A temporary or disposable phone number, also known as a virtual number, is a telephone number that is not permanently assigned to an individual or device. These numbers are often used for short-term purposes, such as online registrations or verifications where a user prefers not to disclose their primary phone number. One common application is bypassing phone number requirements on platforms like Discord, enabling account creation or feature access without using a personal number.
The practice offers several advantages. It enhances user privacy by shielding personal contact information from potential spam or unwanted communications. It also allows individuals to create multiple accounts on services that restrict registration to one account per phone number. Historically, the need for such services arose from increasing concerns about data privacy and the proliferation of robocalls and unwanted marketing messages, leading users to seek ways to control their digital footprint and protect their personal information.
