In today’s digital world, having a virtual phone number can be extremely useful for protecting your privacy online. Virtual phone numbers, also known as disposable or temporary numbers, allow you to keep your real number private while still having access to important services that require a phone number for verification. The best part is, you can get free virtual numbers quite easily from a variety of providers.
What are virtual phone numbers?
A virtual phone number is a phone number that is not associated with a mobile device or physical phone line. Virtual numbers work by forwarding calls and text messages to your real phone number or app. When you get a virtual number, you are assigned a phone number with a local area code of your choosing. This number can be used for receiving SMS, voice calls, and voicemails just like a regular phone number.
Here are some key things to know about virtual phone numbers:
- They are not tied to a SIM card or mobile carrier. The number is hosted on servers by the virtual number provider.
- You can choose the area code and in some cases, the phone number prefix.
- Calls and messages to the virtual number will be forwarded to your real phone number or mobile app.
- They protect your privacy by keeping your real number anonymous.
- You can easily discard them when you no longer need them.
Why do you need a virtual phone number?
Here are some of the top reasons to use a virtual phone number:
- Protect your privacy – Keep your real phone number private and use a virtual number on websites and apps instead.
- Safely buy and sell online – Give out a temporary number when buying or selling on classifieds websites to avoid spam.
- Verify accounts – Many services require phone verification during signup. Virtual numbers work perfectly for this.
- Local presence – Get a virtual number with a local area code to give your business a local presence.
- Track marketing campaigns – Get unique virtual numbers to track the performance of individual marketing campaigns.
Types of virtual phone numbers
There are a few different types of virtual phone numbers available:
- Toll-free numbers – Toll-free numbers can be dialed for free by the caller. They usually start with 800, 888, 877, or 866 in the US.
- Local numbers – Local virtual phone numbers have a specific area code and city code, making them look like regular local phone numbers.
- Vanity numbers – Vanity numbers are virtual numbers where you get to choose the phone number prefix. This helps with branding.
How to get a free virtual phone number
Many services offer free virtual phone numbers with basic features included. Here are some great options:
Google Voice
Google Voice is one of the most popular choices for getting a free virtual number in the US and Canada. With Google Voice you get:
- Free phone number for calls, texts, voicemail
- Bring your existing number or get a new number
- Call forwarding and voicemail transcription
- Works on iOS, Android, and web
- US and Canadian numbers only
To get started, simply go to voice.google.com and sign up for a new account. Verify your other Google account or phone number. Then you can pick your new virtual number or port your existing number.
TextNow
TextNow is another excellent option for getting a free phone number for calling, texting, and picture messaging. Features include:
- Free US or Canadian number
- Calls, texts, picture messaging
- Voicemail transcription
- Supports iOS, Android, and web use
- Bring your own number option
To get your free virtual number from TextNow, download the Android or iOS app and sign up. Confirm your real phone number. Then you can immediately start using your new virtual number.
TalkU
TalkU offers free virtual phone numbers specifically for receiving SMS verifications and voicemails. With TalkU you get:
- Totally free number for SMS and voicemail
- Numbers available in over 90 countries
- Instant setup without confirmation
- Numbers deleted after 7 days of inactivity
- Android and iOS apps available
To get started with TalkU, simply install the Android or iOS app and open it. You’ll instantly get a free virtual number without even creating an account.
Sideline
Sideline grants users a free second phone number for calling, texting, picture messaging, voicemail, and fax. Features include:
- Get a second number for free
- Use Sideline on both mobile and desktop
- US and Canadian numbers available
- Call forwarding and voicemail included
- Paid plans with more features available
To claim your free Sideline number, download the iOS or Android app and sign up. Verify your real number. Then you’ll get a second virtual number linked to your account.
