In a world where information is key and breaches to security are everywhere, it is essential to keep your personal information secure. Most of us have our phone numbers tied to our social media accounts, academic careers, and even our bank accounts. Because of this, it is necessary to be cautious when you’re giving out your number, whether it is to an individual or a service.
Almost every service we use these days asks for your phone number, whether it is for registration, verification, or authentication. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing your phone number with every one of these services, a temporary phone number or disposable phone numbers is a way to go.
Temporary phone numbers are free numbers, which only last for as long as you want them to. You can forward the calls and messages from this number to your regular mobile number or use it on a separate device.
There is a wide array of reasons for requiring a temporary phone number, but the biggest of them remains to be privacy. Other reasons vary from wanting to avoid marketing calls to being a secret agent on the run from a criminal organization, but hey, that’s your business.
Here are five steps to be followed to get your temporary phone number:
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1. Apps:
Using an app is by far the best way to get a temporary phone number, as it is simple and hassle-free. Download a mobile app that enables you to make calls and send messages from a temporary number. Many apps allow you to get numbers from any area code, and then disable the number once you’re done using it. A lot of these apps provide a limited number of free phone calls and messages, after which they will begin to charge you, so make sure to read the guidelines and reviews before you use them.
Burner and TalkU are popular apps used for this purpose, and you can find others by searching ‘temporary phone number’ or ‘burner number’ in the app store. Some apps allow you to use a Wi-Fi connection rather than an actual phone number. With these apps, all you need is a Wi-Fi connection to get a temporary phone number and then use virtually any device like a cell phone. These are perfect if you are especially particular about sharing your phone number, or if you’re using a method without an active SIM card. Charges vary with the call and SMS limit, as well as the duration for which the number will be valid.
Hushed is a free app for both iOS and Android, which gives you a temporary number on signing up and allows you to purchase more numbers later. Other similar apps include 2nd Line and Telos, which work on Wi-Fi, cellular data, or your current mobile plan, depending on your preference.
2. Websites:
You can get a temporary phone number for a short period from online sites. All you need to do is open the website (you can follow one of the links listed below) and choose from a collection of free phone numbers, which are listed along with the area codes and countries they belong to. A lot of them don’t require any form of registration, either. These websites allow you to receive free text and voice messages, which are ideally used for registering verifying on various platforms.
3. Skype Number:
Skype numbers can be purchased in 23 countries and can be used on multiple devices. The prices vary depending on the region for which you want the name and how long you want the subscription to last, but it includes a flat fee for unlimited calls. To register for a Skype number, visit the Skype Number Page and select the country of your choice. The website will then guide you through the process of purchasing and activating your Skype Number. This number can be used temporarily or saved as a second number or business number.
4. Temporary SIM Cards:
This is the standard way of acquiring a temporary phone number. Purchase a prepaid SIM card based on your needs and requirements. Insert the SIM card into your phone and call the customer service number to activate your SIM. The validity of these cards lasts from recharge day up to 84 days, depending on the plan that you chose, along with variations in calling, SMS, and data services.
Airtel’s 3G/4G pack, which costs 19 rupees, is an ideal choice, as it offers unlimited local, STD, and roaming calls, 150 MB of data, 100 SMS per day, and is valid for two days. If you need a temporary number for a more extended period, Vodafone’s plan with unlimited local calls, 100 SMS per day, 2GB of data per day, and validity up to 28 days is a fitting choice. If you are unsure about the duration for which you will require the temporary phone number, Jio offers some ‘Pay As You Go’ plans with prices ranging from 52 rupees to 799 rupees, depending on the attributes of the project.
5. Prepaid Cell Phone:
Several cell phone retailers sell basic cell phones along with prepaid SIM cards. You can purchase these at low costs and dispose of them once you are done using them. These are most useful in situations where you don’t want your activities to be traced or if you’re going to keep your identity hidden or if you just happened to lose your phone and need a quick replacement.
