DEV Community: Carter

Dev Tool of the Week: A "Phone Number Creator" API for Non-VoIP Verification

Carter — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 09:33:02 +0000

As developers, we all hit that wall when testing auth flows or managing multiple accounts: VoIP blocks.

Twilio and Google Voice numbers get flagged instantly by modern security filters (Cloudflare, etc.) because they are easily detectable virtual lines.

I built a solution called the Rent Number on LegitSMS. It provisions Real Physical SIMs that completely bypass VoIP detection, allowing you to rent a dedicated mobile number for testing or long-term account management.

The Workflow: Designed for stability over speed.

Step 1: Select Region: Choose from 50+ countries including USA, UK, and Netherlands.

Step 2: Define Duration: Unlike "one-time" OTPs, this creates a persistent session. You can hold the number for 1 day, 1 week, or 3 month.

Step 3: Unlimited Inbound SMS: You can hit the same number with unlimited verification requests—perfect for testing retries, setting up multi-platform 2FA, or validating complex auth sequences.

Key Technical Specs:

Dedicated SIM Slots: These are private rentals. No one else shares the line during your session.

Persistence: Our "Smart Restore" capability allows you to retrieve message history even if a session is closed, ensuring you don't lose access to a test account.

Carrier Grade: Sourced directly from major telecom carriers to ensure high deliverability rates.

If you need a reliable, persistent line that actually works on difficult sites, check it out.

Link: https://legitsms.com/virtual-number-provider/phone-number-creator/

Automating WhatsApp OTP flows without buying physical SIM cards

Carter — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 06:30:58 +0000

For QA testers and developers working with the WhatsApp Business API, managing verification flows is a headache.

If you are testing user onboarding or managing multiple business profiles, you cannot rely on a single personal phone number. However, the standard solution—Twilio or Google Voice—often fails because WhatsApp aggressively flags these virtual ranges as "non-mobile."

The Infrastructure Challenge When a number is flagged as VoIP, the OTP (One Time Password) is never sent. The network drops it before it reaches your dashboard.

The "Real-SIM" Workaround To get around this without maintaining a drawer full of physical SIM cards, you need a gateway that routes SMS from physical carrier networks to a web hook or dashboard.

I recently deployed a solution that categorizes numbers by "Service Success Rate." By specifically selecting a "WhatsApp" optimized server, we ensure the number originates from a cellular carrier (like T-Mobile, Vodafone, etc.) rather than a virtual landline provider.

This dramatically reduces the "Invalid Number" error rate during testing.

If you are testing WhatsApp flows and need a quick, disposable mobile number that passes the carrier check, you can generate one here:

Generate WhatsApp Test Number

LinkedIn Verification Code Not Working: A Dev Troubleshooting Guide

Carter — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 15:03:10 +0000

The Frustration: LinkedIn Verification Code Not Working

Alright devs, we've all been there. You're trying to set up a new LinkedIn profile, maybe automate something requiring account access, or just secure your main account, and you hit the wall: the SMS verification code just never arrives. 😤

Super frustrating, especially when it blocks your workflow. If you're dealing with the "LinkedIn verification code not working" issue, let's break down the common culprits and get it sorted.

Why LinkedIn SMS Verification Fails (The Usual Suspects)

It's often not just "bad luck." Common reasons include:

Carrier Aggressiveness: Mobile carriers are increasingly blocking automated SMS, especially from shortcodes, to fight spam. Your legit code gets caught in the crossfire.

Number Formatting/Typos: Simple errors in the number or country code.

Spam Filters: Your phone's messaging app might be silently filtering it.

Rate Limiting: Requesting the code too many times can trigger a temporary cooldown.

VoIP Numbers: LinkedIn (like many platforms) actively blocks most standard VoIP numbers for verification to prevent abuse. If you tried using one, that's likely the issue.

Network/Signal Issues: The basics still apply.

