How to Get a Phone Number Without a SIM Card

Getting another phone number doesn’t have to mean buying another phone or installing a SIM card. You can use an app-based number or virtual phone service to make calls and send texts from the phone you already have.

There are a few ways to do this, though, and they’re not all interchangeable. Some numbers work for everyday calls and texts but aren’t accepted for account verification. Others limit how long you can keep the number or what features you can use.

The right choice comes down to what you need the number for and how often you plan to use it.

Can You Get a Phone Number Without a SIM Card?

You can absolutely get a working phone number without installing a SIM card. App-based numbers and virtual phone services let you make calls and send texts using a separate number on your existing phone. You’ll need to download the app and have an internet connection to set it up, but you won’t need another physical SIM card.

The main difference is how you access and use it. A traditional mobile number is tied to a carrier line, while an app-based number is managed through an app. You can use it without adding another physical SIM card or carrying a second phone.

It’s also worth distinguishing between getting a new phone number and activating another carrier line. If you want a second number for calls and texts, an app may be all you need. If you want another carrier line, you’ll need a compatible device and a plan that supports it.

Ways to Get a Phone Number Without a SIM Card

Several ways let you get a phone number without a physical SIM card. Some of the most popular options include:

Use an App-Based or Virtual Phone Number

Burner, Google Voice, and Hushed are a few services that let you get another phone number without installing a SIM card. While they offer basic similar functionality, their pricing, available numbers, and features differ. Some also include voicemail, spam filtering, and extra tools to manage calls and texts.

Use a Landline or Desk-Phone Number

A traditional landline gives you a phone number without requiring a SIM card. However, unlike your smartphone, it’s tied to a fixed location. This makes it less convenient if you need to take or make calls while you’re away from home.

Landlines are primarily designed for voice calls, and standard service generally doesn’t support texting. If you only need a number for calls at home, though, a landline may be enough.

Use an eSIM Instead of a Physical SIM

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone, allowing you to activate a mobile number without inserting a physical SIM card. If your device supports eSIM technology, you can add a carrier line without needing another physical card.

You’ll still need a compatible phone and a carrier plan that supports eSIM activation. Unlike an app-based second number, an eSIM gives you a carrier line, making it a practical option if you want another mobile phone number without installing a physical SIM.

What Is the Easiest Way to Get a Number Without a SIM Card?

For most people, a second-phone-number-app is the easiest option. There’s no additional hardware to set up, and you can manage another number from the phone you already use.

Unlike a landline or an additional carrier line, an app-based number doesn’t require setting up a separate phone service. You can choose a number, start using it for calls and texts, and manage everything in one place.

How to Get a Phone Number Without a SIM Card Using an App

The exact setup varies by provider, but most second-number apps follow a similar process. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Download a Second Phone Number App

Start by downloading an app that offers a second phone number, such as Burner, Google Voice, or Hushed. Follow the provider’s instructions to create an account and get started.

Step 2: Choose an Available Phone Number

Depending on the app, you may be able to select a number from different area codes or locations. Burner, for example, lets you browse available numbers and choose one that works for you. This isn’t standard across all apps, though. Make sure you review your chosen app’s process before signing up if getting a specific area code is important to you.

Step 3: Start Calling and Texting

Once your number is active, you can use it for calls and texts, as long as your chosen service supports both. People you contact will see the number you’re using instead of your primary number.

Step 4: Manage Your Number

Most apps include tools to manage calls, texts, and contacts, but features vary by provider. Knowing what your specific apps offer can also help you understand what you’re paying for.

What Can You Use a Phone Number Without a SIM Card For?

A second phone number comes in handy when you need to share your contact information but want to keep your primary number private. Some common uses include:

• Online dating: Exchange numbers with someone new without sharing the one you use for friends and family.
• Marketplace listings: Give potential buyers a way to contact you when selling items on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or similar platforms.
• Deliveries and appointments: Provide a contact number for scheduling, confirmations, or updates.
• Travel planning: Keep reservation details, booking-related calls, and travel contacts separate from your everyday conversations.
• Community groups: Share a number with neighbors, local organizations, or people you meet through events.

Keep in mind that a second number doesn’t make your calls or texts anonymous. The person you’re contacting can still see the number you’re using. The benefit is that you control who gets your personal number in the first place.

Will a Phone Number Without a SIM Card Work for Verification Codes?

Sometimes, but not always. Some websites and apps accept virtual phone numbers for verification, while others require a number associated with a mobile carrier. That means a number that works for calls and texts might not work when you sign up for an account.

Whether your number is accepted depends on a few factors, such as:

• The website or app’s requirements: Some services only accept mobile numbers for account verification.
• The phone number provider: Not every service supports receiving verification codes, even if it offers regular calling and texting.
• The number’s history: Some numbers may have been used for other accounts before being assigned to you.

If you specifically need a number for verification codes, check the platform’s requirements before signing up for a phone number service. There’s no guarantee that an app-based or virtual number will be accepted everywhere.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Phone Number Without a SIM Card?

You can get a phone number without a SIM card for free or pay a monthly fee, depending on the provider and the features you need. Most services fall into three categories:

Free Phone Number Services

Some providers, such as Google Voice, offer free personal phone numbers for eligible users. These can work well for occasional calls and texts, but availability, features, and account requirements vary.

Related: Best Google Voice Alternatives in 2026

Subscription-Based Phone Number Apps

Subscription services, such as Burner, charge a recurring monthly or annual fee to keep your number active. Depending on the provider, your plan may include calling, texting, voicemail, spam filtering, and other features. This option makes sense if you plan to use your number regularly and want predictable billing.

Pay-As-You-Go Phone Numbers

Some services let you buy calling credits or pay for usage instead of committing to a recurring subscription. Costs may depend on how many calls or texts you send, and some providers charge separately to maintain the number. Pay-as-you-go pricing can work for occasional use, but it’s worth checking expiration dates, minimum purchases, and other fees before signing up.

Phone Number Without a SIM Card vs. Second SIM

Both options let you use another phone without carrying a second device, but they work differently. Here’s a quick comparison guide:

Consider whether you need a separate carrier line or simply another number to share with people. If you don’t need additional cellular service, an app-based number is usually the simpler option.

FAQs About Getting a Phone Number Without a SIM Card

Can You Get a Phone Number Without a SIM Card on an iPhone?

Yes, iPhone users can download a second-number app to get another number without installing a physical SIM. Compatible iPhones also support eSIM, which allows you to activate a carrier line digitally.

Can You Get a Phone Number Without a SIM Card on Android?

Yes, Android users can get a second number through compatible calling and texting apps. Some Android phones also support eSIM, although availability depends on the device model and carrier.

Can You Still Receive Calls and Texts If You Remove Your SIM Card?

Removing the SIM card generally disconnects the mobile service associated with it, so you won’t receive regular calls and texts on that line. However, you may still be able to access calls and messages through a separate app-based number, provided the service remains available and your device meets its requirements.

Can You Use a Phone Number Without a SIM Card for Emergency Calls?

Don’t assume an app-based number supports emergency calling. Not every second-number provider offers emergency services, and some services have specific restrictions. Keep access to a reliable emergency calling method, and check your provider’s emergency-calling policy.

Get a Phone Number Without Adding a SIM Card

Ready for a second number? Burner makes it easy to get one without buying another phone, installing a different SIM card, or adding another carrier line.

With Burner, you can call, text, customize your voicemail greeting, and block unwanted calls while keeping your personal number private. Whether you need a number for a few weeks or something you’ll use regularly, Burner gives you the flexibility to manage it on your own terms.

Get Burner today and get your second phone number in just a few easy steps.