Temp Number is an online service that provides temporary virtual phone numbers for receiving SMS verification codes while helping users keep their personal phone numbers private. Most free numbers can be accessed directly in a browser without registration, an app, or payment. Users choose an available country and number, enter it on a website or app, then view incoming messages, which typically arrive within seconds. The service offers numbers from multiple countries and supports verification attempts for platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, email providers, and online shopping sites, although individual platforms may restrict virtual numbers and success is not guaranteed.

Temp Number also offers private-number rentals, country browsing, number generation and carrier lookup tools, plus developer resources and an MCP endpoint for provisioning numbers and reading SMS in automated workflows. Its free service is supported by advertising. Free numbers are shared, so incoming messages may be visible to other users; messages are kept for about seven days, and numbers are replaced regularly.