Any good paid SMS number service?
from asbestos@lemmy.world to privacy@lemmy.ml on 08 Feb 2025 23:15
https://lemmy.world/post/25326813

What service would you recommend for receiving SMS confirmation codes etc. that is not blocked by most services (which probably only leaves the paid ones)?

#privacy

threaded - newest

siigna@lemmy.sdf.org on 08 Feb 2025 23:21 next collapse

I ended up switching to NumberBarn from Google Voice. They’re a bandwidth.com reseller. I usually don’t have a problem with receiving codes from services, but there are the rare places that don’t allow VOIP numbers.

solrize@lemmy.ml on 08 Feb 2025 23:27 next collapse

I’ve been using Vitelity (paid) but Twilio is a bit cheaper and has a better API. However, the more obnoxious confirmation code senders can detect all of these as being in data centers. IME it’s only a few senders that are snotty about that. You could always get a burner phone.

Hmm, I don’t know what happens if you get a mobile burner phone, set up call forwarding to your VOIP number, then throw the burner phone away (i.e. shut it off so you don’t have to keep it powered and broadcasting its location). The cheapest mobile plan that I know of ($30/year redpocket) unfortunately went up to $45 a few months ago, but it gets you a usable backup sim.

Added: 1) r/nocontract on reddit showed a $36/year infimobile plan with a 20% off coupon (so a little under $30/y) on amazon. Similar deal to redpocket I think. 2) Another idea: get cheap mobile plan, port number into a voip provider, cancel mobile plan. I wonder if the number then reports as data center terminated.

There are now starting to be a few “free” mobile providers where you are required to keep a spyware app running. I don’t think I’d bother with those. textnow.com is the one I remember but there were others. textnow does NOT support call forwarding on free plans.

refalo@programming.dev on 08 Feb 2025 23:27 next collapse

jmp.chat

ashaman2007@lemm.ee on 08 Feb 2025 23:33 next collapse

I use a text/limited voice only plan from tello.com

darcmage@lemmy.dbzer0.com on 08 Feb 2025 23:34 collapse

I’ve used smspool.net a few times without issue.