Standard Debugging Steps (Check These First)

Before you go deep, run through the level 1 support checks:

Validate Input: console.log(yourEnteredNumber) - Seriously, double-check it on LinkedIn.
Check Spam Folder: grep "LinkedIn" /path/to/sms/spam - Find that hidden folder.
Check Signal: Are you getting any SMS? ping google.com equivalent for SMS.
Device Reboot: sudo reboot your phone. Can't hurt.
Wait: Give it 5-10 mins. Async operations can be slow.
Request Again (Once): Don't DDoS their SMS gateway. Try one more time.
Unblock: Check your phone's blocklist.
Voice Option: If offered, try the voice call fallback.

The Reliable Fix: Private Non-VoIP Numbers

If you've done the basics and the LinkedIn verification code is still not working, or if you'd rather keep your personal +1 number out of yet another database for privacy, the standard fixes aren't enough.

Forget public "free SMS receiver" sites – those are almost universally blocked VoIP numbers.

The robust solution is a private, non-VoIP virtual number. These are generated specifically for verification, use real SIM routes (less likely to be blocked), and aren't shared.

We've found LegitSMS.com to be solid for this. Here’s the gist:

Sign up/Deposit: Quick setup, minimum $5 deposit (supports cards, crypto).

Select Service: Choose "LinkedIn" (or "Any Other" if needed).

Pick Country: 170+ options.

Get Number: It generates instantly.

Use & Receive: Paste number on LinkedIn -> code appears on LegitSMS dashboard.

No Code = Refund: If the SMS doesn't arrive, the credit is automatically refunded. You only pay for success.

It's a clean way to handle verification without exposing personal data or hitting carrier blocks. Useful if you manage multiple accounts or need numbers from specific regions too.

Full Walkthrough & Code Details

This can save a lot of headaches, especially when dealing with client accounts or just wanting better opsec. We wrote a more detailed guide covering every step, common errors, and how it works under the hood over on our main blog.

If you're still wrestling with LinkedIn verification code issues, ➡️ check it out

Hope this helps someone get unblocked!

How to Verify Multiple YouTube Channels (Without Your Real Phone Number)

Carter — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 16:15:36 +0000

Ever tried spinning up a new YouTube channel for a side project? Or maybe you're a marketer or developer managing accounts for multiple clients?

You go to upload that 20-minute demo video or add a custom thumbnail, and... BAM.

"Verify your account. We'll send a verification code to your phone."

This presents two massive problems for us:

Privacy/Security: You really don't want to link your personal, private SIM card to a client's brand, a test account, or another Google-tracked property.

The Hard Limit: Google hard-caps you at two channel verifications per phone number, per year. If you manage three or more channels, you are stuck.

So, how do you get around this?

What Doesn't Work

Let's get the obvious out of the way: those "free receive SMS online" websites are useless for this.

They use public, shared, VoIP (Voice over IP) numbers that are flagged and blacklisted by Google's verification system. You'll just get a "This phone number cannot be used for verification" error. It's a waste of time.

The Real Solution: Private, Non-VoIP Numbers

The only robust solution is to use a private, non-VoIP virtual number. Unlike the free sites, this is a real, SIM-based number that is generated just for you for a one-time use. It's a clean, fast, and secure way to get your YouTube OTP without ever exposing your real number or hitting the 2-channel limit.

We've been using LegitSMS.com for this. It's an API-first platform built for exactly this purpose and provides clean numbers that work with Google's verification system.

The process is dead simple:

On LegitSMS, you select "YouTube" as the service.

You pick a country and it generates a number.

You copy/paste that number into the YouTube verification prompt.

The OTP appears on your LegitSMS dashboard instantly.

You paste the code, and your channel is verified.

Done. Your channel is unlocked, and your personal number is safe. It's the perfect solution for scaling projects, testing, or just protecting your privacy.

Want the Full Walkthrough?

We wrote a full, super-detailed, click-by-click guide with screenshots for every step over on our main blog. It also covers common troubleshooting errors and how you can use the same method for other platforms we all use, like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram.

If you're stuck on this problem, the full guide will get you unblocked in less than 2 minutes.

➡️ Click Here to Read the Full Step-by-Step Guide

Hope this helps unblock your next project! Drop any questions in the comments.

How I Created a Second WhatsApp Account in Minutes

Carter — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:09:22 +0000

Last month, I needed a second WhatsApp account for my freelance clients. But I didn’t want to expose my personal number again — too many spams call already!

