How to Get a Temporary Phone Number?

A temporary phone number is a virtual number you can use for a short period. It helps to keep the personal phone number private, in the circumstances, where you are required to use your phone number but don’t want to expose your personal number. You can use this number in the same way as a general number and can discard it after using it for your desired purpose.
 

Temporary phone numbers are not linked with physical devices and are generally obtained through different mobile apps and virtual phone number service providers.

A temp number works for a specific period of time. These numbers don’t have a permanent address, but when you get a temporary number, you can use it from your preferred device. If you call someone using that particular device, the receiver sees your temporary numbers instead of your actual numbers. This safeguards your private number from exposing, providing you an extra layer of privacy and security.
 

In the case of receiving phone calls - when someone calls your phone number, it directly gets forwarded to your actual device.

There are multiple ways to buy a temporary number, whether you need it for enterprise or individual purposes. Also, you can obtain virtual phone numbers, SIM cards, or phones and use them for the short-term until your requirements are fulfilled.

By using a virtual number, you can make and receive calls or texts without ever exposing your actual phone number. These services are perfect for temporary needs, whether you're completing a short-term project, registering on a platform, or conducting business transactions. Best of all, once you're done, you can dispose of the virtual number without any impact on your personal information or contacts.

Disposable Number Apps

Various apps such as Google Voice and Burner provide virtual numbers that are used for short-term purposes like online verification, temporary business transactions, and privacy. Once you use these numbers, they allow you to dispose of them without affecting the private phone number.

SMS Only Services by TextPlus

TextPlus provides you with a free virtual number, which you can use for temporary purposes. However, these numbers only allow you to send and receive the texts and messages, not the calls. So, you can consider using these numbers when you require a temporary phone number for verification by text or SMS.

An alternative way of getting a temporary phone number without using apps is by purchasing a temporary SIM card or prepaid phone.

Prepaid Mobile Phone 

A prepaid mobile is an excellent choice for temporary use. You can buy prepaid cell phones, which include several credits for SMS and calls from any mobile carrier. Such phones are generally known as burner phones, and they are often cheap and do not require a contract to purchase.

Temporary SIM Card

You can secure your momentary phone number from mobile career stores like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. However, they are available only in certain regions. Prior to buying a SIM card, contact your existing carrier, ensuring your phone is unlocked to another carrier. Once your needs are satisfied, you can replace your temporary SIM card with a permanent one for long-term use.

Switch Number From Mobile Provider

If you do not want to involve a third party, you can ask your mobile provider to temporarily change your phone number. Typically, most service providers offer this service, though they may charge a fee for it.
 

Getting a temporary phone number provides flexibility, privacy, and peace of mind for short-term communication needs. Below are the listed benefits of temporary numbers.

Temporary phone numbers help to prevent spam messages. For instance, using temporary numbers for online sign-up helps to reduce the risk of your personal number being flooded with spam.

The disposable number works across various platforms and devices, ensuring smooth functionality whether you are using an Android, iOS, or computer. This flexibility allows you to use the number for calls, messaging, and verification across various systems with ease.

Temp phone numbers ensure privacy by allowing you to make phone calls without revealing your personal information when interacting online or with strangers. This is particularly useful for platforms like online dating, classified ads, or job postings, where you might not want to share your permanent number.

Many websites and services require a phone number for verification. A temporary number can be used to complete these sign-ups without exposing your main number, protecting you from potential data breaches or spam.

The cost of buying a temporary phone number depends on the method you choose. Some services, like Google Voice or TextNow, offer free temporary numbers with basic features, such as sending texts and making calls. These free options are ideal for short-term use, though they may come with certain limitations.

For more advanced features, paid services like Burner and Hushed charge small fees. These services typically start around $1 to $5 for short-term use, and some even offer subscription plans that let you keep the number longer with added features like call forwarding or call masking.

Another option is buying a prepaid phone or SIM card, which gives you a temporary number for making calls and sending texts. Prepaid phones can cost between $10 and $50, while SIM cards generally range from $5 to $20. Mobile providers may also let you change your number temporarily, but this service often comes with a fee, usually between $10 and $30.

A temporary phone number is a great tool for privacy and security when you need to make calls without revealing your personal number or signing up on the online platform. It prevents you from getting unwanted calls and messages on your private number. You can get a temporary number from a mobile carrier or a telephone service provider. Alternatively, you can use a virtual number as your temporary phone number from VoIP providers, as it comes packed with features at a lower price.
 

Consider getting a virtual phone number from Calilio to enable features like Caller ID and Call Masking, allowing you to set a temporary identity and maintain your privacy. Plus, you can make a phone call using a different number than your actual number.