How to Get a Phone Number for Dating Apps? Steps & Top Providers

Summarize this blog with:
Most dating apps require a phone number to verify your account, but using your personal number is not always a comfortable choice. It can expose you to spam, unwanted contact, or privacy issues that follow you beyond the app.
The good news is that you have safer options. You do not need to share your real phone number to get started on dating apps, as you can easily acquire one from a virtual phone number provider.
So in this guide, let’s learn how you can get a phone number for dating apps, alongside the reasons why dating apps ask for your number. We’ll also explore some of the top providers, both free and paid, so you can choose the option that fits you best.
Key Highlights:
Dating apps require phone numbers mainly for account verification, security, and recovery.
Using a second or alternate phone number helps protect your privacy and limits unwanted messages.
Virtual phone number providers offer a simpler and faster alternative to traditional carriers.
Free phone numbers can work for short-term sign-ups but may have limits or reliability issues.
Paid providers offer better OTP support, stability, and long-term access.
Why Do You Require a Phone Number for a Dating App?
Dating apps ask for your phone number during sign-up to verify your account and keep it secure. It helps them confirm that a real person is using the app and protects your data from misuse.
- Account Verification: Dating apps use phone numbers to verify your identity. This step helps reduce fake accounts, spam, and automated bots.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Your phone number allows apps to send one-time passwords during login. This extra step keeps your account safe and limits unauthorized access.
- Account Recovery: If you forget your password or lose access to your account, apps can send a reset link or verification code to your phone number.
- Updates and Notifications: Some apps use SMS to send important alerts, such as match updates, security warnings, or account-related messages.
Benefits of Getting a Second Phone Number for Dating Applications
Getting a second phone number for dating apps helps protect your privacy and adds an extra layer of security. It also reduces spam, keeps your personal inbox clean, and gives you better control over when and with whom you share your real contact details.
- Privacy: A second phone number keeps your personal number private. You can avoid sharing your real contact details with strangers and reduce the risk of unwanted calls or messages.
- Security: Using an alternate number adds an extra layer of safety. If a number gets misused or compromised, you can disable or change it without affecting your main phone line.
- Spam Control: Dating apps can sometimes lead to spam or promotional messages. A separate number helps you filter unwanted texts and keeps your primary inbox clean.
- Easy Account Management: If you stop using a dating app, you can simply deactivate the secondary number. This makes it easier to manage sign-ups without long-term commitments.
- Better Boundaries: A second number helps you set clear boundaries. You decide when and with whom to share your real phone number, and only after trust is built.
How to Get a Phone Number for Dating Apps?
You can get a phone number for dating apps by signing up with a reliable virtual phone number provider. While there are also traditional carrier providers, that route often takes more time and effort. You mostly need extra paperwork, have to acquire a new SIM, and at many times, a higher monthly cost.
That is why a virtual phone number is usually the easiest and most practical option for dating apps.
Here is the step-by-step process:
- Step 1 – Choose a Provider: Start by selecting a reliable virtual phone number provider. You can choose from both free and paid options, depending on your needs and budget.
- Step 2 – Sign Up: Create an account on the platform. Some free virtual number providers let you use a number without registering, while paid services usually require an account.
- Step 3 – Choose a Plan: If you go with a paid provider, select a plan that fits your usage. Most plans differ based on features, number type, and duration.
- Step 4 – Select a Number: Browse the available numbers and pick one that suits you. You can usually choose the country and area code based on your preference.
- Step 5 – Complete the Payment: For paid services, complete the checkout process to activate your number.
- Step 6 – Use the Number: Use the virtual phone number to sign up on dating apps, verify your account, and start creating your dating profile without sharing your personal number.
Top Providers (Free & Paid) Offering Phone Numbers for Dating Apps
Calilio, Burner, Hushed, AnonymSMS, and GrizzlySMS are some of the top providers offering phone numbers for dating apps.
