{"id":261593,"date":"2024-06-14T11:09:38","date_gmt":"2024-06-14T11:09:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/?post_type=definition&#038;p=261593"},"modified":"2024-06-20T14:09:36","modified_gmt":"2024-06-20T14:09:36","slug":"burner-phone-prepaid-phone","status":"publish","type":"definition","link":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/burner-phone-prepaid-phone","title":{"rendered":"Burner Phone (Prepaid Phone)"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span id=\"what_is_a_burner_phone_prepaid_phone\">What is a Burner Phone (Prepaid Phone)?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A burner phone is a low-cost <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2955\/mobile-phone\">mobile phone<\/a> that requires the user to pay in advance for call minutes and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/24275\/short-message-service--sms\">SMS messages<\/a>. In retail sales, this type of phone is referred to as a &#8220;prepaid phone.&#8221; <strong>Prepaid phones<\/strong> do not require the purchaser to sign a contract with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/5570\/telecommunications\">telecommunications<\/a> provider.<\/p>\n<p>Years ago, it was possible to go into a store and pay cash for a prepaid phone without providing any identification. This is how prepaid phones originally came to be associated with illicit activities. The label &#8220;burner&#8221; implied that the phone would be burned (disposed of) after use to protect the criminal&#8217;s anonymity.<\/p>\n<p>Over time, the burner phone definition has evolved, and now the term is often used colloquially to describe an inexpensive basic mobile phone that is used for a specific purpose and can easily be replaced if it is lost, damaged, or stolen. The term may also refer to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/15375\/virtual-phone-number\">virtual phone number<\/a> that can be used to make free phone calls over the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2419\/internet\">Internet<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2-Burner-Phone-300x190.jpg\" alt=\"What is a Burner Phone (Prepaid Phone)?\" width=\"1200\" height=\"760\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-261623\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2-Burner-Phone-300x190.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2-Burner-Phone-1024x649.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2-Burner-Phone-768x486.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2-Burner-Phone-1536x973.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2-Burner-Phone-2048x1297.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2-Burner-Phone-1200x760.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2-Burner-Phone-1980x1254.jpg 1980w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#dddddd;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#F7F7F7;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<h2><span id=\"key_takeaways\">Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>The term &#8220;burner phone&#8221; originally referred to a mobile phone that would be discarded after use to protect the owner&#8217;s identity.<\/li>\n<li>Burner phones were initially associated with illicit activities.<\/li>\n<li>The burner phone meaning has evolved over time in response to changing legislation and use cases.<\/li>\n<li>Today, the connotation of a burner phone has more to do with price point and short-term use than anonymity.<\/li>\n<li>Some countries still allow cash purchases for prepaid phones without identification, but it&#8217;s becoming less common.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"how_burner_phones_work\">How Burner Phones Work<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The way burner phones work can vary depending on the type of phone, the carrier, and the country where you purchase the phone.<\/p>\n<p>In some countries, prepaid cell phones have to be packaged with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/23747\/subscriber-identity-module-card-sim-card\">SIM card<\/a> that provides cell service and manages the phone&#8217;s prepaid balance. When the balance is used up, the phone&#8217;s owner can either discard the phone or top-up (replenish) the prepaid balance and continue using the phone.<\/p>\n<p>In other countries, you may be allowed to purchase a phone and prepaid SIM card separately. This option allows you to purchase a new or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/24280\/unlocked-cellphone\">unlocked<\/a> used phone and choose any carrier that supports the phone&#8217;s network technology (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/5062\/global-system-for-mobile-communications-gsm\">GSM<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/24192\/code-division-multiple-access-cdma\">CDMA<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>Activating the phone after purchase can also vary depending on the carrier and the country where the phone is purchased. In some cases, you may simply need to insert the SIM card and turn on the phone. In other cases, you may need to make a phone call or register the phone online.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"why_use_a_burner_phone\">Why Use a Burner Phone<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Burner phones are ideal for individuals who want to keep their identity private in countries that don&#8217;t regulate prepaid phone purchases.<\/p>\n<p>Inexpensive prepaid phones are also useful for situations when the phone is only going to be used for a specific purpose or is intended for short-term use.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"when_you_might_want_to_use_a_burner_phone\">When You Might Want to Use a Burner Phone<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In movies and on TV, burner phones are often used by criminals and illicit lovers who don&#8217;t want to leave a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2396\/digital-footprint\">digital trail<\/a>. In real life, burner phones have an increasing number of more innocent use cases.<\/p>\n<p>You may want to use a burner phone if you&#8217;d like to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Avoid roaming charges when traveling.<\/li>\n<li>Have a backup for your primary phone.