简短回答Choose a prepaid SIM if you want a second number for months. Choose a one-time non-VoIP virtual number if you only need to pass a verification. Avoid VoIP virtual numbers for dating apps — they are the ones that get refused.
If you don't want to use your main number, the two serious options are a second SIM or a number you rent online. Both work. They suit different situations.
Prepaid SIM
- Reliability: highest. It's an ordinary mobile number.
- Cost: the SIM plus a top-up; often more than $10 up front, and the number may lapse if you never top it up again.
- Time: a shop visit or delivery, activation, and in many countries registration with ID.
- Hardware: you need a free SIM slot or eSIM support.
- Privacy: where SIM registration is mandatory, the number is tied to your ID.
Virtual numbers — but know which kind
"Virtual" covers two very different things:
- VoIP virtual numbers (free texting apps, many second-line apps): cheap or free, but frequently refused by dating apps.
- Non-VoIP virtual numbers: real mobile numbers held by a provider and rented to you for a short window. These are what one-time verification services sell.
| Prepaid SIM | Non-VoIP one-time number | VoIP number | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accepted by dating apps | Yes | Usually | Often not |
| Up-front cost | Higher | Low, per use | Free–low |
| Ready in | Hours to days | Under a minute | Minutes |
| Long-term use | Yes | No | Yes |
| ID needed | Sometimes | No | Sometimes |
Rule of thumb
If you'll need the number again — for account recovery, for 2FA, to give to people — get a SIM. If you need one SMS today, rent a non-VoIP number and set up email login afterwards.
常见问题
Is a virtual number the same as a VoIP number?
Not always. "Virtual" just means you didn't get a SIM. Some virtual-number services resell real mobile (non-VoIP) numbers; others issue VoIP numbers. Dating apps care about that difference.
发布于 2026年10月6日 · 更新于 2026年10月9日 · 我们如何撰写指南