- Calilio: Calilio is a reliable cloud phone system that offers virtual phone numbers from over 100 countries. You can get started by creating an account and choosing a plan that fits your needs. Once subscribed, select a number from your preferred country and use it to sign up on dating apps without sharing your personal phone number.
- Burner: Burner is a reliable second phone number app that works well for dating apps. You can download the app, sign up, and choose a number with a US or Canadian area code within minutes. Burner provides a free trial, after which you need a subscription or prepaid credits to keep the number active.
- Hushed: Hushed offers you a phone number without sharing personal details. You only need an email address to sign up, and it becomes your login username. The service allows you to use the number for registrations as well, making it a practical option for dating apps.
- eSIM Plus: eSIM Plus offers both free and paid virtual phone numbers for verification codes, which can be used for dating app sign-ups. However, the platform has only mentioned Tinder on its site. Moreover, pricing for a Tinder number starts at around $1, and desired country options are limited, including the US, Canada, and the UK.
- AnonymSMS: AnonymSMS is another provider offering both free and paid options. Like eSIM Plus, it provides platform-specific numbers. For the free option, visit the site, copy an available number, and use it during the dating app sign-up. Or, rent a number by selecting your preferred country and the platform you plan to use it on.
- GrizzlySMS: GrizzlySMS allows you to get a virtual phone number for specific dating apps with minimal effort. Visit the site, search and choose the dating platform and select the country for the number, as prices vary by region and service. You can complete the payment using bank cards or cryptocurrency.
- Receive-SMS.cc: Receive-SMS.cc is a free online service that provides temporary phone numbers to receive SMS without registration. Visit the site, choose a number from the available list, and use it to receive verification codes for dating apps. Since the numbers are public and shared, this option works best for quick, short-term sign-ups.
Things to Consider While Acquiring a Phone Number for Dating Platforms
Before choosing a phone number for dating apps, it is essential to think through a few key factors. These points help you avoid issues later and choose the right option for your needs.
- Usage Duration: Decide how long you plan to use the dating app. If you may need account recovery later, choose a number you can keep active for the long term.
- Account Recovery Access: Many apps send recovery codes through SMS. Make sure your number remains accessible if you forget your password or need to verify your account again.
- Cost and Pricing: Compare free and paid options carefully. Free numbers may be limited or shared, while paid numbers usually offer better reliability and control.
- Reliability of the Provider: Choose a provider known for stable service. Some apps block unreliable or overused numbers, which can stop verification from working.
- App Compatibility: Not all phone numbers work with every dating app. Check if the provider supports the platform you plan to use.
- Privacy and Security: Avoid services that expose messages publicly if privacy matters to you. A private number offers better protection for personal data.
Conclusion
Getting a phone number for dating apps does not have to be complicated or risky. With the right approach, you can protect your privacy, reduce spam, and stay in control of your account. Whether you choose a free or paid option, the key is to pick a number that fits your usage needs and works reliably with the dating platform you plan to use.
Among the available options, Calilio stands out as a dependable choice. It offers reliable virtual numbers from multiple countries with affordable subscription plans. You can use the number not only for verification but also for calling and texting later. When trust builds, you can even share the number with your dating partner, making Calilio a flexible and long-term solution for dating apps and beyond.
Disclaimer: OTP delivery is controlled by the dating apps, not by Calilio. Whether you receive a verification code depends on the platform you are registering with. Some platforms/apps may block or fail to send OTPs to virtual phone numbers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it dangerous to give out your phone number on a dating site?
Yes, giving out your phone number on dating sites can lead to unwanted marketing calls and texts, as your number may be shared with or sold to other companies. Instead, you can use virtual or disposable numbers to ensure privacy and security.
Are there any dating apps that don't require a phone number?
How can I tell if a dating app is legitimate and not a scam?
Is it safe to use a Burner phone number for dating apps?
What are some red flags that a dating app might be misusing my phone number?
Can scammers use phone numbers to track my location?
How do I delete my phone number from a dating app if I decide to leave the platform?
Is there an app that lets you pick a phone number?
Where can I get a new phone number for a dating app?

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