How to Get a Temporary Phone Number in the US

Temporary phone numbers are a great way to protect privacy in situations like “blind dates” or meetings set up on online classifieds. You can use a temporary phone number through apps that connect using cellular minutes or a mere WiFi network. Prepaid cell phones and SIM cards are also simple options for a temporary phone number. Skype and Google Voice are popular options for short-term use of additional phone numbers (or you can keep long-term if you want).

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Download the temporary phone number app to your smartphone. Downloading the mobile app will allow you to call and text from the new number. These apps provide a new phone number for virtually any area code, and you can “drop” the number as soon as you’re done. After you stop using it, anyone who calls that number will get an “out of service” message. ^{[1] X Research Source}

For example, you can download Burner – a free app available for both Android and iPhone users. ^{[2] X Research Source}
Many of the same apps offer a limited number of free calls or texts, then charge if you use more. Please read the instructions before use.
Enter “temporary number” or “burner number” on the app store to find options for your phone.

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Choose an app that works on your tablet or iPod. Get apps that work using a Wi-Fi connection instead of requiring a cell phone. These options will allow you to use your iPod Touch or Android tablet as a temporary mobile phone. The cost of the application is quite variable, depending on the range of services or the number of calls/messages allocated. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

For example, Hushed is a free option for both Android and Apple devices that provides an initial new phone number and allows you to purchase another number once you’re done using it.

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Get a simple app just for texting. There are many simple apps available for Wi-Fi phones and devices that can generate new numbers temporarily just for texting. This feature is quite useful if you want to keep privacy at a basic level (e.g., make a blind date). Creating another number is as easy as signing up for a new account.

Textplus is a free option available for Android and Apple devices that allows you to send unlimited messages in North America. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Buy a SIM card or a temporary use phone

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Buy a temporary prepaid phone. An easy way to get a temporary cell number is to buy a prepaid phone from a phone store, department store, or convenience store. Follow the instructions for activation, including the process of calling the switchboard from a landline or accessing the service provider’s website. It is not necessary to provide your name or personal information.

If you use more than what your phone is allotted for, buy a prepaid card from the respective carrier and activate it in the same way.

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Buy a temporary SIM card. To get a new temporary number to use with an unlocked phone, you need to purchase a short-term SIM card. Proceed to open the phone and replace the current SIM card with a new one, then send a message to the number specified on the card to activate. The new number will be activated and available until you use up the minutes or traffic your SIM card is allocated. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

For example, ZipSIM offers temporary SIM cards starting at $25 for calls, texts, and mobile data for a week.
Note: temporary SIM cards only work with unlocked phones.

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Sign up for a Skype number. Skype numbers are available in 23 different countries, you can sign up and use them on your computer, tablet or smartphone. Once purchased and confirmed, you can use this number and receive voice calls on the desired device. Skype numbers can be used temporarily or kept as a second line or for work. ^{[6] X Research Source}

The price of a Skype number will vary by region, but the cost includes a flat fee for unlimited incoming calls.

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Get a Google Voice number. Google Voice is a popular choice for toll-free numbers and call management. This program, available on computers, Android or Apple devices, gives you a new phone number that you can call to all other lines (e.g. work, landline, and cell phones) . This feature can also be used simply as a second number, which you can keep temporarily or permanently depending on your needs.

Google Voice also has extras like call blocking, voicemail, and call routing.

Steps

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Buy a SIM card or a temporary use phone

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