We’re very excited to announce the release of a new iOS app and service called Burner. You can now download the iPhone app here or find it in the App Store.
What is Burner?
Burner lets you create temporary phone numbers at the touch of a button. You can create one or several at the same time; each one is a separate line within your iPhone that can be used for voice or SMS, and that will keep your real number private. Incoming calls on a Burner line either redirect to your main mobile number or go straight to voicemail, at your preference.
What is Burner for?
You can use a Burner for dating, Craigslist, short-term projects, side businesses, bands, and other times when you need to be in touch but want to maintain a little privacy. You can post a Burner number to Twitter or Facebook to let people know how to reach you, for marketing purposes, or just for fun. Any time you need to use a phone or give out a number on a non-permanent basis, consider a Burner.
How does it work?
Within the Burner application, you can create a new number any time, and manage all your active numbers. Each number comes with a voice minutes and messages allowance and has its own set of preferences – for example, you can manage whether calls go to voicemail or to your phone, and whether in-bound SMS message notify you.
Each number has a “Burn” button – so you can destroy it when you’re done with it. The burn sequence requires a user confirmation, because once a number is gone, it’s gone – you can’t get it back, and if someone calls after that, they’ll get a generic out-of-service message.
How much does Burner cost?
The Burner app costs $1.99 and comes with enough credits to create one short-duration Burner line. After that, you can buy credits to create more Burners of various durations, or to extend Burners that you have already created but are not yet expired. When you buy credits in bulk, you get a volume discount, but you can start for as little as $1.99.
How do I get started?
Simply download the Burner app and follow the prompts to confirm your phone number and get started. You can also find us in the App Store, or learn more about the app and our company here.
Anything else I should know about Burner?
You can find us on Twitter and Facebook. Please post there to tell us about some of the ways you come up with to use Burner, and to tell your friends about it. If you have any problems using the Burner, please visit our help center.
Happy Burning!
The Ad Hoc Labs team