After searching for a solution, I found LegitSMS.com
— a trusted provider offering a Temporary Number for WhatsApp in 170+ countries.

Here’s how I did it:

I went to LegitSMS.com
Selected WhatsApp as my platform.
Chose United States as my region.
Copied the number and pasted it on WhatsApp.
Received the OTP instantly — no app, no SIM!

In less than 2 minutes, my new WhatsApp account was active.
No spam. No personal number exposure. Just smooth verification.

If you want to see the detailed guide, check out this post on how to get a Temporary Number for WhatsApp for free.

What Type of Content Should I Post to Increase My Followers on Instagram?

Carter — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 11:39:19 +0000

With more than 1 billion monthly active users, Instagram is one of the best social media for building an audience and customer base. But having an account is not enough, strategically engaging content is essential for increasing your followers.

In this article, we will explore all kinds of content to publish that attract loyal, targeted followers on Instagram. Applying these best practices for captivating visual storytelling and interactive engagement will organically expand your reach. Let’s examine how to formulate effective content for Instagram success.

Know Your Audience

The foundation of growing your followers is understanding Instagram’s demographics and psychographics to identify your target market.

As a highly visual social media platform dominated by millennials and Gen Z users, Instagram naturally skews towards younger generations. However, broader age segments are adopting the app on daily basis. Get to know your follower’s interests, values, habits, and aesthetic tastes through user research.

Crafting content that resonates with your audience’s expectations and preferences is crucial for follower growth. For example, an e-commerce retailer selling home goods would tailor content differently than a lifestyle influencer.

Consistent Brand Identity

A cohesive visual brand identity is vital on Instagram. Followers desire content that feels recognizable and aligned.

Elements like logo, color scheme, filters, captions, and tone of voice should remain on-brand. However, avoid becoming repetitive. Keep a balance between consistency and freshness.

A media kit or content style guide is useful for mapping out your ideal aesthetic and messaging. Referencing it while creating new posts ensures you reinforce your brand identity.

Post at Optimal Times

Paying attention to when your audience is most active on Instagram is key for engagement. Peak times vary by demographic.

For a largely US-based following, weekday mornings or evenings after work are ideal posting times to get noticed in busy feeds. The weekends can work too but avoid Monday mornings.

Leverage Instagram’s Insights analytics to determine when is the best times for posting. Consistently feed your audience content when they are most likely to interact.

Leverage Instagram Features

Crafting content tailored for Instagram’s unique features is now essential. Let’s look at how to take advantage of the latest additions to the app.

Stories
Posting fun Stories on a daily basis is proven to boost followers. Use stickers, Polls, Question boxes and location tagging for interactive engagement.

Live Video
Streaming Live is an authentic way to connect with your audience in real-time. Save your Lives to IGTV afterward.

IGTV
This is Instagram’s long-form video channel. Post educational tutorials, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews.

Reels
Instagram’s short-form video content competes with TikTok. Produce creative Reels following viral trends and challenges.

Interact with Followers and Influencers

The social in social media means directly engaging others. Respond to comments, ask questions in captions, and follow back potential collaborators.

Connecting with influencers in your niche also expands your reach via Instagram’s collaborative ecosystem. Develop partnerships that drive cross-promotion.

Run Contests and Giveaways

Follower giveaways are proven to attract and retain an audience. Require tagging friends or following your account to enter.

Creative contests like user-generated content campaigns encourage audience participation and sharing of your brand.

Use Relevant Hashtags

Hashtags help content get discovered beyond just your existing followers. Identify and incorporate trending and niche hashtags related to your industry or content type.

A balance of popular and long-tail hashtags maximizes discoverability. Just avoid overusing irrelevant generic tags like #instagood.

Optimize Your Profile

A compelling, informative Instagram profile invites new visitors to follow you.

Spotlight your products/services in the bio and use links or buttons to drive traffic to your website or online shop.

A quality profile photo and bright, cohesive aesthetic also keep new followers engaged once they land on your page.

