How to Get a UK Virtual Number for Verification?

Whether you are signing up for a new account, shopping online, or setting up social media, almost every online service requires an OTP (One-Time Password) verification. And, the United Kingdom is no exception.
However, not everyone is comfortable using their personal phone number for every service. There are valid reasons for this: concerns over privacy, avoiding spam or telemarketing calls, keeping business and personal communications separate, or simply not wanting to share sensitive information with too many platforms.
This is where alternatives come into play. Instead of exposing your real number, you can leverage a UK virtual phone number. So, let’s learn how to get a UK number for safe OTP verification and further explore why it’s one of the smartest ways.
Key Highlights:
- A UK virtual phone number provides a safe alternative for SMS verification without exposing your real number.
- You can get a UK virtual number by choosing a VoIP provider, signing up with it, and activating your number for SMS/OTP use.
- Popular providers include Hushed, MoreMins, Sonetel, Numero eSIM, and Quackr, mostly offering short-term plans.
- To verify OTP, simply enter your UK virtual number when asked, access the received code via the provider’s app or portal, and use it for verification.
- To use a virtual UK number effectively, monitor unusual activity, use trusted providers, renew temporary numbers on time, and avoid public Wi-Fi.
Why Do You Need a UK Virtual Number for SMS Verification?
You need a UK virtual number for SMS verification because many UK-only services, such as e-commerce sites, social media apps, and job portals, require a UK number to sign up or verify your account. It also helps you bypass geo-restrictions and maintain a local presence, even if you’re living or traveling outside the UK.
i. Sign Up for UK-Only Services
Many e-commerce platforms and online marketplaces in the UK require a UK-based phone number for account creation and SMS verification. Without one, you may be blocked from registering or completing the signup process.
ii. Verify Social Media & Messaging Apps in the UK
Even if you are not in the UK, there are ways to get a UK phone number from abroad for specific applications, based around the English region. Having a UK virtual number ensures you can access these services even from overseas.
iii. Access UK Business & Job Portals
If you’re applying for jobs, creating business accounts, or signing up for freelance platforms targeting UK clients, a UK number is often required for verification. Using a virtual number lets you establish a local presence without needing to physically live in the UK.
iv. Bypass Geo-Restrictions
Certain websites and apps tailor their content or services to UK users. By verifying with a UK number, you can unlock these features and use the platform as if you were a local user.
How to Get a UK Virtual Number for Verification?
Choose a Virtual Number Provider
Select a VoIP service provider that offers United Kingdom virtual numbers.
Sign Up and Choose a UK Number
After selecting your provider, sign up for an account. Once you're registered, browse through the available UK numbers and pick one.
Verify Your Account and Set Up
Follow the verification steps provided by the service to setup your number. It usually includes confirming your email and setting up payment methods if required.
Start Using Your UK Virtual Number
Once your UK virtual number is set up, you can use it for SMS verification.
Top 5 Best UK Virtual Number Providers for OTP Verification
i. Hushed
Hushed is another trusted provider for getting a UK virtual phone number, giving you instant access to local UK area codes without a physical SIM. Once you sign up, you can use the temporary number to receive OTPs for online accounts, social media platforms, or other UK-based services.
Its temporary number feature makes it especially useful if you only need a UK number for short-term verification. With added privacy and flexibility, Hushed is a solid choice for OTP verification needs.
ii. MoreMins
MoreMins is one of the most affordable providers of UK virtual phone numbers, with plans starting at just £0.99 (around $1.25) per month. You can easily get a UK number online and use it anywhere in the world without worrying about roaming fees.
These numbers work perfectly for SMS verification, allowing you to register on platforms like WhatsApp, Gmail, Telegram, banking apps, and online stores. With incoming calls and texts free of charge, and low-cost outgoing services, MoreMins is a budget-friendly option for anyone needing a UK virtual number specifically for OTP verification.
iii. Sonetel
Sonetel is one of the best virtual phone number providers in the UK. It provides UK phone numbers starting from just $2.69 per month. You don’t need to be a UK resident, and the number works like a real local number, which is perfect for receiving verification codes.
