How To Get a Second Phone Number

Key Takeaways: 

• The easiest way to get a second phone number is to download a second number app from the App Store. 
• You can have two numbers on your phone by downloading an app, using a VoIP provider, or using a dual SIM card. 
• To actually get your second number, you’ll have to follow the set-up instructions in the app you download or contact your carrier. 

While once new and exciting, phones are now something many people can’t imagine living without. Whether you’re calling family members, texting friends, interacting with coworkers and businesses, or signing up for online accounts, you’ll need a phone number. 

But sending all that traffic through one number can get a little chaotic. And with cybersecurity risks in play, there’s more than one reason you might want a second phone number. Getting a second number is easier than you think and requires only a few steps. 

Why Should I Get a Second Phone Number? 

There are many reasons why you might want a second phone number. Most reasons fall under these two major categories: 

Dividing Phone Traffic

You may want to use your main number for personal use and your second for work. Or you may keep all your known and trusted contacts on one phone number and people you don’t know as well on the other. 

Maybe you even want one number for friends, and another for enemies. Whatever the reason, it can be extremely valuable to have two phone numbers so you can divide your contacts accordingly and never miss an important message. 

Security and Anonymity

Our phone numbers are linked to our identities online, whether we like it or not. The internet as a whole — specifically places like people search sites — makes it easy to find people and their phone numbers online. 

But by using a temporary second phone number in place of your real one, you help reduce the number of times your real number appears online. A second number helps reduce exposure and the chance that your number will fall into the wrong hands, as well as keeps your personal number more private. If a hacker does get your main number, there’s no limit to the fraudulent activity they can accomplish. 

Ways To Get a Second Phone Number

There are several ways to get a second phone number. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right setup for your needs.

Second Phone Number Apps

One of the easiest ways to get a second phone number is through a second number app. After setup, calls and texts to your new number stay in the app, completely separate from your phone’s default inbox. Essentially, each number has its own space.

Some apps also include privacy features like spam filtering, number generation, and call or message blocking.

What Is the Best Second Number App? 

Burner is a second number app that lets you create a custom phone number you can change or delete anytime. It also includes spam blocking, flexible pricing, and access to Burner VPN, giving you more privacy in one simple app.

VoIP Phone Number 

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) lets you make calls over the internet instead of a traditional phone line. This means your number isn’t specific to the location you’re in, and all you need is an internet connection to use it. 

You may be able to use that number from a variety of devices at once, including computers and tablets. VoIP numbers are most often used for businesses, but may benefit the everyday caller as well.

VoIP Providers

Because VoIP numbers are mostly used for businesses, the ranking of providers is done with business considerations in mind. 

Some popular VoIP options include: 

• Google Voice (more popular for everyday, personal use) 
• Ring Central 
• Zoom Phone
• Intermedia Unite

Dual SIM Cards

If you want to avoid downloading another app, you can get a dual SIM card for your phone. A dual SIM card has two SIM cards in one, so you can use two different numbers within the same phone. This is a good option if you want a second number for business, travel, or personal use. 

To get a dual SIM, contact your provider and make sure your device is compatible. Newer models of Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola phones will work. 

Your phone service provider will be able to help set you up with that second number. You can even have a dual SIM from two different phone companies if that’s what you prefer. Dual SIM cards are more expensive than regular SIM cards, so take cost into account. 

Buy a Prepaid Phone

Another option is to go old-school and buy a second phone. You can get one through your phone service provider or pick up a low-cost device at a convenience store.

You can also get prepaid phones from large tech stores like Best Buy and Target. These phones usually won’t have full iPhone-level capabilities. The phone will likely be simply designed for texting and calling. 

FAQs

Can you get a second number for free? 

Yes. Options like Google Voice, TextNow, and 2ndLine offer free second number capabilities. 

Can you have a second number on your phone? 

Yes. You can use a second number app, a VoIP service, or a dual SIM card, all from the same device.

Can you get a custom second phone number? 

With Burner, you can generate a custom phone number to use as your second number. Whenever you need, you can delete your Burner number and generate another one, providing maximum flexibility and privacy. 

The Second Number Wrap Up

Whether you use an app, a VoIP service, a dual SIM, or a second phone, adding another number is easier than ever. It’s a simple way to stay organized, protect your privacy, and keep your main number truly yours.

Sources: 

Need a Second Phone Number? How to Get Started With Google Voice | PCMag

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) | Federal Communications Commission

VoIP Number | Ring Central

What is Dual SIM and How do I use it? | Rogers