Drive Traffic from Other Channels

Leveraging your email lists, websites, blogs, and other social channels expands your Instagram reach.

Promote your Instagram content across platforms. Embed Instagram feeds on your website to automatically showcase your visual brand.

Measure and Test Content Performance

Analyzing Instagram Insights reveals which types of posts resonate most with your audience. Notice engagement levels, growth rates and traffic referral sources.

A/B test post categories, captions, filters, hashtags, and optimal frequency to guide your content plan. Experimentation is key.

Leverage Influencer Marketing

Partnering with influencers in your niche provides access to their engaged follower base.

Negotiate sponsored posts, product reviews, giveaways, and cross-promotion collaborations. Micro-influencers often offer the best ROI.

Advertise on Instagram

Instagram Ads supplement your organic content strategy. Promote posts, drive website traffic, or boost follower growth through paid targeting options.

Retargeting past customers or lookalike audiences are proven lead-generation strategy. Measure conversion metrics to maximize your ad budget.

Conclusion

Growing an active Instagram following requires daily publishing of captivating content tailored specifically for the platform. Assess your audience insights and craft authentic stories showcasing your brand identity. Interact constantly with your community while leveraging Instagram’s latest features. Collaborate with influencers, run contests, and advertise strategically. Consistency, quality and optimization are key, along with continually testing new content types and engagement tactics. Let data guide your approach. By providing value through visual storytelling, you will cultivate a loyal Instagram following.

How to Use a Virtual Phone Number to Register on Facebook:

Carter — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 14:52:27 +0000

With over 2.8 billion active users, Facebook has become a key platform for social networking and communication. To sign up for the service, providing a phone number is required to confirm your identity. However, many individuals wish to maintain privacy and control over whom they share their personal phone numbers with. Virtual phone numbers offer the perfect solution for verifying your Facebook account without compromising security.

Defining Virtual Phone Numbers:

A virtual phone number, also referred to as a disposable or temporary number enables you to receive SMS/OTP messages or phone calls just like a regular phone number. But unlike a permanent number tied to your mobile carrier, a virtual number is acquired through apps or online services. After obtaining access, the virtual number can be used for verification purposes such as registering social media accounts or online shopping profiles.

Some key characteristics of virtual phone numbers include:

Customizable — You can typically choose your number according to your preference.

Temporary — Numbers can be discarded after a single use or renewed every month.

Private — The numbers are not linked to your real-world identity.

Flexible Access — Numbers are managed via apps and online accounts.

Low Cost — Affordable pricing on a pay-as-you-go plan for most providers.

With these benefits in mind, using a virtual number to register a Facebook account protects your everyday mobile number and adds a layer of security.

Why Use Virtual Numbers for Facebook:

Here are some of the top reasons for using a virtual phone number when creating a Facebook account:

Hide your number — Keep your mobile number private even from Facebook itself.

Avoid spam calls/texts — Scammers or spam accounts cannot reach your actual device, they don’t have access to your phone number.

Enhanced account security — An extra barrier against hacking beyond just a password or email.

Control who looks you up — Manage who can search for your account by phone number.

Protect privacy — Virtual numbers provide anonymity tied to your Facebook profile. Separate online presence from real-world contacts.

For those concerned about their privacy in an age of rampant data harvesting, virtual numbers are a smart technique for any social media platform, Facebook included.

Obtaining a Virtual Number:

Gaining access to a virtual number is an easy process with multiple options, many popular communication apps provide virtual numbers for free:

Google Voice — Gives you a phone number to link with for SMS or calls forwarded to your device.

TextNow — Offers a free virtual number just for verification purposes.

TextPlus — Another texting app providing access to a disposable number.

Burner — Generates temporary numbers that can be discarded after one use.

The benefit of app-based services is fast setup without a lengthy registration process. However, features may be limited compared to paid providers.

Paid Virtual Number:

For expanded capabilities beyond basic SMS verification, purchasing a virtual number from dedicated providers is recommended, While paid providers charge per number, you gain higher quality numbers fully dedicated to your account as well as more extensive usage beyond Facebook registration.

NextPlus — Offers phone numbers across global regions starting at $2 per month.