<\/li>\n<li>Separate business and personal phone calls.<\/li>\n<li>Manage multiple <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/4837\/social-media\">social media<\/a> or dating profiles.<\/li>\n<li>Provide someone else with a cell phone.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid sharing your primary phone number.<\/li>\n<li>Dedicate a phone number for one specific purpose.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"burner_phones_vs_prepaid_phones_smartphones\">Burner Phones vs. Prepaid Phones &amp; Smartphones<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>All burner phones are prepaid phones, but not every prepaid phone is cheap enough for the average person to feel comfortable using it only a few times.<\/p>\n<p>Most burner phones have minimal features to keep the cost down. They can be used to make\/receive phone calls and send\/receive <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/14159\/text-on-nine-keys-t9\">T9 text messages<\/a>. More expensive prepaid phones often have additional features that can also be found on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2977\/smartphone\">smartphones<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In general, the more expensive the prepaid phone, the more features it will have and the less likely it will be used as a burner phone.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-tabs su-tabs-style-default su-tabs-mobile-stack su-tabs-vertical\" data-active=\"1\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-tabs-nav\"><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><strong>Burner Phone<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><strong>Prepaid Phone<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><strong>Smartphone<\/strong><\/span><\/div><div class=\"su-tabs-panes\"><div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Burner Phone&lt;\/strong&gt;\">\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong>Contract<\/strong>: No contract<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong>Cost<\/strong>: Lowest cost<\/p>\n<p><strong>Features<\/strong>: Basic (Calling, texting)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Internet Access<\/strong>: None<\/p>\n<p><strong>Activation<\/strong>: May not require ID in some countries<\/p>\n<p><strong>Replacement<\/strong>: Easy to replace<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Prepaid Phone&lt;\/strong&gt;\">\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong>Contract<\/strong>: No contract<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong>Cost<\/strong>: Varies (Generally affordable)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Features<\/strong>: Varies (Basic to advanced)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Internet Access<\/strong>: Varies<\/p>\n<p><strong>Activation<\/strong>: May require minimal personal info depending on phone features<\/p>\n<p><strong>Replacement<\/strong>: Varies (User preference)<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Smartphone&lt;\/strong&gt;\">\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong>Contract<\/strong>: Usually requires contract<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong>Cost<\/strong>: More expensive<\/p>\n<p><strong>Features<\/strong>: Advanced\u00a0 (Apps, camera, GPS, etc.)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Internet Access<\/strong>: Full Internet access<\/p>\n<p><strong>Activation<\/strong>: Will require personal information during setup<\/p>\n<p><strong>Replacement<\/strong>: Must be replaced\/upgraded periodically<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"burner_phone_security\">Burner Phone Security<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In situations where you might be at risk of having your phone compromised or tracked, burner phones can provide an added layer of security by disrupting surveillance continuity.<\/p>\n<p>Combining burner phone use with other security measures like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/5507\/encryption\">encryption<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/how-to\/how-to-create-a-strong-password\">strong passwords<\/a> can enhance your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/7\/29803\/security\/what-is-the-difference-between-privacy-confidentiality-and-security\">privacy<\/a> even more.<\/p>\n<p>It should be noted, however, that basic burner phone models don&#8217;t have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/6203\/biometric-security\">biometric security<\/a> features or use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/12128\/personal-identification-number-pin\">personal identification number<\/a> (PIN) locks. If the phone is lost or stolen, anyone who finds it can easily access its contents. Consider using a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/password-manager\/best-free-password-manager\">password manager<\/a> to encrypt and store your passwords. This will protect them from unauthorized access in the event the phone is compromised.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"burner_phone_pros_and_cons\">Burner Phone Pros and Cons<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Burner phones offer advantages in terms of cost and privacy, but they have limitations when it comes to functionality.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-row\"><div class=\"su-column su-column-size-1-2\"><div class=\"su-column-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong>Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-list\" style=\"margin-left:0px\">\n<ul>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#3CB371\"><\/i> Low cost<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#3CB371\"><\/i> No long-term contract required<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#3CB371\"><\/i> Simple to activate and use<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#3CB371\"><\/i> Easy to purchase<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#3CB371\"><\/i> Can be activated anonymously in some countries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-column su-column-size-1-2 pros_icons_\"><div class=\"su-column-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><div class=\"su-list\" style=\"margin-left:0px\">\n<ul>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-remove\" style=\"color:#e31f28\"><\/i> Limited