A temporary, disposable, or burner phone number used specifically during the Instagram account creation or verification process provides an alternative to using a personal mobile phone number. These numbers are often available through various online services and apps, offering a short-term solution for receiving SMS verification codes. For example, a user might acquire one of these numbers to bypass region restrictions or maintain anonymity when initially setting up an Instagram profile.
The utilization of such a number offers several potential advantages. It can serve as a privacy measure, preventing the association of a user’s primary phone number with their Instagram account. This is particularly beneficial for individuals concerned about data breaches or unwanted marketing communications. Historically, these services gained traction as concerns about online privacy and data security increased, offering a layer of protection against potential misuse of personal information.