5sim

What is 5SIM

5SIM (5sim.net) is an online SMS verification service that sells temporary, disposable virtual phone numbers for receiving one-time passcodes (OTP). As of 2026-05-30, the platform advertises over 500,000 numbers from approximately 180 countries, covering services like Amazon, Telegram, WhatsApp, Google, Microsoft, OpenAI/ChatGPT, Instagram, and more than 115 others. Numbers are single-use by default, though some support multiple SMS deliveries. The service also offers a developer API with Bearer token authentication and supports automated number purchasing via REST endpoints.

How no-KYC is it?

5SIM operates at a low KYC level. Account creation requires only an email address and password. The FAQ explicitly states that users cannot change their email after registration-only create a new account-suggesting minimal identity linkage. There is no evident requirement for government ID, phone verification, or address proof during signup or balance replenishment. This makes 5SIM accessible to privacy-conscious users seeking anonymous SMS verification, though the service does not appear to market itself explicitly as a privacy tool.

Privacy & security

The platform warns users that temporary numbers should not be used for permanent accounts or confidential information, noting that numbers are issued to one user only but remain temporary by design. Security features include the ability to terminate all active sessions and block API keys if an account is compromised. The FAQ explicitly warns against using the deprecated API1 protocol with proxies or VPNs because the API key is transmitted as an unencrypted URL string-a notable security concern for API users. There is no published information about data retention periods, logging policies, or jurisdiction-specific privacy compliance.

Payments, fees & limits

5SIM accepts multiple payment methods for balance replenishment, including cryptocurrency. The FAQ mentions that fees and conversion rates are displayed during payment formation, though specific percentages are not listed in the crawled pages. The service encourages users to spend funds within the system rather than withdraw, noting that withdrawal footnotes should be read carefully. Pricing starts at approximately $0.008 per number according to the homepage, with service-specific rates varying-OpenAI/ChatGPT from $0.01, Facebook from $0.01, Telegram from $0.10, and WhatsApp from $0.06. The platform emphasizes low commission fees without specifying exact structures.

User experience & support

The web interface follows a three-step selection process: choose service, choose country, choose operator. Support is advertised as 24/7. However, third-party evidence raises reliability concerns. A 2025 review from receive-sms.com cites high failure rates, numbers blocked mid-verification, delayed SMS delivery, and inconsistent service availability. A Reddit user review rated 5SIM 3/10, praising low prices but criticizing reused numbers, slow support, and unresolved issues. Trustpilot shows 198 reviews with mixed sentiment. Competitor MobileSMS.io claims 5SIM's acceptance rate is approximately 60% compared to their own 95%, attributing the gap to 5SIM's VoIP-based infrastructure versus real SIM cards.

Who it's for

5SIM suits budget-conscious users needing quick, disposable numbers for low-stakes verifications where failure is acceptable. The minimal signup friction and crypto payment options appeal to privacy-focused individuals. However, users requiring high reliability, long-term number retention, or sensitive account verification should consider alternatives with real SIM infrastructure. The developer API may appeal to automation users willing to accept the security trade-offs of the newer 5SIM protocol versus the deprecated unencrypted API1.