features<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-remove\" style=\"color:#e31f28\"><\/i> If lost or stolen, can easily be compromised<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-remove\" style=\"color:#e31f28\"><\/i> Phone location be tracked through cell tower <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/14856\/triangulation\">triangulation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-remove\" style=\"color:#e31f28\"><\/i> Law enforcement can intercept calls and text messages in some countries<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-remove\" style=\"color:#e31f28\"><\/i> Contributes to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/2108\/electronic-waste-e-waste\">electronic waste<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"burner_phone_alternatives\">Burner Phone Alternatives<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you&#8217;ve thought about using a burner phone for privacy reasons but you live in a country that requires a valid ID to purchase a prepaid phone, here are <strong>two popular alternatives<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Use an encrypted messaging app like <a href=\"https:\/\/signal.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">Signal<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/telegram.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">Telegram<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Use a virtual phone number acquired through an app like <a href=\"https:\/\/voice.google.com\/u\/0\/about\" target=\"_blank\">Google Voice<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.burnerapp.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Burner<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/hushed.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Hushed<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span id=\"the_bottom_line\">The Bottom Line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Burner phones were originally associated with criminals and cheaters, but today the term is used colloquially to describe any prepaid mobile phone that is used for a specific purpose and can easily be replaced if lost, damaged, or stolen.<\/p>\n<p>You can&#8217;t go into a store and buy a burner phone. If you are wondering how to get a burner phone, or you want to know how much a burner phone costs, a quick web search for &#8220;burner phone&#8221; will return information about prepaid phones. The cheapest ones typically cost around $20.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"man_faq_sec\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\"><\/time><section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What is a burner phone?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">A burner phone is a low-cost, mobile phone that uses a prepaid SIM card. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">How much is a burner phone?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">Basic burner phones can be purchased for around $20.<\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">Where can I buy a burner phone?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">Burner phones can be purchased online or at any store that sells prepaid mobile phones. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What is a burner phone used for?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">Burner phones are used to make and receive phone calls or send and receive text messages. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What is the point of a burner phone?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">The point of a burner phone is that it can be used for a specific purpose or a short period of time because it doesn&#8217;t cost much. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">Can a burner phone be traced?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">Yes, burner phones can be traced. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">Why would someone use a burner phone app?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">Someone might use a burner phone app to create a second phone number for their existing phone. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">Why do guys have burner phones?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">Guys have burner phones to keep different aspects of their personal lives separate. <\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<div class=\"reference-content\">\n<div class=\"reference-heading reference-content-collapsible-heading\">\n<h2><span id=\"references\">References<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"reference-content-body\">\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/signal.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">Signal &gt;&gt; Home<\/a> (Signal)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/telegram.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">Telegram Messenger<\/a> (Telegram)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/voice.google.com\/u\/0\/about\" target=\"_blank\">Voice<\/a> (Voice.google)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.burnerapp.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Get Temporary Phone Numbers: 7-Day Free Trial | Burner<\/a> (Burnerapp)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/hushed.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">The Temporary &amp; Second Phone Number App For Wifi Calling<\/a> (Hushed)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is a Burner Phone (Prepaid Phone)? A burner phone is a low-cost mobile phone that requires the user to pay in advance for call minutes and SMS messages. In retail sales, this type of phone is referred to as a &#8220;prepaid phone.&#8221; Prepaid phones do not require the purchaser to sign a contract with [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7813,"featured_media":261619,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"definitioncat":[257],"class_list":["post-261593","definition","type-definition","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","definitioncat-personal-tech"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.2 (Yoast SEO v24.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What is a Burner Phone? 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