Numbers and codes
Waiting for a code, what to do when none arrives, cancelling, expiry, extra messages, tips for popular services and long-term rentals.
6 guides · 7 quick answers
Guides
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What to do when the code does not arrive Why a verification code can be late, what to check, how long to wait and how the automatic refund works when nothing arrives.
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Cancelling a number and getting your money back When you can cancel a number, what you get back, and why a number cannot be cancelled once its first code has arrived.
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When a number expires A one-time number lasts 20 minutes. Here is what happens at the end, with or without a code, and how to get a new number for the same service.
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Receiving more than one code A number keeps listening until its time is up, so you can receive several messages, for example when a service resends its code.
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Tips for popular services Practical advice for WhatsApp, Telegram, Google, social networks and other services that often ask for a phone number.
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Rentals and long-term numbers What a rental is, how it differs from a one-time number, how extending and cancelling work, and why rentals are sometimes not offered.
Quick answers
How long is a number valid?
A one-time number is active for 20 minutes from the moment you buy it. During that time it receives every SMS sent to it, including extra codes after the first one. If no code arrives in time, the number is released and refunded automatically. If you need a number for longer, look at rentals when they are offered. See When a number expires.
Can I use the same number again later?
No. A one-time number ends after its 20 minutes, and after that it can be given to someone else. Get again in your history buys a new number for the same service and country, but it will be a different phone number. That is why you should never use a temporary number for accounts you may need to recover later, such as banking, government services or your main e-mail.
How many numbers can I have at once?
Up to 10 numbers can wait for a code at the same time. When you reach the limit, finish or cancel one of them to buy the next one; a cancelled number is refunded in full. Developer API accounts can have up to 100 numbers waiting at once. See How many requests can I send to the API?
Why is a country missing?
The catalogue shows a country only while it has numbers in stock, and a service only while it is available in that country. Stock changes all the time, so a country can disappear and come back later. Some countries are not offered at all, for example Turkey. Try again later, or choose another country for the same service in the country list.
How do I enter the number in another service?
SmsGrab shows every number in international format, for example +62 812 3456 7890. Copy number copies the whole number. Many services have a separate country selector: choose the same country there (Indonesia, +62) and enter only the rest of the number (81234567890), without the dial code and without an extra leading zero. If the service has a single field, paste the full number including the +.
The code arrived but does not work. Can I get a refund?
Once a message has been delivered, the number counts as used and is not refunded, because the service did send the code. While the timer is still running you can usually fix it: ask the service to send a new code, which arrives on the same number, and enter the newest one. Check that you are entering it in the right app and before it expires there. See Receiving more than one code.
Why is buying new numbers paused?
Sometimes new numbers are unavailable for a short time, for example during maintenance or when numbers cannot be supplied. SmsGrab then shows a notice, and buttons for new numbers are disabled. Nothing is charged, you can keep browsing, and numbers you already have keep working. Buying turns back on by itself; you do not need to do anything. The status page shows the current state.
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