Create a Telegram account without your phone number
Telegram is one of the most forgiving apps for temporary numbers, which is why it is also the most used service on SMS Nitro.
SMS Nitro team ·
Can I sign up to Telegram without a SIM?
Yes. Telegram sends a 5-digit code by SMS (or to an existing Telegram session). With a temporary number you receive it in your dashboard, log in, then set a two-step verification password so the account cannot be re-registered by someone else.
How it goes
Choose Telegram in the catalog, pick a country with a high success rate (virtual pools work for Telegram in most countries), enter the number in the app and read the code. Takes under a minute.
'This phone number is banned'
Telegram bans numbers it associates with spam. A banned number cannot be used by anyone; cancel it (no charge) and take a new one, preferably from another country. The help center has the full guide.
When to rent
If you will log out and back in, or use Telegram on several devices over time, rent the number. Otherwise set the cloud password and keep the session alive.
One-time or rented number for Telegram?
Telegram: one-time number vs rental
| Criterion | One-time number | Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Sign-up | Works | Works |
| Log out and back in | Needs a new code, number gone | Code arrives on the same number |
| Second device | Confirm from the first session | Confirm by SMS or session |
| Price | Cents, once | From about a dollar per day |
SMS Nitro at a glance
| Billing | Pay only if the code arrives. If no SMS arrives before the number expires, the frozen amount returns to your balance automatically, in full. |
|---|---|
| Number reserved for | Up to 20 minutes per activation. Rentals from 24 hours to 30 days with unlimited incoming SMS. |
| Payment | Card via Stripe (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay, Google Pay) or crypto (USDC or SOL on Solana). Minimum top-up $5. Card top-ups carry a 10% processing fee; crypto has none. |
| Subscription | None. Pay per verification; your balance never expires. |
| Countries | 180+ countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, India, Germany, Brazil, Indonesia and the Philippines. |
| Apps | 700+ apps and websites: WhatsApp, Telegram, Google, Instagram, TikTok, Discord, OpenAI, PayPal, Tinder, Amazon and more. |
| Developers | REST API plus an SMS-Activate-compatible endpoint. API key available after your first top-up. No API surcharge. |
| Support | Tickets from the dashboard and email, answered by people. |
| Price | From $0.02 per verification code, depending on the app and the country. |
Frequently asked questions
Does Telegram send the code by SMS?
For a new number, yes. If the number already has a Telegram session, it sends it there first.
Can I hide the number in Telegram?
Yes: Settings > Privacy > Phone number > Nobody. Contacts then see only your username.
Does Telegram accept numbers from any country?
Almost all. Some ranges are banned for spam; the catalog removes countries that fail repeatedly.
Can I create a Telegram channel with this account?
Yes. Channels, groups and bots work the same as with any account.