📱 Temp Number – Get a Temporary Phone Number for SMS

A temporary number is a short-term or disposable phone line used to receive SMS for sign-ups, logins, and 2FA. You can activate a number once for a single flow, or rent a dedicated line if you need steady, ongoing OTPs. For low-risk tasks, a free public inbox can suffice; for reliability and privacy, opt for a private, non-VoIP route.

Typical use cases

• Quick account sign-up or 2FA during onboarding
• QA/testing across countries and apps
• Marketplace or business profiles that need recurring OTPs
• Any situation where you don't want to reveal your personal SIM

Temporary numbers route SMS through carrier or virtual channels into your web/app inbox. Delivery depends on app policy (some restrict VoIP/shared numbers), sender type (short code vs extended code), country, and current network conditions. If an SMS stalls, try the voice-call fallback, switch country/route, or upgrade to a private, non-VoIP number.

What affects deliverability

• Some apps limit shared/VoIP routes, especially on high-risk sign-ups
• Short codes can be fast, but they are region-specific; long code behavior varies by carrier.
• Country regulations and sender IDs differ; always test your flow.
• Avoid recycled/public inboxes for sensitive accounts.

If you see "This number can't be used," do this:

• Switch country or carrier route
• Move to a private, non-VoIP line.
• Use the voice-call verification option (if offered)

Quick path: Pick a country → choose the app/service → copy the number → request OTP → read the code in your PVAPins inbox (web or Android). If nothing arrives within 60–120 seconds, retry once or change route.

Instant method (web)

1. Open the PVAPins Receive SMS page.
2. Select the country and, if shown, the app.
3. Copy the number, paste it in the sign-up form, and request the OTP.
4. Watch the PVAPins inbox; paste the code to complete verification.
5. If blocked or delayed, consider switching to a private route or a route in another country.

Android app method (PVAPins)

1. Install the PVAPins Android app.
2. Pick your country and number type (public → private).
3. Complete verification on your phone to receive push updates for OTPs.
4. Save the number to Favorites if you'll need it again.

Troubleshooting "code not received"

• Wait for the full timer; resend once
• Try a voice call if available.
• Change country or use a private/non-VoIP line.
• Clear app cache or try another device/network
• Screenshot attempts help support resolving edge cases.

Free is perfect for quick tests. If you need higher acceptance, faster delivery, and actual privacy, go with a low-cost private or non-VoIP route. It's unique to you and less likely to trigger reuse or VoIP restrictions.

When a free public inbox is fine

• Low-stakes sign-ups and sandbox testing
• Non-sensitive accounts you don't mind discarding
• Validating a flow when you don't need a persistent identity

When you need a private, non-VoIP route

• Apps that reject shared/VoIP numbers
• Business profiles, marketplaces, or support accounts
• Scenarios where privacy and reliability matter

Cost checklist: country, app, duration, retries

• Country: Some regions cost more but deliver better for certain apps
• App: Stricter platforms may require 1–2 extra retries
• Duration: One-time vs multi-day rentals
• Retries: Budget for a backup number/route

Temporary number for WhatsApp

WhatsApp consumer registration typically doesn't accept VoIP/toll-free for new accounts. If you get an error, switch to a private, non-VoIP number in a supported country or try the voice-call code. Keep your device time synced and avoid repeated failed attempts.

Temporary number for Telegram

Telegram generally supports SMS or voice-call verification. If a VoIP route fails, switch to a private line or another country, then retry. For long-term bots, channels, or teams, consider a rental so you're not constantly swapping numbers.

Temporary phone number for Gmail/Outlook/Yahoo

Email providers may limit the number of reuses for verification. If you see "This phone number can't be used," change the number or route, or use the call option. Don't attach sensitive recovery flows to public inboxes; use a private line only.

Temporary number for Facebook/Instagram/Discord

These platforms often rate-limit or flag shared routes. If blocked, consider switching countries or upgrading to a non-VoIP line. For brands and communities, rentals keep your identity stable and reduce verification friction.

Availability across 200+ countries

On PVAPins, browse countries to see current availability. If your target app is strict in one region, consider a neighboring region with similar pricing. The live inventory view helps you pick the best route quickly.

Use cases: marketplaces, dev/test, business profiles

Choose rentals when you need multiple OTPs over time, a stable sender reputation, or team access. One-time is fine for single sign-ups or temporary trials.

Duration selection: 1 day, 7 days, 30 days

• 1 day: Short testing sprints or single events
• 7 days: Launch weeks or support coverage
• 30 days: Ongoing operations, storefronts, or teams

Call forwarding / multiple OTPs on the same line

Some rentals support call forwarding or can handle multiple OTPs across services. Always review app policies and maintain logs for compliance.

Webhooks, status callbacks, and retries

Automate OTP capture with webhooks. Log delivery receipts (DLRs), set retry logic, and alert your team if a route underperforms.

Monitoring deliverability (DLR logs), A/B routes

Run A/B routes by country and sender type. Track time-to-code, success rates, and error patterns. Rotate or escalate to private if performance dips.

For high-risk accounts, security bodies recommend phishing-resistant factors (e.g., passkeys, hardware keys). Still, SMS remains widespread for onboarding and recovery purposes. Pick the right factor for the risk and never rely on public inboxes for critical accounts.

What not to do (policy violations, risky use)

Don't try to bypass app rules or create abusive activity. That's risky and short-lived. Always follow platform terms and local laws.

Data hygiene: rotate numbers, avoid public inbox for sensitive flows

Use private lines for anything tied to your brand or finances. Rotate periodically, keep minimal logs, and avoid storing OTPs longer than necessary.

Recovery planning: don't lock yourself out

Set backup emails or app-based codes. Keep a second factor ready so you can recover if a number expires or an app changes policy.