Need a second phone number but don’t want to pay for it? Or maybe you’re trying to keep your real number private? The good news—you can get a free temporary phone number in minutes, and it won’t cost a thing.
Whether it’s for online shopping, job hunting, dating apps, or just testing services, a temporary phone number can save your privacy. Let’s walk through the easiest and safest ways to get one without spending a dime.
What Is a Temporary Phone Number?
A temporary phone number is a virtual number that you can use for a short time. It works just like a regular number—you can make calls, send texts, or receive verification codes. But the best part? You don’t need a SIM card or a second phone.
These numbers are:
- Easy to get
- Free (or very cheap)
- Useful for privacy and one-time use
Why You Might Need a Temporary Phone Number
Here are a few common reasons people look for one:
- Signing up for websites without using your personal number
- Avoiding spam and robocalls
- Selling items on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace
- Online dating
- Testing apps or services
- Creating social media accounts or burner accounts
Bottom line? Temporary numbers protect your privacy and give you control over who can reach you.
How to Get a Free Temporary Phone Number (Step-by-Step)
Here’s the full breakdown on how to get one without paying:
1. Use a Free Temporary Phone Number App
Many apps give you a temporary number for free. Some work for a few days, while others allow you to renew the number or get a new one easily.
🔹 Best Free Apps:
Let’s look at the most trusted and easy-to-use apps:
TextNow
- What it offers: A free US or Canada phone number
- Features: Unlimited texting and calling (with ads)
- Platform: Android, iOS, and Web
- How to use:
- Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Sign up with an email address.
- Pick a free number with your desired area code.
Tip: You can keep the number if you use it regularly.
Google Voice
- What it offers: Free number (US only)
- Features: Voicemail, texting, calling, and call forwarding
- Platform: Web, Android, iOS
- How to use:
- Sign in with a Google account.
- Go to voice.google.com.
- Search for an available number in your area.
- Link it to your existing phone.
Note: Only available to US users.
Burner App (Trial Option)
- What it offers: A disposable number with a 7-day free trial
- Platform: Android and iOS
- How to use:
- Download the app.
- Start a free trial.
- Use your burner number for texts or calls.
Important: After the trial ends, you’ll need to upgrade or get a new trial.
TextPlus
- What it offers: Free phone number (US only)
- Features: Free texting and cheap calling
- Platform: Android, iOS
- How to use:
- Download the app.
- Sign up with an email.
- Choose a phone number.
Note: Great for basic texting.
2ndLine (US & Canada Only)
- What it offers: Second number with calling and texting
- Platform: Android, iOS
- How to use:
- Install the app.
- Sign in.
- Choose an area code and select a number.
Best for business or dual-line users.
2. Try Free Online Temporary Number Websites
Want a number without downloading an app? Try web-based temporary number services. These sites give you shared public phone numbers for SMS use only.
🔹 Best Free Websites:
Receive-SMS-Online.com
- Gives access to public phone numbers
- Choose from US, UK, Canada, and more
- Great for verification texts
FreePhoneNum.com
- Free temporary numbers
- Fast message delivery
- Ideal for testing and sign-ups
SMSReceiveFree.com
- Global number selection
- Real-time message updates
- Clean user interface
Warning: Never use public numbers for sensitive or personal accounts. Anyone can read the messages.
Tips to Stay Safe While Using Temporary Numbers
While temporary numbers are useful, they come with a few rules to keep in mind:
- Don’t use them for banking or personal accounts
- Use a trusted app or website
- Avoid sharing sensitive info
- Delete messages and uninstall apps when done
How Long Do Free Temporary Numbers Last?
This depends on where you get it:
- Public web-based numbers: Stay active as long as the site allows
- App-based numbers: Can last forever if you keep using them
- Trial-based numbers: Usually expire after 7 days
If you want to keep a number longer, use an app like TextNow or Google Voice, which lets you maintain the number with occasional use.
Can You Get Multiple Temporary Numbers?
Yes, absolutely.
- Use different email addresses to sign up for multiple apps.
- Some websites let you pick from multiple numbers in one place.
- Burner apps often allow adding more than one line.
Just don’t abuse the system, or your account might be blocked.
Pros and Cons of Free Temporary Numbers
Let’s break down the ups and downs.
✅ Pros:
- No cost
- Easy to set up
- Protects your real number
- Great for short-term use
❌ Cons:
- Limited time or usage
- Might not work for all services
- Public numbers = no privacy
- Ads or upgrade prompts in free apps
Best Use Cases for Temporary Numbers
Still not sure where you’d use one? Here’s a quick list:
- Job applications
- Online dating
- Short-term freelancing gigs
- eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace
- Trying out new services or websites
- Email or phone verification
FAQs About Temporary Phone Numbers
1. Are temporary phone numbers really free?
Yes, many apps and websites offer free versions. Some may show ads or limit features unless you pay.
2. Can I receive verification codes?
Yes, most temporary numbers allow you to receive SMS codes. Just make sure the service you’re signing up for accepts virtual numbers.
3. Do I need Wi-Fi or data?
Yes. Since most of these numbers work via the internet, you need Wi-Fi or mobile data to send/receive calls and texts.
4. Is it legal to use a temporary number?
Yes, using a temporary number is legal. Just don’t use it for scams, fraud, or anything illegal.
5. Can I use a free temporary number for WhatsApp or Telegram?
Sometimes. It depends on the platform. Some block known temporary numbers, so results may vary.
Final Thoughts
Getting a free temporary phone number is easy, safe, and takes less than 5 minutes. Whether you need one for privacy, testing, or short-term use, you’ve got several reliable options—apps or websites.
Stick with trusted names like TextNow, Google Voice, or public number sites for quick SMS verifications. Always stay cautious when sharing personal details, especially with public numbers.
Now that you know how to get one, you’re all set to protect your privacy and enjoy hassle-free calling and texting—without exposing your real number!
