How to create and manage a temporary phone number to protect your privacy

The Internet has evolved significantly, transforming the way we communicate and manage our personal information. Nowadays, a digital presence is almost mandatory: we need an email address and, increasingly, a phone number to register for all kinds of services, from social media to messaging apps, shopping, online banking, and much more. The use of temporary or virtual phone numbers It has become a fundamental solution for protecting privacy, preventing spam, and improving security when interacting with digital applications and services.

What is a temporary phone number and what is it used for?

Un temporary phone number, also known as a virtual or disposable number, is a telephone number that you can use for a limited period of time, whether for hours, days, weeks, or months. Does not require a physical SIM, as it works over the internet and is usually managed through mobile apps or web services. This means you can obtain and use multiple numbers from a single device, combining your regular line with additional lines as needed.

The main uses of temporary numbers are:

• Avoid sharing your main number in records of websites, apps, or services where you don't fully trust the data management.
• Protect your privacy in situations such as second-hand sales, online appointments, professional activities, marketing campaigns, forms, or online subscriptions.
• Create duplicate accounts in messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, etc., to separate your personal and work environments or to conduct tests without compromising your real line.
• Check services that require authentication by SMS or calls, without leaving your real number exposed to databases or potential phishing attacks.

The use of temporary numbers is especially popular among users concerned about cybersecurity and avoiding unwanted advertising, robocalls, or spam messages after registering on a site or app.

Advantages of virtual and temporary numbers

Creating a temporary phone number offers numerous benefits for both personal and business use. Companies often use them for marketing campaigns, customer communication, customer service, or internal testing. Individual users primarily use them to protect their identity and better manage their digital communications.

• Full anonymity: There's no need to provide your real number when registering for apps or online platforms you don't fully trust.
• Control and flexibility: You can cancel your temporary number when you no longer need it without affecting your primary line.
• Immediate activation: There's no waiting for a physical SIM or visiting a store: the entire process is completed online in minutes.
• Variety of national and international prefixes: It's possible to obtain numbers with prefixes and codes from almost any country, helping those who need to operate professionally or maintain an international presence.
• Simple management from your mobile: Very intuitive apps are used, and in most cases, multiple lines can be managed from a single device.
• Full functionality: Although some free services have limited features, most virtual numbers allow you to send and receive text messages, make calls, receive voicemail, and, in some cases, even send files and documents.

Why choose a temporary phone number?

Protecting your digital privacy is one of the main reasons, but there are many more:

• Separation of areas: Having a secondary number for work or temporary contacts prevents mixing your personal and professional life.
• Avoid advertising and spam: If you provide a temporary number in website registrations, you'll avoid receiving advertising and robocalls to your personal number once you delete that virtual number.
• Digital Services Test: If you want to try out apps or services that require registration, temporary numbers allow you to do so without compromising your real identity.
• Secure verifications: For registrations or authentications on websites that ask for a phone number, you can use a temporary number and ensure that your personal line won't be used for unwanted emails.
• International travel and business: Use local numbers in the country you're traveling to without having to purchase physical SIM cards or change carriers.
• Social media management: You can open profiles on WhatsApp, Telegram, or other platforms that require SMS verification without having to reveal your primary phone number.

What features do temporary phone numbers offer?

Depending on the service you use, temporary numbers can offer different functions. Some only allow you to receive SMS, while others enable all the features of a conventional mobile phone:

• Receiving SMS (essential for verifications and registrations in apps and websites).
• Sending SMS, although in free options it may be limited.
• Receiving and making calls (VoIP, no physical SIM required).
• Voicemail management and notifications.
• Sending and receiving files, images and documents in advanced or paid services.
• Call and message forwarding to other numbers or emails.
• Cancellation and deletion of the number at any time at the user's will.

You should keep in mind that, on some platforms, toll-free numbers only allow you to receive verification SMS, while more comprehensive features are often available in premium or paid plans. Before signing up, always check what specific features each service offers, especially if your goal is to use that number to verify WhatsApp, Telegram, or other services that require two-way messaging.

How to Get a Temporary Phone Number: Methods and Best Apps

There are several methods to obtain a temporary or virtual number. The most popular and secure are: mobile apps y specialized web servicesWe present the best methods and tools available, both free and paid, and the specifics of each:

• Specialized mobile apps: Solutions for Android and iOS that allow you to manage second numbers from your smartphone. These are often the most convenient option and offer greater control.
• Web services: Portals that display public or temporary numbers for receiving SMS online. These are very useful for testing, although they are usually limited to receiving messages and are generally less secure in terms of privacy.
• Prepaid SIM cards without permanence: For those who prefer a completely independent, physical line, carriers offer prepaid SIM cards that you can top up and dispose of when they're no longer useful.

