---
okf_version: "0.2"
type: Reference
title: "Getting started"
description: "New to VirtualSMS? Start here: how real-SIM verification works, how to create an account, fund your balance, and buy your first virtual number."
resource: "https://virtualsms.io/help/getting-started"
tags: ["help", "getting-started"]
updated: "2026-05-29T00:00:00.000Z"
generated:
  at: "2026-10-24T19:58:44.280Z"
  by: "virtualsms-marketing-site"
verified: "2026-05-29T00:00:00.000Z"
status: "source-derived"
stale_after: "60d"
sources: ["https://virtualsms.io/help/getting-started"]
---
# Getting started

New to VirtualSMS? Start here: how real-SIM verification works, how to create an account, fund your balance, and buy your first virtual number.

## Articles

| Article | What it covers |
| --- | --- |
| [How VirtualSMS verification works](https://virtualsms.io/help/getting-started/how-virtual-sms-verification-works) | Real SIM cards, 145+ countries, end-to-end SMS in seconds. |
| [How to create a VirtualSMS account](https://virtualsms.io/help/getting-started/how-to-create-an-account) | Email + password, deposit crypto, verify in minutes. No KYC. |
| [Activation vs rental: which one do I need?](https://virtualsms.io/help/getting-started/activation-vs-rental-which-one-to-pick) | Single-use activations (up to 20 minutes) vs multi-SMS rentals. |
| [Real SIM vs VoIP: why VirtualSMS costs more](https://virtualsms.io/help/getting-started/real-sim-vs-voip-explained) | Real SIMs pass carrier checks that block VoIP numbers. When each makes sense. |
| [MCP server setup for AI agents (Claude Desktop, Cursor)](https://virtualsms.io/help/getting-started/mcp-server-setup-for-ai-agents) | Wire VirtualSMS into Claude, Cursor, or any MCP client. |

## Other help categories

- [Verification](https://virtualsms.io/help/verification)
- [Refunds & cancellations](https://virtualsms.io/help/refunds-cancellations)
- [Account](https://virtualsms.io/help/account)
- [Services](https://virtualsms.io/help/services)
- [Countries](https://virtualsms.io/help/countries)