Posted on 30/12/24 12:01 pm
Though India is one of the oldest countries in the world, in terms of digitalization, it’s not far behind other parts of the planet. However, when it comes to the online world, particularly data privacy and security, there isn’t much difference between regions. Here’s why: like in other countries, most Indian services require you to verify your identity by entering a one-time password (OTP). So, how can you get a temporary phone number in India if you aren’t in the country? Let’s explore what tools you can use.
Along with China, India is one of the countries with the highest demand for temporary virtual numbers. Why is this the case? This is likely due to the fact that, despite a population of almost one and a half billion, not every Indian has their own mobile phone (and, accordingly, their own SIM with an Indian phone number), let alone other devices. While city dwellers are somewhat equipped, rural Indians have very limited access to devices. For instance, according to the media, half of school students in rural areas still do not have mobile phones, which are their only source for accessing the Internet and attending online classes.
Not only is the lack of devices an issue, but challenges related to obtaining an Indian SIM card make it harder for many Indians to access most modern services that require phone number verification during registration. This is where a temp number in India can help resolve many issues. So, what are the most common use cases when a temporary phone number can be a handy tool? Let’s explore further.
Here are just a few situations when you may need an Indian number for OTP:
Account verification: Whether you need to buy electronics, clothes, or other items on Snapdeal, Flipkart, Myntra, or other Indian e-commerce platforms, when registering a profile, you will be asked to link a unique phone number to it. Quite often, it’s not possible to use the service without submitting a number.
Registering an Indian service from another country or during a trip: For foreigners, temporary phone numbers are a proven method for registering on Indian platforms without needing to buy an Indian SIM card. The advantage is that you can use a virtual number no matter where you are physically located.
Creating multiple accounts for various purposes: The purposes can vary, such as getting a bulk of Indian phone numbers to manage a range of stores on Amazon India — each store needs a separate phone number to be attached — or registering many WhatsApp accounts, etc.
Confirming transactions: A mobile number is required not only for verification purposes but also to receive an OTP for confirming a transaction when making online purchases on marketplaces or transferring money through Zebpay and other financial apps.
Unlocking a banned account: Typically, online platforms ask you to submit a phone number that isn’t familiar to the platform yet.
Getting access to locked apps and websites: Here, a temp number in India can help Indians keep using TikTok and other apps that were blocked in the region by the government.
And more.
Compared to conventional mobile numbers, temporary mobile numbers have several advantages, including:
No SIM card or specific device required: All you need to get an Indian temporary number is access to the Internet.
No connection to geolocation: Since these numbers are auto-generated, you can create a number with any country code from the provided options, no matter where you are. SMSpinVerify offers numbers from over 190 countries for registration in global and regional services. A temporary phone number in India is also available.
For rental: These numbers have a limited lifespan that varies. This is why you can rent them for a certain period of time, depending on the provider’s offerings. With SMSpinVerify, you can purchase a disposable Indian phone number (for 20 minutes) or rent it for up to 90 days.
Enhanced anonymity and data privacy: This is one of the most important advantages of using a temporary virtual number rather than your actual number. It helps protect you from spam calls and messages.
Affordability: The price for one-time use numbers starts from $0.16 per number.
Now, how can you get a temporary Indian phone number from SMSpinVerify? Follow the guidelines in the next section.
The process doesn’t require you to submit personal data, just an email address. Here’s what you need to do to obtain a temp phone number in India: