Looking to try out a new app without having to part with your real phone number? This can be pretty difficult nowadays, when many apps require you to enter a number that can be used to verify your identity with an SMS code.
But it’s completely understandable if you don’t want to hand out your personal data when you’re just trying an app that you don’t even know if you’ll commit to using long-term. We’re all arguably far too generous when it comes to sharing our private data online, increasing your risk of getting targeted by cybercriminals and being a victim of identity theft.
With all that said, if you want to try an app that insists you share a phone number during signup, what can you do? There’s one alternative that you should consider: using a temporary non-VoIP phone number instead of your own.
What to Know About Temporary Numbers
Temporary numbers are available to buy on sites like https://www.smspool.net/. They’re real numbers (non-VoIP means they’re tied to actual phone SIMs) that you can use in place of your own number when you’re completing the sign-up process for an app.
These numbers are usually available to buy for a few dollars and can be used for a limited time window (usually up to 60 minutes, depending on the cost and the provider). Some sites let you rent the same numbers for long-term use, but this isn’t necessary if you just need a quick and easy solution for an account signup.
How do Temporary Numbers Work?
A temporary number works in the same way as a real number when you’re using it to create an account on an app.
Here’s how the process works:
- You buy a number on a site like SMSPool.
- When you’re creating an account on an app, you enter this number instead of your own.
- If the app requires you to use the number for verification, wait to receive the SMS code online.
- Enter the code into the box and complete the sign-up.
And that’s it – you should have been able to successfully log in without having to use your real number.
When Using a Temporary Number Might Be a Problem
We should all be doing what we can to limit how often we share our personal data online, and using temporary numbers for signups provides a convenient solution in certain situations. But that doesn’t mean it’s always going to be the right option.
If you’re planning to use an app in the long term and it requires two-factor authentication every time you log in, using a temporary number obviously won’t work. Similarly, if you’re using a banking app or anything that holds sensitive data, you’ll want to use your own number for security reasons.
Takeaway
If you want to limit your personal data sharing without having to avoid apps altogether, using a non-VoIP number for account signups might be the answer you were looking for. Just make sure you only need the number for one-time use before you commit.
