Recently, I needed to register a bunch of overseas accounts, and dealing with various SMS verification codes was a headache. Later, I found out about the SMS receiving platform, which saved me a lot of trouble. Basically, it’s using virtual numbers to receive SMS—no need to buy a new SIM card—and it also protects your privacy.

I’ve tested a few Chinese-number SMS receiving platforms myself, and I ran into plenty of pitfalls. Some simply couldn’t receive the verification code, others had a delay of half a day. In the end, I found a few that were pretty good—SMS-Activate is the fastest, and the code usually arrives within about 10 seconds, with coverage in many countries; Super Cloud SMS’s China number ranges are especially reliable, and their US numbers are also solid; 5SIM has a user-friendly interface with clear API documentation; XiaoNiao has the best value for money—domestic apps can receive the code in 5-15 seconds.

The most important thing to watch out for when using a Chinese-number SMS receiving platform is that some numbers are shared, which makes them easier to have been registered already; verification codes may be delayed, especially for less popular apps. I recommend preparing several numbers—if one becomes invalid, switch immediately. Also, remember that this is for temporary use, not a long-term main number.

If you’re also looking for a stable Chinese-number SMS receiving platform, these are all still pretty good—just choose based on your needs.