per-call plan with no hidden monthly fees.
How Do You Rent a Phone Number for SMS Verification?
Many online platforms and apps require users to verify their identity by sending a code to their phone. By renting a number, you can receive this verification code through the cloud service, enter it into the app or website, and complete the registration process without revealing your personal number. Several providers rent phone numbers online for SMS verification, so before deciding on one, make sure you have done your research and decided on your needs. A straightforward process for renting a phone number for SMS verification is as simple as mentioned below:
- Review and pick a trusted service to rent a phone number for SMS verification.
- Create an account >>Select a country>>Choose a number
- Choose the rental duration plan, usually available for a day, a week, or a month.
- Submit the required documents and complete the payment
- Use the purchased number to receive SMS verification codes.
Limitations of a Rented Phone Number
If you are sure about getting a temporary number, renting is a good option. However, for long-term purposes, renting numbers might not be very fruitful due to certain shortcomings, such as:
- Limited Duration: Rented numbers are usually available for a fixed period, which may not suit long-term secure communication needs.
- Restrictions: Although virtual numbers are usually accepted across many platforms, a few services still restrict virtual numbers for verification.
- Privacy: Rented numbers offer more privacy than carriers, but you must ensure that the number provider gives you full access to manage the number with guaranteed privacy and security.
- Cost: These numbers require regular rental payments for extended use, and some even demand pay-per-call, which is costly and inefficient for long-term use.
- Feature Limitations: Only a limited number of providers offer advanced features like international call and CRM dashboards when renting the number for SMS or call services.
- Availability: Not all providers offer numbers with area codes from all countries and regions. Only a few providers let you assign yourself the number of your choice.
- Customer Support: Not all providers offer fair after-sales customer support, and they might have complicated application interfaces, which makes using the app more challenging.
Getting a VoIP Number from Calilio, a Better Alternative to Renting Phone Numbers
Instead of renting a temporary phone number, which may come with limitations and added costs, consider getting a VoIP number from Calilio. A VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) number provides all the benefits of a rented number but with more flexibility, security, and advanced features. VoIP phone numbers from Calilio allows you to make and receive calls, send SMS, from any device connected to the internet. Whether for short-term use or long-term communication needs, our VoIP numbers offer a reliable and cost-effective solution.
With Calilio, you can choose from various local, toll-free, or international numbers and customize your plan according to your specific requirements. Beyond calling and SMS, our cloud phone system supports call forwarding, voicemail, and other essential VoIP features for personal and professional use. Sign up today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get SMS verification?
Ou will get your SMS verification code in your message box if you have entered your active phone number during account sign-up. If you have already entered your number but have not received an OTP code, consider clicking on the send again link.
How Do You Receive a Verification Code Without a Phone Number?
Suppose you don’t want to receive a verification code via your phone number. In that case, you can opt for a virtual phone number, or choose email verification to verify your authenticity.
Is It Legal to Rent My Cell Phone to Someone Else?
If you legally own a cell phone number, renting it to someone else should not be a problem. However, it might cause trouble if the person gets involved in unethical activities using your number, like accessing your social media and bank account, cold calling, etc.
How Do I Get a Free Virtual Phone Number?
You can get a free US and Canada virtual phone number on Calilio. You can assign it to your business team member or use it for private purposes.
How to Get a SMS Without a Phone Number?
If you do not want to use your personal number for app verification, you can use a VoIP number that works the same way as your carrier number for SMS verification.
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