Burner phones, commonly known as disposable or prepaid phones, have evolved significantly since their inception.
And theres one burner phone scenario where its great protecting your own phone when doing outdoor activities.
And heres one modern thing burner phone applications.
Vladislav Mashirenko
Like a burner phone, but directly on your smartphone.
Burner phone, explained
A burner phone is a low-cost, prepaid mobile machine.
Users dont have to sign a long-term contract with a mobile carrier to use one.
Instead, they buy the phone with pre-loaded call time or data.
They can top it up again with more credit when this runs out.
The design of burner phones is often basic.
Many models look like the early mobile phones from the 2000s.
Their primary functions are to send and receive calls and text messages.
Some models, though, do have more features like internet access or a touchscreen.
The term burner comes from the idea of burning or getting rid of the phone.
When users finish with the phone or run out of credit, they can simply throw it away.
This differs from typical smartphone use, where people keep the same gear for some years.
Burner phones have several uses.
Journalists and activists use them to protect their sources and themselves.
Travelers use them to avoid high roaming charges when abroad.
Other people use them as a second phone number to avoid spam calls and messages on their main rig.
In the late 1990s, mobile phones became increasingly accessible to the general public.
While the initial cell phones required long-term contracts with a mobile carrier, prepaid phones offered a different option.
Prepaid phones first emerged in the late 1990s as an affordable alternative to contract phones.
Users could buy the phone with a certain amount of credit and top up as needed.
This grants the flexibility to control their phone expenses and avoid getting locked into a contract.
As prepaid phones became more widespread, the concept of a burner phone was born.
These phones were prepaid phones bought for temporary use.
Made from cheap materials, has a simple screen, and a little memory.
In the early 2000s, burner phones became infamous for their use in criminal activities.
Anonymous and disposable, the perfect instrument for those who never wanted to tie themselves to a mobile track.
The TV show The Wire even depicted criminals using burner phones to evade law enforcement.
Burner phones became one of the favorite attributes of shady people in movies and shows.
But despite this negative image, burner phones have plenty of legitimate uses.
Journalists, activists, and even travelers often use burner phones to protect their privacy and save on costs.
What does a burner phone look like?
Theyre also sold onAmazon.
Prices range between $10 and $50, with plans starting at about $10.
The disparity in costs hinges on the devices additional features and intended usage.
A cheap unit like Nokia 2760 Flip 4GB Prepaid is great.
If your needs extend to a more smartphone-like experience, Samsung Galaxy A12 32GB Prepaid is also great.
Buying a burner phone can be as simple or complex as your requirements dictate.
This tactic is also useful for transactions that require temporary contact, like selling a car or a house.
Travel Benefits
International travel often brings the predicament of costly roaming charges or incompatible cellular services.
A burner phone can alleviate these problems.
This feature is particularly useful for individuals wanting to separate their work and personal lives.
Maintaining Anonymity
Finally, burner phones are a solid choice for those valuing their privacy.
They enable anonymous communication for sensitive matters without the fear of being traced.
This includes everything from whistle-blowing on illegal activities to participating in sensitive journalistic or humanitarian work.
Are burner phones really anonymous?
One of the primary reasons someone might opt for a burner phone is to ensure untraceability.
This feature can be essential for people who need to communicate sensitive information without revealing their identity.
They operate on prepaid plans, meaning no bills or records link the phone to an individual or address.
This aspect adds to the anonymity provided by a burner phone.
Disposable Nature
The very nature of burner phones makes them disposable.
Once the prepaid minutes are used up, the phone can be discarded without any hassle.
This further ensures that the phone leaves no trace of the person using it.
Buying Anonymously
Purchasing a burner phone can be done anonymously.
This allows to maintain anonymity from the point of acquisition.
In some cases, law enforcement agencies can trace these phones.
But they can be used responsibly to protect personal privacy and enhance security.
Once the need for the second number ends, it can be easily discarded without impacting the main number.
The temporary numbers can be burned at any time, providing flexibility and privacy.
These apps offer a high degree of privacy and can be a good option for anonymous communication.
However, these applications still require a phone number to sign up.
For journalists, theres SecureDrop.
But it doesnt provide back-connection.
They often require a connection to a main phone number or a regular internet connection to function.
So, the best option depends on the specific needs and circumstances.
