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Virtual numbers are a convenient way to receive SMS messages without using a personal phone. They are suitable for registration on websites, social networks, messengers and other online services. In the article we will tell you how such numbers work, where they can be used and what SMS services are considered the best today.
Virtual numbers are phone numbers that are not tied to a physical SIM card. They work over the internet and are used to receive SMS messages on various online platforms. This is convenient when you do not want to use your personal phone number. For example, when registering on dubious sites, creating temporary accounts or working with traffic arbitrage.
These numbers are especially relevant for users who value anonymity, as well as for business – for example, for mass registration of profiles in social networks, launching advertising campaigns or testing platforms.
After selecting the desired country and service, the user gets access to a phone number, which can receive SMS messages from the selected service: be it Telegram, Facebook, Gmail, WhatsApp and others. The process itself looks like this:
All messages are displayed either in the user’s personal cabinet or on the general page (depending on the selected service and tariff).
Virtual numbers are actively used in various tasks:
Choosing the right virtual number service depends on several key factors. In order not to encounter blocking, inaccessible countries or lack of the right sites, it is important to evaluate a number of parameters in advance – from the number of available numbers to pricing policy and security level.
A good sms activator should offer a wide selection of numbers from different countries – this increases the chance of getting the desired activation code without interruptions. The more countries and operators – the higher the chance to bypass regional restrictions and get the right message.
Note:
Prices for the services of virtual numbers vary from kopecks to dozens of rubles depending on the service, country, and the chosen site. Usually activation for sites such as Telegram, Facebook or Google is cheaper than, for example, for banking or government services.
What is important to consider:
When dealing with accounts and sms activations, not only speed is important, but also data privacy. Reliable SMS services protect users’ IP addresses, do not store correspondence and do not transfer data to third parties.
Please note:
Different virtual number services are oriented to different platforms. One may only support social networks, while another may support a wider list, including messengers, banking apps and marketplaces.
A universal service should support:
Choosing a service of virtual numbers for sms activations, it is important to focus on the stability of work, price, list of supported sites and convenience of the interface. Below are five popular sms-services, proven by time and users.
One of the most famous services on the sms activation market, offering virtual numbers from more than 200 countries.
Pluses:
Minuses:
Popular sms activator with easy navigation and clear recharge system.
Pros:
Cons:
An excellent choice for users who are looking for virtual numbers not only for one-time activations, but also for long-term use.
Pros:
Cons:
One of the oldest players on the market. Often used by arbitrageurs and marketers.
Pros:
Cons:
American sms service, popular for getting toll-free numbers from the US and Canada. It is more suitable for registration in English-speaking social networks and messengers.
Pros:
Minuses:
Despite the convenience and wide range of applications, the use of virtual numbers is associated with a number of risks – from blocking to data leaks. Below we tell you how to protect yourself and maximize the use of such numbers.
What risks are associated with virtual numbers?
The first risk is leakage of personal information. If you use an unreliable service, your messages may be available to third parties. This is especially dangerous when working with accounts where you have access to financial information or confidential data.
There’s also the danger of falling for fraudulent numbers. Some services may sell already used numbers. This can result in you receiving a number to which an account is already registered, or your code will be received by another person.
In addition, there is the possibility of having your account blocked. Many platforms (e.g. Google, Facebook, Telegram) are increasingly checking numbers for “disposability”. If the system determines that the number is virtual, the account may be restricted or blocked.
Choose proven services. Use platforms with a good reputation: SMS-Activate, Onlinesim, 5SIM. They have a higher chance that the number is not blocked or blacklisted.
Check the “freshness” of the number. Some services provide repeated numbers – this is a risk. It is better to use rented numbers for 7-30 days, which are available only to you.
Connect two-factor authentication. If possible, immediately after registering through a virtual number, add backup login methods: e-mail, backup number, authenticator.
Avoid mass registration from one IP. If you create several accounts, use VPN, proxies or anti-detection browsers. Otherwise, even a “clean” number can get blocked due to suspicious activity.
Usually – no. But let’s talk about everything in order.
Most banks and fintech platforms (including Revolut, Payoneer, Wise, PayPal) do not accept virtual numbers for registration or verification. Even if the activation goes through, the number may not be used to regain access.
Portals like tax, pension systems require only numbers from official operators. An attempt to use a virtual one may result in denial of access or even blocking of the account.
But there are exceptions. In some countries it is possible to register on semi-official platforms or in local marketplaces through a virtual number, but such cases are rare and depend on the specific service.
But it’s important to consider:
For serious tasks it is better to use paid numbers with individual access.
WhatsApp often blocks the repeated use of the same number. For stable work – use renting a number for a few days.
If long-term operation and stability is important – it is better to choose a lease of 7 days and more.
Exception: some local fintech services support verification through “semi-permanent” numbers, but this does not guarantee the security and stability of the account.
To improve security: