# 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

1. **Create an account** Email and password, or Google sign-in. No phone number is required to register.
2. **Top up your balance** Card or crypto, from $5. Card top-ups carry a 10% processing fee; crypto has none. Your balance never expires.
3. **Pick the app and the country** Search the service, compare countries by price and recent success rate, and confirm.
4. **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.
5. **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.

## FAQ

**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.

Source: https://smsnitro.com/how-it-works