5sim is one of the most searched virtual number services — but in 2026, users report increasing reliability issues: numbers that don't receive codes, frequent downtime, and no option to keep a number long-term. This guide compares the real alternatives and shows you how to get a working virtual number in under 5 minutes using CodesSender. Starting from $0.20. No VPN needed.

What Is 5sim?

5sim is a virtual phone number service used for SMS verification across platforms like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Google. While it remains active in 2026, users increasingly report inconsistent SMS delivery, numbers that fail on strict platforms, and the absence of a phone rental option — meaning you can't keep a number active for ongoing 2FA or account recovery.

Why People Look for 5sim Alternatives

Unreliable delivery — codes arrive late or not at all, especially for WhatsApp and OpenAI
No phone rental — you can't keep a number active beyond a single verification
Limited countries — fewer operator options means lower success rates on strict platforms
Downtime — service interruptions leave users stuck mid-verification

5sim Alternatives Compared (2026)

Here's how the main alternatives stack up:

Service	Starting Price	Countries	Status
CodesSender ⭐	from $0.20	50+	✅ Active
5sim	from $0.15	30+	✅ Active
SMS-Activate	—	—	❌ Shut down
SMSMan	from $0.11	20+	✅ Active
SMSHUB	from $0.17	20+	✅ Active
TextVerified	from $1.99	10+	✅ Active
Receive-smss	Free	15+	✅ Active

What Actually Works in 2026?

CodesSender is the most reliable 5sim alternative in 2026. Unlike most competitors, CodesSender uses real SIM-based numbers from Tier-1 mobile operators — not VoIP. Codes arrive in 10–30 seconds, and if a number doesn't deliver — you don't pay.

Two options depending on your needs:

SMS Activation — one-time number for a single verification. From $0.20. Best for verifying one account quickly.
Phone Rental (7–30 days) — a real number you keep long-term. Best for ongoing 2FA, account recovery, or multiple verifications. Not available on 5sim.

Best 5sim Alternative by Service

For Telegram

Telegram is one of the strictest platforms for virtual number verification. Use numbers from Ukraine, Kazakhstan, or United Kingdom — these have the highest acceptance rate. Full guide: How to get Telegram without phone number.

For WhatsApp

WhatsApp blocks VoIP numbers outright — a common issue with 5sim. CodesSender's real SIM-based numbers from United Kingdom and United States pass verification consistently. Full guide: How to register WhatsApp without phone number.

For Google / Gmail

Google frequently rejects VoIP and recycled numbers. Best options: United States, United Kingdom, France. Full guide: Verify Google account without phone number.

For ChatGPT / OpenAI

OpenAI blocks VoIP and many numbers that 5sim provides. Use United Kingdom or Germany numbers for highest success. Full guide: Verify ChatGPT without phone number.

For Binance and Crypto Exchanges

Crypto platforms reject disposable VoIP lines. United States, United Kingdom, and Germany numbers work best. Full guide: Verify Binance without phone number.

For Discord

Discord verification works reliably with numbers from United Kingdom, France, and Poland from $0.44. Full guide: Verify Discord without phone number.

For Instagram

Instagram works well with numbers from United Kingdom, France, and Germany from $0.52. Full guide: Verify Instagram without phone number.

What You Need Before Starting

A CodesSender account (free to create)
A small balance — verification starts from $0.20
The website or app ready for the phone verification step

How to Get a Virtual Number — Step by Step

Step 1 — Go to the phone verification screen

Open the platform you want to verify. When it asks for a phone number — stop. Do not enter your real number.

Step 2 — Open CodesSender in a new tab

Go to codessender.com/activation. Search for your service in the list.

Step 3 — Choose your country

Select a country from the recommended list above. If one doesn't work, release and try another — you won't be charged for failed attempts.

Step 4 — Purchase your temp number

Click Activate. You get a real phone number instantly. Copy it including the country code.

Step 5 — Enter the number into your platform

Paste your temp number with the correct country code and click Send Verification Code.

Step 6 — Get your SMS code

Switch back to CodesSender and click Get SMS. Your verification code appears within 10–30 seconds.

Step 7 — Enter the code

Paste the code into your platform and click Verify. Done.

SMS Activation vs Phone Rental — Which to Choose

SMS Activation ($0.20+) — best for verifying a single account once. Cheaper, faster, done in minutes.

Phone Rental ($5–$15/week) — keeps the number active long-term for account recovery, ongoing 2FA, or multiple verifications. This option is not available on 5sim — making CodesSender the better choice for developers and business users.

Common Issues and Fixes

"This phone number cannot be used for verification"

The number was previously used on this platform. Click Release in CodesSender and activate a fresh number — try a different country.

Code not arriving

Wait 60 seconds. If nothing arrives, release and get a new number. Keep both tabs open so you can copy the code immediately when it arrives.

Platform not accepting my country's number

Choose a number from the United States or United Kingdom — this bypasses most geographic restrictions.

Code expired before you entered it

Have both tabs open simultaneously — click Get SMS and paste the code immediately when it arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 5sim still working in 2026?

5sim is technically active but users report inconsistent results — particularly for strict platforms like WhatsApp, OpenAI, and Google. CodesSender uses real SIM-based numbers with higher delivery reliability.

Does 5sim have phone rental?

No — 5sim only offers one-time SMS activation. If you need a number that stays active for ongoing 2FA or account recovery, CodesSender's Phone Rental (7–30 days) is the better option.

Is it legal to use a virtual number for verification?

Yes. Virtual phone numbers are legitimate tools used by businesses, developers, travelers, and privacy-conscious users worldwide. Ensure your use complies with each platform's Terms of Service.

How much does it cost?

Verification starts from $0.20 for a one-time SMS activation. Phone Rental starts from a few dollars per week depending on the country.

Do I need a VPN?

No. A virtual number works without a VPN regardless of your location. If a platform also checks your IP address, a VPN may be needed as a separate step.

Can I verify multiple accounts?

Yes — each account needs a different virtual number. Purchase separate numbers on CodesSender as needed.

Conclusion

If 5sim isn't delivering consistent results, CodesSender is the most reliable alternative in 2026. Real SIM-based numbers from $0.20, 50+ countries, codes in under 30 seconds — plus Phone Rental for long-term use that 5sim doesn't offer.

Get your virtual number now →