Keeping your phone number private serves many purposes. It’s a great way to add an extra level of privacy when you need to give your number to an unknown company. If your primary number is attached to your bank account, you don’t want it to fall into the hands of hackers. It’s also a benefit if you prefer to keep your primary number only for friends and family.
Getting a secondary phone number is not difficult. This article will show you numerous ways to get another phone number.
Get a toll-free US number
You can use many different apps to get a toll-free US phone number. These apps are a good way to keep your primary phone number private.
A popular app for this is Talkatone. With it, you will be able to select a local phone number for calls and text messages. All that is required is a Gmail account. To learn more about how to use Talkatone, follow the steps below:
- Download and install the speak tone application.
- Open the app.
- Sign in with your Gmail account credentials.
- You will be shown an available number. Click “Get Number.” If you want to see other available numbers, select “Choose a different one.”
You now have a secondary phone number to use for calls and text messages.
How to get a toll-free US number for verification
It is common practice for companies and some applications to request a verification code to authenticate your identity. But to do this you need to provide them with your phone number. For those with privacy concerns, this may be something they would prefer not to do. However, there are ways around this policy.
One way to avoid giving out your primary phone number to receive a verification code is to use a bypass service called Receive-SMS-Free.cc. To learn how to use their service, see the steps below.
- Using a browser, go to Receive-SMS-Free.cc.
- You’ll see a list of available phone numbers in the US. Click on a phone number.
- Use this number for service that requires a phone number to send a verification code. Wait 60 seconds and then press “Refresh Latest SMS” on the Receive-SMS-Free.cc web page.
- The page will now display text messages from this number, including its verification code. Choose the last message.
How to get a free US number for WhatsApp
To send and receive text messages with WhatsApp, you must provide your phone number. For privacy reasons, many people are uncomfortable with this. However, there is a way to use WhatsApp without revealing your primary number.
With the Primo app, you can go through the WhatsApp verification process using a phone number that the app will provide you. To learn how to do this, follow the instructions below:
- Download and install the cousin iPhone app or cousin Android app.
- Launch the app and register for a toll-free number. You will need to provide them with your current US number.
- Once your Primo account is verified, tap the menu in the top left corner. Write down the phone number displayed at the bottom of the screen.
- Download and install WhatsApp for iPhone or WhatsApp for Android.
- Open WhatsApp. When you reach the verification stage, use the number you got from Primo. Don’t use your main number. Select the “Call me” option to receive a verification code.
- Cousin will call you. Write down the verification number you hear on the call. When WhatsApp asks for the verification code, type the number you received from Primo’s call.
How to get a toll-free US number without paying
Google is known for many things. From its popular search engine to Gmail, it has become a part of our daily lives. Google Voice is a free service where you can get a US phone number for domestic calls from your web browser and smartphone. All you need is a Google account and a valid US phone number.
To configure using a computer, follow these steps:
- Open a browser window and go to Google voice.
- Click the blue “Sign in” button in the upper right corner of the screen and sign in to your Google account.
- Please read the “Terms of Service” and “Privacy Policy” and then click “Continue.”
- In the search window, type an area code. You will be given a list of available phone numbers for that location.
- Select an available number by tapping the “Select” button to its right.
- You will see a screen showing the number you have chosen. Press “Verify.”
- In the window, type the phone number that Google Voice will use to forward your calls.
- Press “Send code.”
- Enter the verification code and tap “Verify.”
- Click “Finish” to complete the registration process and select “Finish” again.
To configure using a smartphone, do the following:
- Download and install Google voice for iPhone or Google voice for Android.
- Launch the app, tap “Sign in” and sign in to your Google account.
- Read the “Terms of Service” and “Privacy Policy” and tap “Accept.” Press the “Search” button and enter an area code.
- Choose an available phone number, click “Select” and then “Next.”
- Enter the phone number you’ll use to have Google Voice forward your calls, and select “Send Code.” Enter the verification code, press “Verify” and then “Claim” to confirm.
- You’ll have the option to use your new Google Voice number when you make calls from your phone. Select “Yes” or “No.” Click “Next” to complete the registration process.
How to Get a Toll-Free US Number for Texting
Getting a toll-free US number for texting is something that many people are interested in doing. You may not always want your phone number to be available to everyone you text. Using an app allows you to get a virtual phone number for these situations.
The Textfree app is perfect for this. You can choose a phone number for the location you want from those available. Once the app is installed and you’ve created an account, you’ll be able to send and receive text messages without exposing your primary number. To learn how to use this app, follow the instructions below:
- Download and install the No text application.
- Launch the application.
- Tap the “Register” button. Select “Allow” when prompted to allow the app to access your current location.
- Enter the area code you want and click “Continue.”
- Select a phone number from the list and press “Choose this number”. Enter your email address and create a password for your account.
- Click “Confirm Account.”
Using a secondary phone number protects your privacy
With several applications available, it is not difficult to remain anonymous when making calls or sending text messages. Using a secondary or virtual phone number can protect your primary number. Apps like Google Voice and Primo are free to use and can be used with iPhone and Android devices.