VirtualPhone — Provides US and Canadian numbers with advanced call routing features.

GetSMSTemplate — Virtual number registration focusing on India-based numbers for SMS

Legitsms — Offers temporary numbers from over 40 countries

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering on Facebook:

Once you’ve obtained a virtual phone number from your chosen provider, here is the process to complete registering for Facebook:

Creating a Facebook Account:

Go to facebook.com and click on Create New Account.
Enter your name, email address, or mobile number, new password, birthday, and gender.
Agree to Facebook’s Terms and Data Policy.
Facebook will request a mobile number on the account verification screen.
Type in the full virtual number you obtained from your verification app or paid provider.
Facebook will then automatically send a code via SMS text to that virtual number.
Open the app or website where you can access your virtual number.
Retrieve the 6-digit verification code and input it into Facebook’s confirmation field.
Complete the signup and access your Facebook account!

The Pros and Cons of Virtual Phone Numbers:

Pros:

Increased Privacy — The top benefit is protecting your mobile number and identity.

Spam Protection — Avoid unwanted contact from strangers or big companies finding your real phone number.

Security Layers — Extra barriers against hacking attempts on accounts.

Compartmentalization — Separate aspects of your online presence for greater control.

Cons:

Access Issues — Losing access to numbers could lock you out of accounts.

Potential Abuse — Virtual numbers carry risks of misuse by bad actors.

Limitations — Some services block or flag certain virtual number providers.

Best Practices for Virtual Number Use:

To ensure the best experience using a virtual number for Facebook or other platforms, here are some top practices:

Research Provider Reputation — Pick an established, reputable service for your number.

Follow Local Laws — Be aware of any regulations regarding virtual numbers.

Avoid Suspicious Services — Steer clear of shady websites offering numbers.

Use New Numbers — Don’t reuse old numbers already linked to accounts.

Limit Account Verifications — Only verify required services to reduce misuse potential.

Following these precautions will provide smooth and private use of your virtual number for any accounts requiring phone verification.

Troubleshooting Virtual Number Problems:

In rare cases, you may encounter issues with your virtual number for Facebook signup. Here are tips to resolve them:

Dealing with Access Loss- Contact the number provider to regain access if possible. Or obtain a new number.

Recovering from Verification Failures — Facebook may have flagged the number. Try registering again with a different virtual number.

Handling Error Messages — Read Facebook’s error details carefully. You should make sure your number meets their requirements.

Overall, virtual phone numbers offer reliable means for account verification. However, working through any technical problems quickly ensures minimal disruption. One appeal of virtual numbers is the affordable pricing. Expect around $1-$5 per month for basic features from many providers while buying a dedicated number as a one-time purchase typically costs $1-$2. Advanced capabilities like custom voice greetings may increase the price.

Many apps provide free ad-supported numbers with registration. With careful selection, virtual phone numbers can provide excellent value, costing just a few dollars monthly.

Conclusion:

Registering for an essential service like Facebook while maintaining privacy poses challenges. However, the availability of virtual phone numbers offers the perfect workaround to verify Facebook without compromising your real identity. With the wide range of options for obtaining disposable numbers, users can enjoy firewalling their mobile numbers from Facebook itself. Following best practices while leveraging virtual numbers will keep your account secured while separating social media from real-world contacts. Stay safe online and unlock Facebook’s potential by using a virtual number during registration.

FAQs:

Q: Are virtual phone numbers allowed on Facebook?

Ans: Yes, Facebook permits the use of virtual numbers from legitimate providers, as long as the Terms of Service are followed.

Q: Can I use one virtual number for multiple accounts?

Ans: It’s recommended to use a unique virtual number for each account verification to avoid issues.

Q: Do I need an app to use a virtual number?

Ans: Some services provide web-only access, but most virtual numbers require also installing a mobile app for receiving verification messages.

Q: What happens if I lose my virtual number?

Ans: You can contact the provider to recover your number if possible. Otherwise, you’ll need to complete additional identity verification.

Q: Can virtual numbers receive regular calls and texts?

Ans: Many virtual number services support full calling and messaging functionality beyond verification codes. But this may cost extra.