With support for popular city codes such as London (20) and Manchester (161), Sonetel provides a local presence while letting you use the number online. This makes it an excellent option for verifying UK-based accounts or securing access to services that require a UK mobile number.
iv. Numero eSIM
Numero eSIM is a popular choice for getting UK virtual numbers, especially when your main goal is SMS and OTP verification. You can purchase a UK number according to the duration you need, which makes it cost-effective if you only require it for short-term verifications. For example, monthly numbers are cheap and ideal for one-time account setups or quick verifications.
You can also use the acquired UK number for WhatsApp verification, making it a versatile option if you rely on messaging apps. Since the numbers are managed online, you don’t need a SIM card like other providers, and you can keep your real number private while still completing essential verifications.
v. Quackr
Quackr is one of the easiest ways to get a free UK virtual phone number for SMS verification. All you need to do is visit their site, sign up, and select a number to receive OTPs directly on the platform. This makes it a simple and fast option if you just need a number for one-time verification.
Additionally, Quackr also offers paid UK non-VoIP numbers that work on all platforms. Pricing starts at $12.99 for one week or $14.99 for one month, with bigger discounts for longer durations (as low as $39.99 for a year). With 24/7 instant SMS reception and unlimited verifications, Quackr is a flexible solution for users who need reliable UK numbers for account activation and OTPs.
How to Verify OTP Using a UK Virtual Phone Number?
To verify OTP using a UK virtual phone number, simply enter your acquired virtual number during the sign-up or verification process of any UK-based service, and the OTP will be sent to that number.
1. Enter Your UK Virtual Phone Number During Sign Up
When registering for a new service, you’re asked to provide your phone number. Enter your virtual number when prompted to do so.
2. Wait for the OTP to be Sent to Your Virtual Number
The service will send a verification code (OTP) to the phone number you provided. It usually takes a few seconds.
3. Retrieve the OTP from Your Virtual Number’s Inbox
Log in to your virtual number provider’s app or portal and check for the SMS containing the OTP.
4. Enter the OTP into the Service’s Verification Field
Return back to the service you’re signing up for. Enter the received code into the verification field.
5. Complete the Sign Up
Once you enter the code, the service will inform you about the completion of the sign-up process.
Pros and Cons of Using a UK Virtual Number for Verification
A UK virtual number allows you to verify OTP without needing a physical SIM card. However, some services might not accept virtual numbers for verification.
Pros
- Privacy Protection: Keep your personal phone number private while completing verifications.
- Access from Anywhere: Perfect for users outside the UK who need to access UK-based services.
- Cost-effective: Often more affordable than buying a local SIM card or paying for international roaming.
- Temporary Use: Great for one-time or short-term verifications.
- Easy to Set Up: Quick and straightforward setup with most virtual number providers.
Cons
- Temporary Numbers: Some virtual numbers may expire if not updated regularly.
- Service Limitations: Not all services accept virtual numbers for verification purposes.
- Limited Customization: Limited Customization: Some UK virtual number providers only allow basic use, such as receiving or sending calls and SMS. These numbers may not include advanced features like call forwarding, voicemail, or app integration.
Tips for Using Virtual Number Securely
- Monitor any unusual activity in your virtual number account, such as unfamiliar logins or unexpected SMS messages. Promptly report suspicious behavior to your service provider.
- Get your UK number for verification only from well-known, trusted virtual number services. Select the provider that prioritizes security.
- If your virtual number is temporary, set reminders to renew it before it expires. This helps prevent unauthorized access to your linked accounts due to an expired number.
- When accessing your virtual number account, refrain from using public Wi-Fi networks. These networks are often unsecured and could expose your sensitive information to potential hackers.
- Frequently change the passwords associated with your virtual number service account. Use strong, unique passwords that combine letters, numbers, and special characters.
Wrapping Up
Getting a UK virtual number for OTP verification is a smart way to protect your privacy, avoid spam, and access UK-based services from anywhere in the world. It is a good way to sign up for social media, open a business account, or just bypass geo-restrictions.
With so many providers offering affordable plans, you can easily sign up and get a UK virtual phone number to verify your accounts quickly and securely. However, it’s important to be mindful of the limitations.
Many virtual numbers are best suited for temporary use. They are great if you only need a quick verification, but risky if you later forget your password and need to recover your account. Plus, limited customization can also be an issue, since some providers only allow basic SMS or call functions without advanced features.
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