What is a Burner Phone & Why Should You Use One?

Michelle Wilson - February 16, 2022

The “burner phone” is an inexpensive, prepaid mobile phone that is easily destroyed or discarded when no longer needed. Often portrayed in popular media, burner phones are a popular option for criminals trying to evade detection by authorities. Occasionally, a burner phone is perfect for privacy reasons or during an emergency.

The “burner SIM” is another related term, offering an affordable, prepaid SIM card that a user can insert into another phone. A cellular device requires SIM cards, ideal for short-term use or preventing connection to an individual’s real identity.

What is a Burner Phone?

Any phone that is prepaid and inexpensive classifies as a burner phone. Most often, these phones aren’t intended for long-term use, purchased with cash to avoid any paper trail tying the account to an individual. Popularity for these phones started in 2002, after the hit HBO series, The Wire. Characters used burner phones to avoid detection by authorities, discarding or “burning” the phone when a line was compromised.

As the rise of Android and iPhones continue in popularity, burners are now commonly called “dumb phones” or “feature phones,” as smartphones didn’t exist in the early 2000s. Although the term “burner phone” is still common, SIM cards can also apply to such tactics. While the original concept often required a user to purchase a new device, users can now use burner SIM cards, switching between numbers for many reasons. In fact, some smartphones can accommodate multiple SIM cards simultaneously.

Why Would Someone Use a Burner?

Someone may frequently use a burner SIM or phone to protect their identity. This safeguarding of personal information often occurs when a user can secure a device or card that isn’t linked to real-world identities, keeping the user unidentifiable. There are multiple reasons someone might want to remain anonymous. For example, someone is reporting something anonymously or using secure messaging to stay private. Keeping marketing or follow-up phone calls away from the user’s main cell number is another tactic (for example, using the phone number for account registration or membership).

Most burner phones are feature phones with limited features and capabilities. Burner phones often lack access to modern internet browsers or camera functionality. They frequently have excellent battery life and remain lightweight and portable too. The battery functionality makes burner phones ideal for emergencies. A burner phone can regularly last several days on a single charge, with some lasting months on limited use.

Burner Phones Don’t Guarantee anonymity

Individuals exclusively purchasing a burner phone for privacy reasons may find burner phones fail to offer true anonymity. The most straightforward assessment for a burner phone is considering your privacy’s “threat model.” Establish what precisely you’re trying to protect your privacy from—as a baseline for functionality.

For example, let’s assume you drive to the store, purchase a burner phone with a credit card, return home and turn it on. Activating the phone at home will pinpoint your physical address for the cell phone carrier. If you bring a standard cell phone with you, the carrier will know your location when you purchase an additional device (as cell phone carriers use GPS tracking). License plate cameras on the road will capture the plate and record these movements. Security cameras in-store will record you buying the phone, and the credit card company will hold a record of the sale.

Despite the cinematic portrayal, tracing the phone isn’t difficult with the right resources. Carrying the burner and regular cell phones simultaneously while powered on highlights the same movement and behavior across the accounts, suggesting the same owner. If you’re looking to evade the government authorities, it’s likely not going to happen. If you want a new phone number that doesn’t easily link to your identity, a burner phone will work just fine.

Where to Purchase a Burner SIM or Phone

Most convenience stores, big box stores, or electronic retailers will sell burner phones or prepaid SIM cards. You’ll find discount phones and SIM-only plans that allow texting and calling at these locations, which are perfect for burner phones. Likewise, prepaid SIM cards are available at corner stores.

On average, a cheap burner phone will cost between $20 to $50, depending on the features available. Most monthly plans start around $10 but depend on the features requested. As most burner phones are exclusively used for texting and calling, additional features are often wasteful—draining battery life and resources.

Burner Phone Options

The Nokia 110 is a simple phone that offers a 2G connection and 14 hours of talk time. Likewise, the BLU Z5 has a similar price tag, along with camera functionality. Finally, the Nokia 1.3 is one of the most “advanced” handsets. The phone runs Android 10 and will cost users approximately $100.

The anonymity requirements of a burner phone depend on how far you’re willing to go to protect your privacy. For example, asking another person to purchase the phone for you, buying the phone with a gift card, or using cash to buy the product will all build anonymity. Using credit or debit will keep a paper trail, tracking the purchase.

Purchasing the Phone for Emergencies

Privacy implications aren’t a top priority if you’re adding a phone to an emergency kit or survival pack. Individuals can source a decent phone on eBay, Amazon, or third-party retailers. You’ll want to find a device that’s got strong battery life.

What About Google Voice and Other Similar Services?

Users wanting to purchase a second phone number for calling and texting from a computer should consider VoIP services. All services like Skype, Google Voice, and internet telephony providers include a number for basic calling and texting purposes. Although other providers exist, Google Voice is the only free service. Currently, Google Voice only works in the United States, but registration is free and straightforward to use. People can register a new Google account with a unique number, using a VPN for added security.

Conclusion

Any individual using a burner phone for privacy concerns should remember to take appropriate steps to hide identity during purchasing and ownership. People wanting a burner for emergency purposes should always ensure the battery is charged before packing it. Ensure you include a wireless charging port to keep the phone charged on the go.

Although a burner phone isn’t entirely anonymous, there are significant privacy benefits of having a cheap and disposable phone. Taking a few steps to ensure privacy during the purchase can limit the connection with your identity, especially if using cash or a gift card to purchase. For emergency use phones, always look for a device with long battery life. These phones are designed to last quite a while without use but are often have limited functionality. Calling and texting are the essential functions of burner phones, although some devices may include additional features. While these extra features are excellent, they aren’t always relevant when security and emergency use are prioritized.