FAQ
The questions we are actually asked, answered plainly. If yours is not here, get in touch.
Buying a number
How does it work?
Pick the service you need a code for, pick a country, and confirm. A number is issued to you immediately and the code appears on screen the moment it arrives — there is nothing to refresh and nothing to poll.
How long do I have?
Twenty minutes. The number is yours alone for that window; nobody else can be issued it while you hold it.
What if no code arrives?
You are refunded in full, automatically, when the window closes. You do not have to ask, open a ticket, or wait for anyone to approve it. The refund is credited to your account balance.
What is the difference between cancelling and banning a number?
Cancel releases the number early and refunds you. That number may be issued to someone else later, and could come back to you on a future order. Ban also refunds you, but additionally marks the number so it is never issued to you again. Use ban when a number is clearly burnt — already registered to the service, or receiving someone else's traffic.
Can I get a refund after the code arrives?
No. Once a code is delivered the order is complete and the price stands. This is the one rule we cannot flex on: the cost is incurred upstream the moment a message is delivered. See the Refund Policy.
Can I reuse a number, or receive a second code on it?
Each order covers one number for one service for one window. If you need a second code later, place a new order.
Money
How do I pay?
You top up a balance with cryptocurrency, and orders draw down from that balance. We do not accept cards and we never see or store card details.
Is there a subscription or minimum?
No. There is no subscription, no monthly fee and no minimum spend. You pay per number.
Why does the price differ by country?
Because the underlying cost does. Numbers in some countries are far scarcer than others, and the price you see is what that route actually costs plus our margin. The price shown at checkout is the price charged — there are no fees added afterwards.
Can I withdraw my balance?
Account balance is credit for buying numbers and is not withdrawable as cash. Refunds for undelivered codes always return to that balance. See the Refund Policy for the full position.
Using the service
Which services can I receive codes for?
Several thousand, across most countries. The pricing page lists every one, with live stock and the exact price.
Can I choose the specific number?
No. Numbers are drawn from live pools, so neither the exact number nor its area code can be selected.
Is there an API?
Yes — a REST API with the same rules as the website. See the API reference.
What may I not use this for?
Anything unlawful, and anything that harms the person on the other end: fraud, harassment, impersonation, evading a ban, or bypassing security on an account that is not yours. Never use a temporary number for banking, account recovery, or anything you need to keep — these numbers are shared and reissued. The full list is in the Acceptable Use Policy.
Account
I have forgotten my password.
Use the reset link on the sign-in page. A message is sent to your registered address.
How do I delete my account?
Email support (at) sms.rip from your registered address. What we keep afterwards, and for how long, is set out in the Privacy Notice.
Do you need my identity documents?
No. We do not ask for identity documents to open or use an account.
Questions about this document? support (at) sms.rip