Although there ’s a pretty good fortune you already have a headphone numeral on your smartphone , your master identification number attribute by your bearer is n’t your only pick for call in and texting . There are numerous free apps that can give you a 2d phone number you’re able to use to do closely everything your main earphone line can .
This is a great way to protect your privacy in situations where you ’d rather not give out your " real " telephone phone number . A secondary bit can be useful for dealing with telemarketers or when you may need to send texts and obtain calls on behalf of a volunteer organization you work with .
Since well-nigh all of these destitute number apps work over an net connection rather than your toter ’s voice connection , they can also be a useful way to target and receive calls on a mobile equipment that is n’t cellular - capable , such as a Wi - Fi pad or an old smartphone where you ’d rather not pay off for a architectural plan .
Just keep in mind that these services are n’t a substitution for a normal mobile sound line as they ca n’t ensure the same grade of reliability , and , of course , they ’ll only work when a electronic connection connectedness is usable — either via Wi - Fi or your cellular data architectural plan . If you ’re looking at adding a 2d bit for line role , you may desire to considersetting up a second parentage with an eSIMif your smartphone support it .
Nevertheless , not only are many 2d number apps gratis ( although you may have to put up with some ads ) , but the best part is that they give you a bona fide telephone number that can be used to receive calls , position outbound calls with right caller Gem State , and even send and incur text messages .
How to get a free phone number with Google Voice
One of the most democratic options for getting a free phone number is Google Voice . That ’s partly because it ’s a trusted name in a ocean of options from lesser - known companies , but it ’s also a help that ’s been around for well over a tenner now .
The downside is that while Google offers a paid adaptation internationally for business sector customers , the liberal consumer edition of Google Voice is still only usable in the U.S .. It ’s also only practical for setting up a second descent , as you ’ll need to link your account to an existing U.S. mobile number .
measure 1 : Download Google Voice from theApp StoreorPlay Store . Do n’t be thrown off if you see the app is refer to as " Google Voice for Workspace " on the Play Store ; the same app is used for both free personal and paid business Google Voice accounts .
Step 2 : Open Google Voice and signal in with your Google bill . take down that you must be using a personal Gmail history here ; paid Google Workspace accounts can only use the paid translation of Google Voice .
gradation 3 : SelectContinueat the welcome screen door to proceed .
stair 4 : On the next screen , chooseSearchto find a turn you desire to use with Google Voice . You ’ll be show a few nearby localisation to choose from . Select one of those or rap on the hunting orbit and go in another emplacement or telephone set issue to await for . Only U.S. numbers are supported .
Step 5 : Once you ’ve chosen a location , you ’ll be shown a tilt of available numbers . ChooseShow Moreto see additional options , and when you ’ve found one you like , chooseSelectto go on . Confirm your excerpt by choosingAccept Numberon the next screen .
Step 6 : Now , you ’ll require to link your existing routine to Google Voice . SelectNextto remain , andAllowif you ’re propel to give Google Voice permit to make and make out phone calls .
Step 7 : On the next screen , enrol your current mobile identification number and selectNext . This number will be linked to your Google Voice accounting , and must be capable of receiving text subject matter . mention that Google also checks to ensure it ’s a mobile number from a legitimate carrier , so numbers assigned by third - company textual matter content forwarding servicing may not work .
footstep 8 : figure the six - finger’s breadth code you incur via school text message . The Google Voice app should verify the code and automatically move to the next screen . ChooseFinishto complete the frame-up .
Step 9 : At this point , you ’re ready to place and receive phone vociferation and textbook messages in the Google Voice app . take down that Google Voice no longer integrates with the built - in telephone set app ; you ’ll have to specifically start the Google Voice app when you want to use your secondary identification number . Incoming calls to your Google Voice number will come in through the app as long it ’s running in the desktop ; otherwise they ’ll be forwarded to your primary mobile number . you’re able to exchange this behavior in the app ’s mise en scene .
How to get a free phone number with TextNow
Although Google Voice is one of the best - known root out there for getting a innocent phone number , the zero - cost interlingual rendition has to be yoke to a standard mobile phone number , so while it ’s not a spoilt solvent for a second line , it ’s not idealistic if you ’re look to chuck your traditional cellular armed service entirely . Another popular choice , TextNow , get you sign up for a detached phone identification number with nothing more than its app and a Wi - Fi connection . Unlike Google Voice , TextNow is also available in Canada . The downside is you ’ll have to put up with some ads if you want to keep everything detached , but the good news is that they ’re not too invasive .
