SMS Activate — Get Virtual Phone Numbers for SMS Verification

Step-by-Step

How Does SMS Activate Work?

Getting a virtual phone number for SMS verification takes under two minutes. Follow these five steps on the sms activate successor.

Platform Coverage

Which Platforms Can I Verify with a Virtual Number?

The sms activate successor supports 700+ platforms. Here are the most popular services available for SMS verification in 2026.

For Developers

SMS Activate API for Developers and Bulk Verification

# Python: request a number, get OTP
import requests

API_KEY = "your_api_key"
BASE    = "https://hero-sms.com/stubs/handler_api.php"

# 1. Get a virtual number (service: wa = WhatsApp)
r = requests.get(BASE, params={
    "api_key": API_KEY,
    "action":  "getNumber",
    "service": "wa",
    "country": 0,
})
activation_id, phone = r.text.split(":")[1:3]

# 2. Poll for SMS code
status = requests.get(BASE, params={
    "api_key": API_KEY,
    "action":  "getStatus",
    "id":       activation_id,
})
# Response: STATUS_OK:123456

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About SMS Activate

• What happened to SMS-Activate? Is it still working in 2026?

  SMS-Activate (sms-activate.org) permanently shut down on December 29, 2025. As of 2026, the service is offline and no longer accepts registrations, activations, or payments.

  The official successor is available at hero-sms.com, built by the same team on the same infrastructure.

• What is the official SMS-Activate successor?

  The official successor to SMS-Activate is available at hero-sms.com. It was built and is operated by the same core team that ran SMS-Activate, using the same phone number infrastructure, API structure, and coverage (180+ countries, 700+ services). For existing SMS-Activate users, it is the recommended replacement.

• What is the difference between non-VoIP and VoIP virtual numbers?

  Non-VoIP numbers are backed by physical SIM cards in real mobile devices. They carry genuine carrier metadata (IMSI), achieving success rates of 70–95% on WhatsApp, Google, and Telegram.

  VoIP numbers are software-generated and frequently detected and blocked by major platforms since 2024, with success rates of 20–50%. The service at hero-sms.com provides non-VoIP numbers exclusively.

• Which platforms can I verify with a virtual number?

  The service supports 700+ platforms including WhatsApp, Telegram, Google, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Discord, Amazon, Microsoft, Tinder, X (Twitter), Viber, Line, Uber, and hundreds more — including regional apps, fintech platforms, gaming services, and classified ad sites.

• What happens if I don't receive the verification code?

  If the SMS verification code (OTP) is not delivered within the activation window, a full refund is automatically issued to your balance. You are not charged for failed activations.

• Does SMS Activate have an API?

  Yes. The SMS activate successor provides a full REST API for programmatic number ordering, OTP retrieval, status polling, and balance management. The API is compatible with existing SMS-Activate integrations and supports webhook-based OTP delivery and bulk ordering.

• How much does a virtual number cost?

  Prices start at $0.02 per activation. Prices vary by country and service, shown in real time. There are no subscription fees or monthly minimums. The Free Price system adjusts prices based on real-time supply and demand.

• Can I use a virtual number with an anti-detect browser?

  Yes. Virtual numbers from this service work with Multilogin, GoLogin, AdsPower, and Incogniton. Order a new virtual number for each browser profile during registration to ensure each profile uses a unique phone number. The API makes it easy to automate this at scale.

• Is it safe to use temporary phone numbers?

  Temporary virtual phone numbers protect your personal mobile number from being exposed to third-party services. This service does not store your personal phone number and does not sell user data.

  Note: some platforms prohibit virtual numbers in their terms of service — review the target platform's terms before use.

• What payment methods are accepted?

  Accepted payment methods include major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, and others), and popular e-wallets. The full list is shown during checkout on hero-sms.com.

• Can I rent a virtual number long-term?

  Yes. Long-term virtual number rental is available for days or weeks, allowing you to receive multiple SMS messages on the same number over time. Useful for account management, ongoing 2FA, or maintaining a stable number identity.

• How does the Free Price feature work?

  The Free Price system is a market-based pricing mechanism unique to SMS-Activate and its official successor. When demand for a specific number type exceeds supply, the price rises automatically. When supply is ample, prices fall. You always see the current price before confirming an order.