Let's take a closer look at the most recommended apps and services for creating and managing temporary phone numbers:

Top apps and services for creating temporary or virtual phone numbers

1. eSIM number

eSIM number It's one of the most experienced and reliable solutions on the market, available for both Android and iOS. It allows you to create temporary numbers for more than 80 countries, specifically designed for verification on messaging apps and social networks.

• Instant SMS reception for two-step verification on WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and more.
• No need for a physical SIM — everything is managed from the app.
• Toll-free number options by viewing ads, although the most useful ones usually require a small monthly or annual subscription.
• Intuitive interface and completely in Spanish.
• Complete number control: You can activate and delete the number at any time.
• Manage calls, SMS, voicemail, and forwarding from the app itself.
• Ideal for users looking to separate personal and professional profiles or make secure registrations on websites and apps.

To create a temporary number with an eSIM number, simply download the app, open it, and follow these steps:

1. From the menu choose "Telephone numbers"You can opt for a toll-free (US) number if you accumulate coins by watching ads, but for verification purposes it is recommended to choose the option Social media numbers, valid for most applications that require SMS authentication.
2. Follow the process to select your country and choose your plan (monthly or annual). If you only need the number for a few days, you can cancel it at the end of the period with no commitment.
3. Set up your new number and start using it for calls, texts, online registration, apps, and more. All setup and management is done from your phone.

2. hushed

hushed is another of the best-known apps for obtaining temporary numbers. It allows you to choose from a multitude of numbers from the US, Canada, and a wide list of other countries.

• Offers a short free trial period (3 days), ideal for one-time registrations.
• Allows you to create and delete unlimited numbers with monthly or pay-as-you-go payments.
• Complete functions: You can receive and send SMS, make calls (VoIP), and manage up to 4 numbers simultaneously.
• Simple interface and management from your mobile on Android and iOS.
• Ideal for those who need more than one temporary number regularly, for example, for social media management, messaging apps, or international communication.

The app also allows you to select numbers based on country and line type (mobile or landline), helping you select the most suitable prefix for your needs.

3. Burner

Burner It's especially popular for its ease of use and security. It provides real numbers—not just VoIP—which ensures compatibility with most applications and services.

• First issue free for a limited time, then affordable monthly subscription.
• Possibility to delete the number whenever you want, which protects you from spam or if you detect unauthorized use.
• Sending and receiving calls and SMS with complete privacy.
• advanced integrations (Dropbox, Evernote, Slack, among others).

Very useful for those looking for a second line for secondhand sales, work, unknown contacts, or to separate personal and professional matters.

4. Twilio

Twilio It's a professional web platform that allows you to create free "fake" or virtual numbers. It's widely used by developers and businesses, although its use requires more technical knowledge than the previous apps.

• Ideal for testing, automation and log verification via SMS.
• No SIM required, the entire process is online..
• Limited free plans and pay-as-you-go options with expanded functionality (SMS sending, calling, app integration, etc.).

5. Telus Free Mobile Number

Specializes in toll-free numbers for the United States and other countries, allowing up to four active lines, with flexible rates for unlimited calls and messages.

• Receiving SMS for registration in applications.
• No need to change your primary SIM.
• Available for Android and iOS.
• Can be used with WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, and more.

6. Talkatone

• US Toll-Free Numbers for free calls and SMS to most phones in that country.
• Change your number at any time keeping a history of messages and calls.
• Turn any Android tablet or mobile phone into a virtual phone.

7. 2nd Line

• Especially useful for international calls and messages (Canada, USA, UK).
• Advanced functions such as stickers, emojis and attachments in messages, caller ID and personalized signature.
• Use on smartphones and tablets only with an Internet connection.

8. Coverme

• Focus on privacy: Call encryption, self-destructing messages, temporary numbers for Mexico, the US, and Canada.
• Ideal for users who prioritize security and anonymity.
• Works on Android phones.

9. chalk board

• Possibility to choose numbers from almost any country.
• Allows WhatsApp verification by call (ideal if the SMS doesn't arrive).
• Trial system with no initial fees or contracts.
• Use on Android and iOS mobile devices.

10. Google Voice

• Toll-free numbers available in the U.S., useful for calls, SMS, voicemail and spam filtering.
• It works on Android, iOS and via the web.
• Limited in terms of countries but excellent for those who already use Gmail or Google Workspace.

Alternative method: Prepaid SIM cards without permanence

If you prefer a number that is completely independent of your digital identity, you can opt for a prepaid SIM card from any operator. These cards allow you to have an additional number that you can top up only when you need it and discard when you no longer need it.

• Operators such as Suop, Pepephone, Movistar, Vodafone Fácil, Simyo and ConectaBalear They offer rates that don't require a minimum usage or monthly fee. You only pay for what you use, and if you don't top up your account within several months, the card automatically deactivates.
• Perfect for receiving calls, SMS, and checking apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.
• Greater autonomy and privacy, although it requires managing the physical SIM.

