Use an activation for the order window
A NumberHub SMS activation receives verification codes for the service you chose during the window shown on the order. The price is held when you request the number and charged only when the code arrives. An activation can receive more than one code; the number is charged once, and further codes on the same number are free.
That window does not reserve the number for another order later. If you need access across a longer period, compare the rental options and their coverage before choosing.
Check the rental coverage before paying
NumberHub rentals are paid upfront for the selected period, with no per-message charge for messages received during that period. A rental may cover a selected service or an available all-services option. Check the coverage, expiry, and extension options shown on the order; delivery and later availability are not guaranteed.
For example, a rental listed for one service should not be treated as an all-services number. Even an all-services option does not guarantee that a website will accept the number or send a message. Price and availability do not establish acceptance.
Compare the cost for your actual task
Compare the live prices for the service, country and rental period you need. An activation is billed on code arrival. A rental is billed upfront for its period, whether or not a message arrives. The lower displayed price is only useful if that product fits your task.
After buying a rental, read messages in its NumberHub order and check its expiry there. Use the cancellation status on that order rather than assuming that an unused rental is always refundable.
Cancellation has two conditions
Rentals are paid upfront. You can request cancellation 2 to 20 minutes after the rental starts, only if no SMS has arrived. Once the cancellation is confirmed, the refund returns to your NumberHub balance. After this window or an SMS, the rental continues until expiry; early termination is unavailable.
Requesting cancellation and receiving a confirmed cancellation are different steps. Check the result before assuming the wallet was refunded. The current refund policy explains the conditions.
Plan for expiry and account recovery
An OTP activation does not reserve a number for a later order. For a rental, use the expiry and extension options shown on the order. An extension requires a separate successful purchase; do not assume the same number will be available after expiry.
Neither a temporary activation nor a finite rental is a number you control indefinitely. Do not use one as the only account recovery method for an account you intend to keep, or for banking, payments or accounts holding identity documents. Use a number you retain or another recovery method the service supports.