We live in a world of crazes. Correction, digital crazes. Once upon a time it was downloading digital ringtones for our phones, nowadays it's about using a number online to receive any non-personal SMS messages. Yet this isn't just a la mode, it is also something that is done in order to protect both our online privacy and security. As with most things in life, the use of these numbers very seldomly comes for free. Yet, after extensive research and trialing of the service, we have discovered a service called TemporaryNumber that may just offer us everything, but cost us nothing. Read on to find out more.
Let's Start From The Beginning --- What Is This Service All About?
The concept of using a temporary number online to receive SMS messages is not new. The service itself has been around for years, all the way back to the day where we had to top up our phone credit to send SMS messages. One thing that is newer, though, is the way that entering your own number into online services can result in a lack of privacy and security for you and your online activity. This is because your number will almost always be saved onto some system for marketing and sales purposes, resulting in those dreaded calls and messages, all trying to sell you something you're most likely not going to be interested in.
This is, in large part, why using temporary phone numbers online has increased hugely in recent years. The idea is you would choose a number to use from one of the temporary number providers and enter it into the app or service you're looking to register with. This way, you're totally avoiding entering your own number, meaning you won't fall victim to their tricks, yet you're still receiving your verification message to sign up to the app in the first place.
When & Why Use A Temporary Number?
As mentioned above, temporary numbers are --- in large part --- used to receive SMS verification for new apps or online services that you're trying to register with. However, that's not the only reason. Other reasons people look to receive SMS online:
One Time Passwords (OTPs)
You know those times where you've either forgotten your password to an online account you have, or you haven't used it in a while? Yeah. Annoying. In cases such as these, you're asked to enter your number in order to be sent a text with a one time password in, which will re authenticate your account and get you back in again. But using your number for this will once again make you prone to further sales and marketing correspondence, hence why many people are now choosing to use temporary numbers online to receive them, instead.
No Number / SIM
If you're currently waiting for a new SIM card, or perhaps you simply don't have a phone or number, this is another perfect example of how temporary numbers can come in very handy. You can receive both OTPs and SMS verification online via a temporary number, meaning you don't need to miss out when it comes to accessing everything you need online.
Important Note
It's worth mentioning that using your own number online can actually be used as a form of tracking! With your number and the right technology, they're able to track other apps and services you've signed up to using that number. Scary, but worth knowing so you can make the right choice for you when it comes to entering your own number or not in the future.
How To Get A Temporary Phone Number Online
As previously mentioned, most temporary online number services available online fit into either of two categories
- Services that are subscription only (ie, you need to pay), OR
- Services which have free numbers but of low quality, and are incredibly slow or don't work.
This is why we were pleasantly surprised to learn of a service called TemporaryNumber, which offers totally free use of their high-quality numbers! To use one of their numbers, it really couldn't be simpler! All you need to do is follow these steps:
- Go onto their website while making sure you have a strong internet connection
- Once there, you'll see how easy their site is to navigate. Scroll down to the country-code you wish to use (they have 5!), and then double-click on the specific number you want to receive your SMS on, making sure it's listed as 'online'
- Enter this number into whichever app or online service you want to receive an SMS from from prompted
- Your SMS will then be delivered to the TemporaryNumber website under that number. You may need to refresh the page after a minute or so if it hasn't appeared by then.
The (Many) Benefits Of TemporaryNumber's Service
Firstly, their service is TOTALLY free. This is a rare find nowadays. You can also use their numbers as many times as you wish, there are no limitations. Furthermore, all of their numbers are high-quality, and are always taken offline when they receive a certain amount of SMSs, with brand new ones taking their place. This way, you know there'll never be any delay when it comes to receiving your messages.
Further benefits include the fact that you're able to choose from five different country codes to receive your SMS on, particularly helpful if you want to sign up to a country-specific service. Choose from the UK, the US, Lithuania, Ireland or Georgia. Lastly, their website is extremely easy to navigate and use.
User Reviews
Here's what some of TemporaryNumber's users say on TrustPilot.
"First things first, I'm always keeping my privacy while registering online and TemporaryNumber is always there for me to receive SMS."
Easton Perez, US
"I was so happy to find this service that I wanted to write about how amazing it is to get all you need in a minute and for free."
Henry Muller, US
"To be honest, I was a bit skeptical at first, thinking it couldn't be as perfect as described, but at the end of the day TemporaryNumber proved me wrong --- It really works the way it should."
Sean Wood, US
To Sum Up
There you have it, folks. If you're looking for a free but high-quality way of using temporary phone numbers online for free, TemporaryNumber is by far the best choice. We challenge you to find a negative about their service!