How to Get Started with Burner

Updated

To start using Burner, download the app, choose a phone number, and sign up for a subscription. The service is designed for calling, texting, and sending picture messages from a second number that keeps your primary number private. The site also advertises a 7-day free phone number trial, so you can test the app before committing to a paid plan.

What Burner Is

Burner is described on its site as "the original second phone number app." It gives your phone an additional number that you can use for calls, texts, and picture messages. The core purpose is privacy and organization: your Burner number shields your primary number, and you can delete or switch numbers when you need to.

Step-by-Step: Getting Started

  1. Get the app. The site directs new users to download Burner (a scan-to-download option is offered on the page).
  2. Choose a phone number. The page's main call to action is to "Choose a phone number to start calling, texting, and sending pics today."
  3. Sign up for a subscription. Every Burner subscription includes the feature set listed below. The site advertises a 7-day free phone number trial, now with unlimited calling and texting.
  4. Start communicating. Once you have a number, you can call, text, and send pictures from it.

Expected result: You have a working second number on your phone that is separate from your primary number, ready for calls and messages.

What's Included in a Subscription

According to the site, every Burner subscription includes:

Feature What it does
Unlimited calls & texts Call and text without per-message limits under the subscription
Muting & blocking Silence or block unwanted contacts
Delete or switch numbers Remove a number or replace it with a new one
Picture messages Send and receive photos
100% ad-free No advertising in the app
Spam blocking Keep spam callers from getting through
Auto-reply texts Set automatic replies
Organize contacts by color Sort contacts into color-coded groups

Common Reasons People Use It

The page's testimonials point to a few practical scenarios:

  • Online marketplaces and local sales. Multiple reviewers mention using a Burner number for Craigslist and local sales so buyers never see their real number.
  • Subscriptions and sign-ups. One reviewer says it is "great for subscriptions and stuff where I don't want to give my real number."
  • Separating contact groups. The site frames this as creating different numbers for different types of contacts, so you spend less time dodging calls and more time connecting with people who matter.
  • Avoiding spam. Spam blocking and muting are built in so only chosen contacts get through.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Trial terms. The 7-day free trial is advertised on the site; check the app's sign-up flow for the exact terms before you start.
  • Subscription required. The feature list applies to Burner subscriptions, so plan on a paid plan after any trial period.
  • Number control. You can delete or switch numbers, which the site presents as a privacy advantage, but it also means your Burner number is not necessarily permanent.

If your goal is to give out a number that isn't your personal one—for sales listings, sign-ups, or separating social circles—Burner's setup is straightforward: download, pick a number, subscribe, and start calling and texting.