Receive-only
A virtual number that receives SMS only
Many people just need a number to text codes to. A receive-only line does that job, keeps costs low and stays private.
Written and maintained by the VNumbr team · Last updated 24 September 2026
Key points
- A receive-only virtual number accepts incoming text messages and shows them to you in a dashboard or through an API.
- Verification codes when you create an account, sign-in codes on a new device, password-reset messages, delivery and appointment notices, and bank or shop alerts that arrive by text.
- You choose a country and a monthly or yearly plan.
- One flat price per country and plan, with the yearly plan cheaper per month.
What receive-only means
A receive-only virtual number accepts incoming text messages and shows them to you in a dashboard or through an API. It does not place voice calls and it does not send messages. That limitation is deliberate: the majority of sign-ups, verification steps and alerts only need to send a text to your number.
Keeping the line receive-only keeps it simple. There is no calling plan, no minutes, and no risk that the number is used to reach people from your name.
What you can use it for
Verification codes when you create an account, sign-in codes on a new device, password-reset messages, delivery and appointment notices, and bank or shop alerts that arrive by text. It also works as the private contact number for a second messaging or business account.
What it cannot do is replace a full mobile plan. If you need to talk to people or send messages from the number, you need a calling app or a SIM.
How VNumbr's receive-only numbers work
You choose a country and a monthly or yearly plan. Once payment is confirmed the number is activated and appears in your dashboard, where each incoming message is listed in real time. A REST API lets you read messages and manage renewals from your own tools.
The number is permanent, allocated on a real mobile network, and yours while you renew it. We do not sell temporary numbers.
Costs and payment
One flat price per country and plan, with the yearly plan cheaper per month. You pay by cryptocurrency or from a wallet balance; card and PayPal are planned for later. Your data is not shared with third parties or with the mobile network operator.
How VNumbr works
Choose a country
Pick where the number should be based. The prefix tells apps where you are.
Pay in crypto or wallet
Cryptomus, NOWPayments or your balance. Email-only signup, no ID.
Use it for verification
Enter the number where the app asks and request the SMS code.
Read it in your inbox
Messages appear in your dashboard in real time and through the API.
Common questions
Why can't I make calls?
VNumbr numbers are built for receiving text messages. Voice calling is not part of the service.
Can I send SMS?
No. Sending is not part of the service.
Can I read messages from my phone?
Yes. The dashboard works in any browser, including on a phone.
Is there an API?
Yes, for balance, catalog, buying, renewing and reading messages.
Are VNumbr numbers real mobile numbers?
Yes. They are allocated on real mobile carrier networks rather than internet-based VoIP pools. Each app decides for itself which numbers it accepts, so no provider can guarantee a specific result.
How do I pay, and do I need ID?
Pay with cryptocurrency through Cryptomus or NOWPayments, or from a wallet balance. Signup needs only an email address and no identity documents.
What is the difference between a permanent number and an OTP number?
A permanent number is billed monthly or yearly and stays assigned to you for as long as you renew it. An OTP number is billed per activation and receives a single code before it is released.
Only need one code, not a number to keep?
This guide is about VNumbr's permanent numbers. For a single sign-up instead, VNumbr also sells OTP numbers billed per activation.
Get a number you keep
Pick a country, pay in crypto or from your balance, and receive SMS on a permanent line.