How do I connect two phones to one number?

Having two phones connected to one number can be very convenient. It allows you to have your calls ring on multiple devices so you never miss an important call. There are a few different ways to set this up depending on your phone carrier and devices.

Using call forwarding

One of the easiest ways to connect two phones to one number is by using call forwarding. This feature allows you to forward calls from your main phone number to another secondary number. Here is how it works:

1. Contact your phone carrier for the primary number you want to forward calls from. Tell them you want to enable call forwarding.
2. Provide them with the secondary phone number you want calls forwarded to. This can be a mobile phone, landline, or VoIP number.
3. Your carrier will then enable call forwarding so that all calls to your main number also ring the secondary number.
4. When call forwarding is enabled, both phones will ring simultaneously when you receive a call.
5. You can answer the call on either phone.

The major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint all offer call forwarding. There are usually no extra fees for this service. The main limitation is that both phones will not ring if one is already in use on a call.

Using Google Voice

Another option is to use a free service like Google Voice to connect two phones to one number. Here is how Google Voice works for this:

1. Sign up for a free Google Voice account at voice.google.com.
2. Verify a phone number you want to use as your main Google Voice number.
3. In the Google Voice settings, add your two phones you want to ring as linked numbers.
4. Google will then assign your main number to ring both phones simultaneously.
5. You can answer on either phone when you receive a call to your Google Voice number.
6. The app also allows you to place calls from either phone using your Google Voice number as caller ID.

The advantage with Google Voice is that it works across multiple carriers. As long as you have the app installed, you can sync up your devices. The only limitation is that outgoing calls use your mobile minutes, so you may incur long distance charges.

Using a twinning service

Some providers like Vonage offer add-on services called “twinning” to link two phones to one number. Here is how it works with Vonage:

1. Sign up for Vonage phone service and port in your primary phone number.
2. Add a twinning option to your account for a small monthly fee.
3. Provide Vonage with the secondary phone number to link.
4. Vonage will then enable twinning so both phones ring simultaneously.
5. You can answer calls on either phone.

The advantage with Vonage is that you get full flexibility to mix and match landline and mobile phones. Twinning also often includes free long distance. The downside is that you have to use Vonage as your main phone provider.

Using a PBX phone system

Many modern PBX phone systems include call forwarding and twinning features built in. For example, systems like Nextiva, Ooma Office, and RingCentral make it easy to connect two phones to one extension.

Here is how it works with a typical PBX system:

1. Get a business PBX system with multiple extensions.
2. Assign your primary number to one extension.
3. Link your two phones to that extension.
4. The PBX will make both phones ring for incoming calls.
5. You can pick up the call from either phone.

The main advantage of using a PBX is that you get access to a full-featured phone system. This allows configuring things like call routing, auto attendants, and voicemail.

One limitation is that PBX service and hardware costs are usually higher. But it can be worth it for the advanced call management options.

Using SIM cards

For two mobile phones, you can connect both to one number by using SIM cards:

1. Obtain two SIM cards that are provisioned for the same mobile number.
2. Activate each SIM card with your carrier by inserting them into the phones.
3. Both phones now essentially share the same mobile number.
4. Incoming calls will ring on both phones.
5. You can answer calls from either phone.

Most carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile can provide duplicate SIMs for a small fee. You will need compatible unlocked phones that support SIM cards.

The advantage with this method is simplicity – no extra apps or services required. But it only works for mobile phones and may incur extra data charges.

Using a softphone app

Another option is to install a softphone app on your smartphones and link both to your primary number:

1. Download a softphone app like Zoiper or Bria on both devices.
2. Create an account and add your main number to the app.
3. Configure the app to also ring your mobile number.
4. Both your mobile phone and the app will ring simultaneously.
5. You can answer the calls on either device.

Softphone apps work by forwarding calls from your real phone number to the app. This avoids the need for a separate phone service.

The advantage of softphones is that you don’t need any special hardware. But running two apps at once can drain your smartphone battery life.