This method is usually more cost-effective if you need the number for several months or expect to receive a lot of calls, but it's less flexible than virtual solutions in terms of international prefixes and instant management.

The choice will depend on your specific needs.If you are looking for ease of use, immediate management and only need the number for temporary registrations or applications, it is best to opt for mobile apps like eSIM Number, Hushed, Burner, Telos or TalkatoneIf you are going to perform technical testing, develop apps or need to automate processes, you can choose Twilio or similar web services. For long-term, regular use (calls and voicemails), a prepaid SIM card remains the most traditional option.

Other factors to consider:

• Support for receiving verification SMS: Not all services support the SMS required for WhatsApp, Telegram, or banking services.
• Privacy & Security: Avoid public or toll-free numbers for delicate matters, as they anyone could see the received messages on those numbers shared on open websites.
• Time of use and costCompare prices and trial periods. Many services offer monthly plans starting at less than €1.

How to use a temporary number on WhatsApp and other apps?

Most messaging apps and social media platforms allow you to register an account using any number, as long as you can receive a text message or call for verification. The general procedure is:

1. Download the app (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.) on a different phone or clone it to your phone if the system allows it (Dual Messenger, Twin App, etc.).
2. Enter the temporary number you created in the chosen app.
3. Wait for the verification SMS within the app or web service where you manage your temporary number.
4. Enter the code and that's it! You can now use the service with an account associated with that secondary number.

Important: If you don't receive the SMS (some services restrict access to verification messages to prevent abuse), you can try requesting verification via an automated call, where a voice will dictate the necessary code. This method is especially useful on platforms like WhatsApp.

Limits and risks of temporary virtual numbers

While the usefulness of a temporary number is enormous, there are some caveats:

• Some services block virtual numbers (especially free ones) for mass registrations, so your number may stop working for verification if abuse is detected.
• Public online numbers do not guarantee privacy.: Other users may be able to see your verification messages or communications if you choose this option.
• Certain features (video calling, location sharing, etc.) may be limited on toll-free virtual number services.
• Operators may cancel the number if they do not detect regular use. (especially prepaid), which means losing access to that line or associated account.
• Beware of unverified or suspicious services: Some apps may collect your data, show you intrusive ads, or even try to infect your device.

What uses are NOT allowed in temporary numbers?

It's important to remember that misuse of temporary numbers (harassment, fraud, phishing, spam, etc.) is prosecuted and can result in legal penalties or immediate blocking of the line. Use them only for legitimate purposes, such as protecting your privacy, separating your personal and professional lives, or testing apps and services in a safe environment.

Alternatives to WhatsApp and messaging apps that don't require a number

Not all digital services require a real phone number to operate:

• Telegram: You can use it just for initial registration, then manage everything with a username and restrict the visibility of your number.
• Facebook Messenger: It allows communication without having to share your phone number; you just need to have the person added as a contact on Facebook.
• Skype: It only requires an email and allows calls and messages (even to landlines or mobile phones, with minimal charges).

These services are useful if your goal is to communicate without revealing any lines associated with your identity, even to virtual number services.

Tips for choosing the best temporary number

• Always check the compatibility of verification SMS with the service or application where you plan to use it.
• Don't reuse public toll-free numbers for sensitive records (banking, critical apps, etc.).
• Check the cancellation and maintenance conditions before agreeing to a monthly or annual subscription.
• Choose numbers with international prefixes only if you really need them, as they may incur charges or limitations in some apps.
• Deactivate or delete the temporary number once you are done using it. to prevent unexpected leaks or access by unwanted third parties.

Frequently asked questions about temporary and virtual numbers

• Can I use a temporary number for WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal?
  Yes, as long as the service you choose allows you to receive verification SMS. If the SMS doesn't arrive, try verification by phone call.
• What happens if I don't renew my temporary number?
  The number is deactivated, and any accounts associated with that line may become inaccessible if you need to verify it again in the future.
• Are virtual numbers legal?
  Yes, its use is completely legal as long as it is not used for illegal activities.
• Can I make international calls?
  It depends on the service; many apps and platforms offer international calling, although they usually require a paid plan.
• How much do temporary numbers cost?
  Prices range from free (with very limited functionality) to subscriptions of less than €1 per month for full features.
• Can I receive unlimited SMS or calls?
  Check the terms and conditions of each service; toll-free numbers are often very limited, while paid numbers offer better terms.

Technological advancements allow us to increasingly manage our digital privacy. Knowing how to create and manage a temporary phone number gives you an extra layer of security in your daily communications, preventing your main line from becoming overloaded, protecting your personal data, and allowing you to separate areas of your life efficiently and easily. Whether you're looking to register a new WhatsApp account, protect yourself from spam, or simply maintain your online anonymity, temporary and virtual number options offer the ideal, flexible, and fast solution for every digital need.