TextNow is also a Mobile Virtual web Operator ( MVNO ) , which lends some credibility to its service . While it may not be amongthe dear MVNOsout there , it ’s been around since the day of Sprint , and now draw on T - Mobile ’s 5 G meshing . This lets you opt in to dumbfound a SIM card if you ’d care to use your TextNow identification number forth from Wi - Fi , andit late began offer what it calls free of the essence datathat lets you connect to maps , email , and ridesharing services on the go .
However , getting a SIM calling card is entirely optional , and you’re able to use TextNow as a second line with your current mail carrier , or even purely over Wi - Fi with no carrier at all . The only catch is that TextNow recycles inactive free numbers , so you require to use your assign numeral for calls and/or texts on a even basis if you need to keep it . you may always select a newfangled one if your erstwhile one pass away , but you wo n’t be able to get your former one back . TextNow does n’t allow free turn to be used for SMS - based substantiation codes , since that could pose a security risk if somebody else ends up with your bit . Paid subscription plans are uncommitted if you want to mesh in your number and get verification codes .
Step 1 : Download TextNow from theApp Storeor thePlay Store .
Step 2 : start the app and chooseSign Upto get start up and then follow the instructions to link with a single sign of the zodiac - on service like Apple , Google , or Facebook , or chooseSign up with Emailto expend a received electronic mail address and parole .
stone’s throw 3 : SelectGet My Free Numberin the iPhone app orUse My Locationin the Android app and grant license for TextNow to utilize your speech sound ’s placement military service . This lets it automatically find a sound bit in your local domain code . you may also selectDon’t apply locationand search for a number manually if you ’d favor not to give the app entree to your location .
Step 4 : On the next filmdom , you ’ll be establish a list of number to choose from . Select one of the free numbers , and chooseContinue .
take note that aPremium numberwill always be listed at the top ; this is a number that ’s easy to remember and will be locked in for as long as you keep paying the monthly fee .
whole tone 5 : When prompted , cede the necessary permissions for TextNow to send you notifications and get at the microphone . If you ’re using an Android gimmick , you may also be cue to yield permission to tape audio and make and receive phone calls . These permissions are all necessary for TextNow to do its thing . And iPhone substance abuser will also be prompted to allow ad tracking , however this one is optional .
footstep 6 : Once you ’ve concede all the needed permissions , you ’ll be taken to the app ’s main screen . If you ’re on an Android smartphone , you may see a streamer at the top prompting you to grant permission for the app to access Bluetooth equipment such as a headset . Select this banner to bring up the system license prompt to grant Bluetooth access . This is n’t necessary on an iPhone as TextNow uses Apple ’s burden Bluetooth service .
footstep 7 : The main CRT screen show up text message conversation . you may send a content by tapping on the new substance button , which is located in the top - proper turning point on an iPhone or the bottom - right on an Android smartphone . To post an outbound call , take the phone button , which is found in the top - right corner on both platforms .
As we mentioned earlier , unless you ’re paying a monthly fee to shut away in your number , TextNow may cancel it after a few days of inactiveness . You should see a energy notification to warn you about this before it find , but it should n’t be an issue if you habituate your free numeral regularly .
Other apps that give you a free phone number
When it comes to getting a free number , Google Voice and TextNow are far from the only options available . We ’ve compiled a tilt ofthe best apps for getting a 2nd phone number . While some of these charge subscription fee , many offer either introductory gratis plan with special calling feature or even gratis run that you could reuse if you ’re not implicated about keeping the same identification number .
Most of the apps you ’ll find are standardised to TextNow , provide a free phone ad - supported number for calling and texting that should remain with you as long as you use it regularly . Some other options includeTextFree , TextMe , Dingtone , and2ndLine , the last of which is owned by TextNow . The bad differences here are reliability and how pervasive the ads are , but since they ’re all loose and the numbers are disposable , it ’s not hard to switch before you start relying on your new number .
If you just want a short - term irregular number , apps likeHushed , Flyp , andBurnroffer free trials for up to seven days . Some of these do n’t require payment info when you signal up , so there ’s nothing to worry about when canceling — you’re able to just let the number expire without occupy about getting charge for service .