Hushed
Hushed offers unlimited free virtual numbers with basic calling, texting, and picture messaging included. Key features:
- Totally free phone numbers with basic service
- Numbers available in US, UK, and Canada
- Burner numbers that can be discarded when done
- Voicemail transcription for paid plans
- Supports Android, iOS, and desktop
To get your free Hushed number, download the mobile app or sign up on desktop. Confirm your real number. Then get your virtual number which is ready to use instantly.
Limitations of free virtual numbers
While free virtual numbers provide great basic service, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- Call time limits – Usually only 100-300 outgoing call minutes per month.
- Text limits – Often capped at 100-500 texts monthly.
- No customization – Can’t pick a vanity number, only assigned one.
- Limited locations – Only provide numbers for certain countries.
- Slower support – Priority support given to paid users.
- Advertisements – Most free tiers show ads.
If you need more advanced capabilities, most providers offer affordable paid plans with more features. But the free tiers work great for basic private number needs.
How to get unlimited free virtual numbers
While individual providers limit how many free virtual numbers a single user can obtain, there are some clever workarounds:
- Use multiple providers – Rotate between different apps and services.
- Factory reset device – Reset erases previous numbers from apps.
- Use emulators – Android emulators can run multiple instances of apps.
- Browser extensions – Auto-rotate IP address and delete cookies.
- VPNs and Proxies – Mask IP address to look like new device.
By using a combination of these techniques, you can obtain an almost unlimited supply of free virtual numbers. But be aware this may be against the terms of service for most providers.
Top virtual phone number use cases
Here are some of the most popular use cases for virtual phone numbers:
Online privacy
Use virtual numbers to protect your real number when signing up for online accounts, classifieds sites, dating apps, social media, and anywhere else you want privacy.
Business and sales
Businesses can use virtual toll-free and local numbers to make sales calls. Having the right area code builds trust with local customers.
Craigslist and classifieds
Buyers and sellers on classifieds sites often prefer using temporary numbers to avoid spam calls afterwards.
Online verifications
Many services require phone verification during signup. Virtual numbers are perfect disposable options for this.
Dating and social profiles
Keep your dating, social media, and gaming profiles more private by listing a virtual number instead of your real one.
Business marketing
Create unique virtual numbers to track the performance of marketing campaigns across different platforms like Facebook, Google, TV, and billboards.
Emergency numbers
Some people keep an extra virtual number on hand as an emergency contact number for family to reach them if their main phone is lost or damaged.
Pro tips for using virtual numbers
Take advantage of these expert tips when using your virtual phone number:
- Save the voicemail greeting – Recording a personalized greeting makes your number seem more real.
- Text yourself first – Sending a test text from the web app will make sure SMS is working.
- Enable email notifications – Get alerts when you receive calls and voicemails.
- Use area codes strategically – Match area codes to where you do business.
- Rotate numbers routinely – Don’t use the same virtual number forever.
- Avoid robocall lists – Don’t use for sketchy signups or you’ll get spammed.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to use fake phone numbers?
Virtual phone numbers provided by legitimate services are legal to use in most countries. However, fraudulently representing yourself or creating fake identities can be illegal.
Can I make emergency calls from a virtual number?
Most virtual numbers do not support emergency calling. You should only make emergency calls from your real cell phone number that can be geo-located by dispatchers.
Can I use a virtual number for SMS verifications?
Yes, many services specifically provide virtual numbers for receiving SMS verifications from apps and websites that require phone verification during signup.
Will virtual numbers work for WhatsApp or Telegram?
Some virtual number services may work for verification, but most cannot activate messaging due to restrictions from these apps. Special SIM cards are required.
Can I make prank calls with virtual numbers?
You should avoid using virtual numbers for unethical purposes like prank calls. Most providers prohibit this in their terms of service.
Conclusion
Getting free virtual phone numbers is easy with many great options to choose from. Virtual numbers provide an extra layer of privacy and security in our increasingly digital world. Be sure to follow best practices when using temporary numbers to avoid issues. With a little effort, you can enjoy unlimited free virtual phone numbers to protect your privacy online.