Using a mobile twinning service

Some mobile providers like Verizon offer twinning services for cell phones. Here is how Verizon’s NumberShare works:

1. Sign up for NumberShare from Verizon.
2. Add your secondary phone to share the same number.
3. Verizon provisions both devices to ring for incoming calls.
4. Answer calls from either phone as normal.

The benefit with Verizon NumberShare is seamless integration if you are already a Verizon mobile customer. But it does come at an extra monthly cost, and only works for Verizon phones.

Using an OBi phone adapter

OBi phone adapters are a popular way to connect landline phones to VoIP phone services. They also support connecting two phones to one number:

1. Get an OBi200 or OBi300 device and connect to your network.
2. Plug your main landline phone into Port 1.
3. Plug second landline into Port 2.
4. In the OBi web interface, enable bridge mode.
5. Both phones will now ring simultaneously for incoming calls.

OBi adapters are inexpensive and support bridge mode natively. But both phones must be landlines, and you’ll need VoIP service.

Using a Bluetooth adapter

For two mobile phones, you can use a Bluetooth adapter to connect them to one number:

1. Get a Bluetooth adapter like SuperTooth Buddy.
2. Pair both phones to the adapter.
3. When a call comes in, it will ring through the adapter to both phones.
4. You can answer the call from either phone.

This method provides an easy wireless connection. But call quality may suffer compared to wired connections.

Comparison of options

To summarize the different options for connecting two phones to one number:

Method	Cost	Devices Supported	Limitations
Call Forwarding	Free	Landline, mobile	Only one phone rings if other line is busy
Google Voice	Free	Landline, mobile	Uses mobile minutes for outbound calls
Twinning Service	Monthly fee	Landline, mobile	May require using provider’s service
PBX System	Hardware/service cost	Landline, mobile	More complex to set up
SIM Cards	SIM card fees	Mobile only	Only works for compatible mobile phones
Softphone Apps	Free/monthly fee	Mobile only	Can drain smartphone battery
Mobile Twinning	Monthly fee	Mobile only	Limited carriers support it
OBi Adapter	Hardware cost	Landline only	Requires VoIP service
Bluetooth Adapter	Hardware cost	Mobile only	Audio quality issues

As you can see, there are a variety of options for connecting two phones to one number depending on your specific devices and needs. In most cases, solutions like call forwarding, Google Voice, or twinning services provide the simplest options without significant ongoing costs.

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to connect a landline and mobile phone to the same number?

Yes, many of the options such as call forwarding, Google Voice, twinning services, and PBX systems allow you to connect a landline and mobile phone to the same number. The mobile phone essentially acts as an extension of your landline number.

What happens if both phones ring at the same time?

With most options, both phones will ring simultaneously when you receive an incoming call to your main number. You can answer the call from either phone. The first phone to answer will connect to the caller while the other will stop ringing.

Can I make outgoing calls from both phones?

Yes, many services allow you to place outgoing calls from either phone by essentially routing the calls through your main number. However, this may incur long distance charges depending on the solution used.

Is there a risk of duplication or dropped calls?

As long as the call forwarding or twinning service is configured correctly, you should not experience any duplicate rings or dropped calls. The technology is designed to instantly stop ringing both phones as soon as one is answered.

Will features like voicemail and texting work?

In most cases, features like voicemail, texting, and call logs will function normally. Voicemails will be routed to whichever phone service hosts your main phone number for retrieval. Texts will be received on both devices in many cases.

Do I need a special mobile plan?

For solutions that use your existing mobile service, like call forwarding, you do not need a special plan. However, for services offered by mobile carriers, like twinning, you may need to add that option to your plan.

Conclusion

Connecting two phones to one number provides great flexibility and convenience. With most modern phone services, it is easy to setup. Simply choose the option that best suits your needs and devices. Just remember that your main considerations are cost, phone compatibility, limitations, and call quality.