What Is a Virtual Number and How Does It Work?
Many apps ask for a phone number when you sign up. If you'd rather not hand out your personal number everywhere, a virtual number can help.
What is a virtual number?
A virtual number is a phone number you use without ever holding a SIM card. Incoming SMS messages land in your online dashboard instead of on your phone. The numbers on CodeSMS are single-use: they're designed for receiving one verification code.
How does it work?
- You top up your account balance.
- You choose the service you need a code for and the country of the number.
- You're given a number, which you enter in the app.
- The code appears in your dashboard.
If no code arrives or you cancel the number, the fee is refunded to your balance.
When is it useful?
- For sign-ups where you don't want to share your personal number
- When you want to keep your work and personal accounts separate
- For testing verification flows while developing an app
What are the limits?
The number isn't permanent. You may not be able to receive a code on the same number months later. That's why you should add an email address and an authenticator app to any account you plan to use long term. Some services may also reject certain number ranges.
Use the service only for lawful purposes and in line with the rules of the platform in question. You can see the current options in the price list.