How SMS Nitro works
Four steps between you and a verification code, and nothing is charged if the SMS never shows up.
How does a temporary number for SMS verification work?
You choose the app and the country, SMS Nitro reserves a private number for you for 20 minutes, you type it into the app, and the SMS appears in your dashboard within seconds. The price is frozen on your balance at purchase and charged only when the code arrives; otherwise it is released automatically.
Step by step
Create an account
Email and password, or Google sign-in. No phone number is required to register.
Top up your balance
Card or crypto, from $5. Card top-ups carry a 10% processing fee; crypto has none. Your balance never expires.
Pick the app and the country
Search the service, compare countries by price and recent success rate, and confirm.
Use the number and read the code
Enter the number in the app. The SMS shows up in your dashboard (or through the API) as soon as it is delivered.
Pay only if it arrives
No SMS within the reservation window means the amount goes back to your balance. You can try another country right away.
One-time numbers and rentals
A one-time number is reserved for 20 minutes and billed per code; you can receive several SMS on it while it is active. A rental keeps the same number for 24 hours, 7 days or 30 days with unlimited SMS, for accounts you will log into again.
Physical SIM or virtual number?
Virtual numbers are cheaper and work for most sign-ups. Physical-SIM numbers come from real mobile carriers and pass the strict checks of WhatsApp, Google, PayPal and banks. The catalog labels both, and each app page tells you which one it needs.
For developers
Everything in the dashboard is available through the REST API and an SMS-Activate-compatible endpoint, so registration tools and scripts work with a key change. API keys are issued after the first top-up.
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
Do I need to install anything?
No. Everything runs in the browser. There is also an API for automation.
How fast does the code arrive?
Usually within seconds of the app sending it. The dashboard refreshes automatically.
Can I cancel a number?
Yes, about two minutes after taking it, if no SMS has arrived yet. The amount returns to your balance.
Related pages
Get your verification code now
Top up from $5, pick an app and a country, and read the SMS in your browser. Charged only when the code arrives.
Get a number+1 (415) 555-0132