You don’tneedone of these apps if your phone can already receive messages.
TextNow
Totally free.
Also works from a web net internet ride.
Supports widgets for quick access to conversations.
Can turn on email alerts for new texts.
Secure the app with a password.
Could lose your number due to inactivity (you’re able to pay to avoid that).
Some ads are large and in the way.
TextNow is one of the more popular texting apps, with over 100 million users.
Your new phone number can be in your local area code, or pick a different one.
Signing up is easy because you’ve got the option to use your existing Google or Facebook account.
TextNow recommends making an outgoing call or text at least once every two days to keep your number active.
Google Voice
Free, with zero ads.
you’re able to set up email alerts for texts.
Warns you if your number is about to expire from inactivity.
Also works from a computer.
Must have an existing real phone number.
Can be a little confusing to use.
Restricted to personal Google accounts in the US and Google Workspace accounts in select markets.
Google Voiceis a great way to receive verification codes on Android.
Google creates it and is an extension of your phone number.
This means it’s crucial that you have an existing number for this to work.
Or, you’re able to enable email alerts to deliver all your texts as emails.
textPlus
Free with unlimited texting in the US and Canada.
Lets you change your number once for free.
Supports calling 911 in the US.
you’re able to disable incoming calls.
Numbers expire after 30 days of inactivity.
Lots of ads and prompts to purchase items.
Can’t delete specific messages from a conversation.
you’ve got the option to also pay a few dollars to secure your number for a year.
TextFree
Quick setup with your Google account.
Can auto-reply to texts.
Includes a ‘mark all messages as read’ option.
No need to buy anything just to receive texts.
Reclaims inactive numbers after 30 days.
Some ads are hard to exit.
Text Free has been around since 2009.
We like this one because it’s simple.
The ‘mark all messages as read’ is a unique feature most texting apps don’t have.
It’s super helpful when you have a bunch of verification code texts you no longer need.
you might choose the area code and then pick from a list of numbers.
Calling is supported, too, but you only get 60 minutes of free call time.
TextMe Up
Pick a US or Canadian number for free.
Sign up your email or Google account.
Widget access provides shortcuts to messages on your home screen.
Reminds you to use the number so you don’t lose access.
Fullscreen ads and in-conversation ads.
Rocky signup process (your mileage may vary).
Some features appear free until you venture to use them.
TextMe Up is another app that supports verification codes for Android.
This one seems littered with more ads than the others on this list, which can be frustrating.
Still, the app is smooth and does let you send and receive texts for free.
Burner
Built-in spam protection.
Choose any available area code.
Password protect the app.
It’s free for 7 days.
Must already have an existing phone number.
We include this app because it’s designed well with a clean, distraction-free, and ad-free interface.
In the controls are options to enable Do Not Disturb mode and an app password.
This app also supports true burner numbers, meaning they automatically delete after 30 days.
These, however, are limited to 100 messages.
Hushed
Get up to three lines with one subscription.
Can integrate with Dropbox and Slack.
Short, 3-day trial.
Must open a message to mark it as read.
You get unlimited texts and calls.
Sideline
Supports texting from a computer web web app.
you’re able to choose the area code for the number.
Really clean, ad-free interface.
It’s free for 7 days to try it out.
Requires a paid subscription.
Must already have a working number.
Deleted messages sometimes reappear.
There’s a 7-day free trial before payment kicks in, so check outhow much Sideline costs.
Phoner
Fast signup with Google or Facebook.
Manage multiple numbers at once.
Look up a number to see information about the owner.
Only the 3-day trial is free.
Can’t archive messages, only delete.
Phoner supports calling and texting with phone numbers from over 20 countries.
You’ll love the built-in number lookup function if you use Phoner for more than just verification codes.
Dingtone
Lots of controls it’s possible for you to customize.
Your email address isn’t required.
Can pay for credits if you don’t want to earn free ones.
Texts work only if you have credits, which you might earn for free or buy.
Must have another working phone number to sign up.
Free credits can be earned by watching video ads and completing offers.
Only then can you access your number to receive verification codes.
There’s also a section for usage stats to easily monitor how many texts you’ve sent and received.
FAQ
Typically your phone or connection ain’t running correctly.
If that doesn’t help, get more help when yourAndroid is Not Receiving Verification Code Texts.
Each OS works slightly differently, but you do it on an individual number basis.
Check outHow to Block Text Messages on Android or iPhonearticle.
We describe each OS and even go into how to block messages in specific apps.
