SMS verification is quickly becoming the mainstream method for securing important accounts and services, including online banking and payment platforms.
If you’re looking to use these services, but don’t currently have a way to receive that SMS text for verification, you’re likely on the hunt for a free solution.
We can help.
8 Ways to Get a Free SMS Verification
Use a virtual phone number
A virtual phone number is a telephone number that is not tied to a specific phone or location. It is often used for business purposes, as it allows companies to have a local presence in multiple locations without the need for physical phone lines.
Virtual phone numbers can also be used for personal use, such as for SMS verifications.
Here are three popular free virtual phone number services:
- Google Voice: Google Voice is a free virtual phone service offered by Google. It allows you to choose a phone number, which you can then use to make and receive calls and texts from any device. You can also use Google Voice to send and receive SMS messages, including verification codes.
- SMSPool: SMSPool is a free virtual phone service that allows you to make and receive calls and texts using a temporary phone number. You can also use SMSPool to send and receive SMS messages, including verification codes.
- Hushed: Hushed is a virtual phone service that offers both free and paid plans. With a free Hushed account, you can receive calls and texts using a temporary phone number. You can also use Hushed to send and receive SMS messages, including verification codes.
Use a temporary phone number app
A temporary phone number service is a service that provides users with a temporary, disposable phone number that can be used for a short period of time. These numbers are often used for one-time use, such as for SMS verifications, and can then be discarded.
Here are three popular free temporary phone number services that can be used for SMS verifications:
- Burner: Burner is a temporary phone number service that allows you to generate disposable phone numbers for a short period of time. You can use Burner to receive SMS messages, including verification codes.
- Hushed: As mentioned earlier, Hushed is a virtual phone service that offers both free and paid plans. With a free Hushed account, you can receive calls and texts using a temporary phone number. You can also use Hushed to send and receive SMS messages, including verification codes.
- TextMe: TextMe is a messaging app that allows you to send and receive texts and calls using a temporary phone number. You can use TextMe to receive SMS messages, including verification codes.
Use a SIM card from a different provider
If you have a dual SIM phone, you can try using a SIM card from a different provider to receive the verification code.
It is possible to get a free SIM card from some mobile service providers, especially if you are signing up for a new service or plan. Some providers may offer a free SIM card as part of a promotional offer, while others may include a free SIM card with the purchase of a new phone.
You can check with your local mobile service providers to see if they have any promotions or offers for free SIM cards. You can also check online for deals and discounts on SIM cards from various providers. Keep in mind that you may need to purchase a mobile plan or pay for activation fees in order to use the SIM card.
It is also possible to find free SIM cards through online marketplaces or forums, such as Craigslist or Reddit. However, be cautious when obtaining a SIM card from an unknown source, as it may not be legitimate or may have been obtained illegally.
Ask a friend or family member
If you know someone who is willing to help you out, you can ask them to receive the verification code on their phone and then send it to you.
Use a phone with a different phone number
If you have an old phone lying around that you no longer use, you can try using it to receive the verification code. Just make sure that the phone is connected to a working network.
Use a messaging app
Some messaging apps allow you to receive SMS messages even if you don’t have a SIM card inserted in your phone. You can try using a messaging app like this to receive the verification code.
Here are three free messaging apps that you can use for SMS verification:
- WhatsApp: WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that allows you to send and receive texts, calls, and multimedia messages. You can use WhatsApp to receive SMS messages, including verification codes, even if you don’t have a SIM card inserted in your phone.
- Skype: Skype is a messaging and video call app that allows you to send and receive texts and make calls over the internet. You can use Skype to receive SMS messages, including verification codes, on your device.
- TextMe: Like we highlighted earlier, TextMe is a messaging you can use to generate a temporary phone number. You can easily use this service to send and receive SMS text messages, perfect for verification codes.
Keep in mind that in order to use these messaging apps for SMS verification, you will need to have an active internet connection and a compatible device. You may also need to provide a phone number to register for the service.
Use a voice call verification instead
Some services offer the option to verify your phone number through a voice call instead of an SMS message. If this is an option, you can try using it instead.
Contact the service and ask for an alternative verification method
If none of the above methods work, you can try contacting the service and asking if they have any alternative methods for verifying your phone number. Some services may be willing to make exceptions in special circumstances.
Closing Thoughts
Any of the eight options we broke down below will work perfectly as free SMS verification solutions.
If you try a couple of them and they just don’t work as well as you’d hoped, try another.
And remember – like we mentioned in our last tip – you can always contact the platform you’re looking to verify with and see if they have a non-SMS option you can use, too.
