How to get a temporary phone number
A temporary or burner number lets you call and text without handing out your real number — for verification codes, listings, dating, or a side business.
Where to get a temporary number
| Service | Best for |
|---|---|
| Google Voice | a free, permanent second number |
| Hushed | short-term privacy / listings |
| Burner | dating, classifieds, one-off use |
| OpenPhone | a small business / side hustle |
| TextNow | free texting on a budget |
Quick pick: free + permanent → Google Voice; create-and-delete burners → Hushed or Burner; a business line → OpenPhone. You can usually choose the area code, too — pick one first.
Frequently asked questions
What is a temporary phone number?
A temporary (or 'burner') phone number is a second number you can use for calls and texts without giving out your real one. It runs through an app or web service over the internet, so you don't need a second SIM or phone.
Are temporary phone numbers legal?
Yes. Using a second or temporary number for privacy — verification codes, online listings, dating, or a side business — is legal in the US. Using one to harass, defraud, or evade the law is not.
Can I get a temporary US phone number for free?
Some apps offer a free number (often ad-supported or limited). Google Voice gives US residents a free number; apps like TextNow offer free numbers, while burner-focused apps such as Hushed or Burner charge for disposable numbers you can delete and replace.
Will a temporary number receive verification (OTP) texts?
Usually yes for most services, but some banks and apps block known VoIP/temporary numbers. If a code won't arrive, the service has likely blocked virtual numbers and you'll need a standard mobile number.
What's the difference between a temporary number and an area code?
An area code just tells you the region a number is registered to. A temporary number is a whole working phone number (with an area code of its own) that you use in place of your primary line.
Sourced from the official NANPA (North American Numbering Plan Administrator) numbering database, current as of August 2, 2026. Refreshed monthly.