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Indian temporary numbers are useful when you travel to India, run a provisional business, or simply need an Indian phone number for verification purposes. They offer flexible solutions for situations where you don’t want to commit to a permanent phone number. You can use them for a specific time period, and once you're done, simply discontinue the service.
VoIP service providers and temporary number apps offer temp numbers in India. You can get them online and use them for calls, texts, or app verification.
When Should You Get an India Temp Number?
You should get an Indian temporary phone number when you need a local Indian number for short-term use.
Visiting India
If you are going to India, you may want to take a local phone number with you. But if you’re there for a temporary period only, then it's best not to commit to a permanent phone number. In this situation, an Indian temp phone number comes in handy
Privacy Protection
You can use a temporary number as your secondary number. When interacting with Indian clients, businesses, or websites, you can use the secondary number to keep your personal phone number private.
Short-Term Business Operations
For those running short-term business operations in India, a temporary number helps you keep your business communications separate from your personal phone. You can set it up for customer service, short-term projects, or marketing campaigns and then discard it when you no longer need it.
Verification for Online Services
Many websites, apps, or services require phone number verification. You can get a temporary phone number for otp verification. If the app requires Indian phone number for verification, you can get a number with an Indian country code.
How to Get an Indian Temporary Phone Number?
You can get an Indian temporary phone number through various options such as temporary SIM cards, temporary number apps, and virtual phone services.
Temporary SIM Card
You can get a prepaid or postpaid SIM card in India for temporary use. These SIM cards are available to both residents and foreigners, and they are available in airports and local phone stores. If you’re traveling to India, it’s best to get in the airports. To get one, you'll need a copy of your passport, an Indian visa, and a passport-sized photo. The SIM card usually comes with a plan that is valid for 90 days. It usually has 1.5 GB of data per day and free calls across India, all for a cost of around $10 USD.
Temporary Number Apps
If you do not want the physical SIM card, then temporary number apps can be your option. Since these apps offer numbers for a limited time, you can get a temp Indian number for OTP verification or short-term use. However, you should be careful that some of these numbers may be recycled, meaning they’ve been used by others previously. Also, be aware that the number often expires quickly, so they are best used only for temporary activities that don’t require a long-term solution.
VoIP Numbers
VoIP numbers are another popular option for those who need an Indian number without committing to a SIM card or app. VoIP phone services offer virtual phone numbers that allow you to make and receive calls or texts over the Internet. These numbers can be used for long term as well as short term.
5 Best Indian Temp Number Providers
With so many providers offering temporary Indian numbers, it can be difficult to choose the right one. Whether you need an Indian temp number for OTP verification, temporary calls, or simply for privacy reasons, here are five of the best options available:
1. Quackr
Quackr is an excellent option if you're looking for an Indian temporary number specifically for OTP purposes. It’s a cloud-based platform that’s perfect for those who don’t want to share personal details on random online pages.
Quaker offers a quick service. You’ll only have to wait for around 8 seconds to receive a message. Moreover, the app automatically deletes the messages within 24 hours, which makes it a great choice for short-term, secure usage.
2. Calilio
Calilio, a VoIP service provider, offers virtual phone numbers from over 100 countries, including India. You can use the Indian virtual number for OTPs, phone calls, and SMS, alongside different VoIP features. Some additional features include call forwarding, voicemail, and SMS integration.
3. SMSOnline
SMSOnline is a popular choice for registering on social networks, dating platforms, and online shopping sites. You can get more than 10 temporary Indian numbers from SMSOnline. The app offers plenty of number options to choose from as it regularly adds new numbers every week. The most impressive part is that it offers free temporary numbers in India.
4. JustCall
JustCall offers a virtual phone number with a 14-day free trial. The free trial gives you enough time to see if it's good for the services where you need an Indian phone number. Both individuals and businesses can purchase a number from Justcall. Its Indian virtual numbers support phone calls, SMS, and MMS.
5. Continent Telecom
Continent Telecom specializes in providing virtual landline phone numbers and one-time use Indian temp numbers for OTP verification. It is an affordable option if you need a temporary number for quick verification without any long-term obligation. You can get a one-time-use India temporary number from Continent Telecom for just $1.
Tips for Selecting the Right Temporary Phone Number Provider in India
Before choosing the Indian Temporary phone number provider, consider your purpose of number, service duration, and privacy of the service provider.
- Check if the provider offers recycled or non-recycled numbers. Recycled numbers may have been used by others before, which could lead to unwanted messages or calls. If privacy is a priority, opt for non-recycled numbers.
- If you need a number from a specific region in India, ensure the provider offers local numbers of your desired region.
- Make sure the provider offers the number for the time period you need. Some temporary numbers expire within a few hours, while others last for days or even months. Choose a provider that provides the service for how much you’d require the number.
- Consider what you need the Indian temporary number for—whether it's for OTP verification, making calls, or sending SMS. Different providers specialize in different services, so select the provider that fits your needs.
- Look for providers that prioritize your privacy and delete messages or calls after a certain period. This is especially important if you’re using the number for account verification.
Final Words
You can use an Indian temp number for OTP verification, making calls, or handling short-term business needs. You can get these numbers online from temporary phone number apps and virtual phone number providers.
Calilio offers Indian virtual numbers that are perfect for both temporary and permanent use. You can get and use these numbers from anywhere in the world, whether you're in India or outside the country. Sign Up today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to use a virtual number in India?
Yes, using a virtual number in India is legal as long as it complies with the regulations set by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). You must also ensure you get these numbers through authorized service providers.
Is a temporary number allowed in India?
Yes, temporary numbers are allowed in India. These numbers are often used for SMS verification.
How to get a temporary mobile number in India?
You can get a temporary mobile number in India by purchasing a prepaid SIM card, using a temporary number app, or obtaining a virtual number from a VoIP service like Calilio.
How can I get a free Indian phone number?
Temporary phone number services like Quackr or SMSOnline offer free numbers, though they often come with limited functionality or a short time frame for usage.
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