How to Choose a Virtual Number for SMS
Users often use virtual numbers to receive SMS when they need to register on social networks or websites that require confirmation via a code sent by SMS. This makes it possible to create an additional account or maintain anonymity when registering. Such a number can be obtained for one-time use free of charge, or purchased on a permanent basis.
To Pay or Not to Pay?
Free virtual numbers for SMS are often called disposable. They only allow you to receive SMS without paying for carrier services. This is usually enough to create an account on social networks or a personal account on some websites where identity verification is not required at registration. However, a free mobile service has several drawbacks:
- The numbers have already been used by other people before. If the numbers were reusable, they may have ended up on a blacklist on some sites or may have already been used to register on the given portal.
- No ability to send a message.
- The selected number may not work because it has been taken out of service.
These minor drawbacks can be ignored if you only need to register on a website.
If you need to use mobile messaging on an ongoing basis, you should get a personal virtual number for SMS. Long-term rental allows you to:
- receive and send messages;
- run a bulk mailing (advertising or SMS messages are one of the tools for promoting a business);
- configure optimal settings online.
Reusable virtual numbers for SMS can only receive and send text messages, or additionally allow you to make phone calls.
How to Get One
If a permanent virtual SIM card needs to be issued by an operator providing cloud PBX services, activating a free one takes only a few seconds.
Let’s look at how to get a free virtual phone number for SMS:
- go to a site offering free SMS numbers online (choose any of the ones returned by the search engine);
- copy the number and paste it into the corresponding field on the site where you’re registering;
- wait to receive the code (it will appear on the site with virtual numbers);
- enter the confirmation code and get access to your personal account.
Done — you can close the site with free numbers and enjoy the features that registration on the online resource gives you.
It’s advisable to use such a virtual number only 1–2 times, or ideally just once. It’s important to remember that disposable SIMs have already been used many times by other people before, and your data could now fall into the hands of scammers.
Knowing how to create a virtual phone number for SMS for free, you can use this option for anonymous registration on websites and blogs, for creating an email address, and for participating in various promotions. This is also relevant for other purposes, when it’s impossible or undesirable to enter your actual mobile number.