Title: Exploring the Benefits and Applications of Virtual Phone Numbers for SMS Verification

Carter — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 15:55:29 +0000

In an era where online security and privacy are paramount concerns, the use of virtual phone numbers for SMS verification has emerged as a popular solution. These virtual phone numbers, also known as temporary or disposable numbers, offer a host of benefits and applications that cater to the diverse needs of individuals and businesses alike.

*### Understanding Virtual Phone Numbers
*
Virtual phone numbers are essentially phone numbers that are not tied to a physical SIM card or device. Instead, they exist in the digital realm and can be used to send and receive SMS messages, just like traditional phone numbers. However, they offer greater flexibility and privacy because they are not linked to a specific location or device.

Benefits of Virtual Phone Numbers for SMS Verification

Enhanced Privacy: One of the primary advantages of using virtual phone numbers for SMS verification is enhanced privacy. By using a virtual number, individuals can receive verification codes without revealing their personal phone numbers. This is particularly useful when signing up for online services or platforms that may require verification but do not necessarily need access to your personal contact information.
Increased Security: Virtual phone numbers add an extra layer of security to the verification process. By using a temporary number for SMS verification, individuals can mitigate the risk of identity theft, unauthorized access to accounts, and other security breaches. This is especially crucial in today's digital landscape, where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Convenience and Flexibility: Virtual phone numbers offer unparalleled convenience and flexibility. Users can easily obtain a temporary number for SMS verification purposes without the need for a physical SIM card or device. This makes it ideal for individuals who frequently sign up for new services or platforms and want to streamline the verification process.
Cost-Effectiveness: Many virtual phone number services offer free or low-cost options for SMS verification. This makes it a cost-effective solution for individuals and businesses alike, especially compared to traditional phone numbers or dedicated SMS verification services.

Applications of Virtual Phone Numbers for SMS Verification

Online Account Creation: Virtual phone numbers are commonly used to verify online accounts across various platforms, including social media, email, e-commerce, and financial services. By using a temporary number for SMS verification, individuals can create new accounts securely and efficiently.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Virtual phone numbers play a crucial role in two-factor authentication (2FA) processes. By requiring users to verify their identities via SMS, online services can add an extra layer of security to user accounts and protect against unauthorized access.
Secure Communication: Virtual phone numbers can be used for secure communication in sensitive or confidential settings. For example, businesses may use temporary numbers for SMS verification when communicating with clients, customers, or partners to safeguard privacy and confidentiality.
Marketing and Promotions: Businesses can leverage virtual phone numbers for SMS verification as part of their marketing and promotional strategies. By offering discounts, promotions, or exclusive content via SMS, businesses can engage with customers effectively and drive brand loyalty.

Conclusion

In conclusion, virtual phone numbers offer a myriad of benefits and applications for SMS verification in today's digital landscape. From enhanced privacy and security to convenience and cost-effectiveness, virtual numbers are revolutionizing the way individuals and businesses verify online accounts, secure communications, and engage with customers. As the demand for online security and privacy continues to grow, virtual phone numbers are poised to play an increasingly vital role in safeguarding digital identities and ensuring secure communication channels.

Is there any free text online in Philippines?

Carter — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 21:11:12 +0000

Several web sites provide free text message Philippines. Some of these services may limit the amount of messages you can send each day or the length of each message. In addition, they may display adverts or demand you to create an account. Here are a few options to consider:

TextPort: Lets you send free text messages to the Philippines. You can send messages without registering, but there is a daily limit.

SendSMSNow: Provides free text messaging in the Philippines. To utilize the service, you must first create an account; nevertheless, registration is free. There may be limits to the number of messages you can send.

Free Text Messaging you can send free text Philippines and other countries. You can send messages without registering, however there may be a daily restriction.

AFreeSMS: Offers a free SMS Ph and other countries. You can send messages without registering, however there may be a daily restriction.

You should remember that free text Philippine may have limitations compared to paid options. When utilizing these platforms, make sure to follow all terms of service and privacy rules.

NB: If you are in search of free Virtual Numbers for SMS Verification. Take a look at Legitsms.com