Second Phone Number: Free and Paid Options Compared

A second phone number keeps work, selling, dating or sign-ups apart from your personal line. Free app numbers are fine for calls and texts with people; for verification codes you usually need a real mobile number.

The four kinds of second number

Which one to choose

• Talking to people (customers, buyers, dates): a calling app or second SIM.
• Signing up once: a one-time number.
• An account you will keep: a rental or a second SIM, because apps send codes again on new devices.

USA, UK, Canada and other countries

Apps accept numbers from any country they operate in. US numbers are the most widely available; UK and Canadian numbers suit services that want a local number. Check our free numbers by country for a quick test before you pay.

Setting up a second number on your phone

• eSIM: most recent phones hold two lines; add a second plan in Settings › Cellular (iPhone) or Connections › SIM manager (Samsung).
• Calling app: install it, pick a number, and use the app for calls and texts with people.
• For codes only: no setup on your phone; the code appears in your browser.

What a second number will not do

• It will not hide you from the law or from the provider who issued it.
• It will not let you create extra accounts where an app allows one per person.
• A free app number may stop working if you do not use it regularly.

FAQ

Can I get a second phone number for free?

Yes, through calling apps, but those are VoIP numbers that many apps refuse for verification.

Can I have two numbers on one phone?

Yes, with dual SIM or eSIM, or a calling app alongside your SIM.

What is the best second number for verification codes?

A non-VoIP mobile number; rent it if the account will ask for codes again.

Is a second phone number legal?

Yes. Using it for fraud or to break an app's rules is not.

How long can I keep a second number?

A SIM or app number as long as you pay; a rental for the days you choose.

Can I text from a second number used for codes?

Not with verification numbers here; they receive SMS only.

Related: temporary phone number for verification · non-VoIP numbers · burner phone numbers.