Virtual phone numbers: get a second or business number
A virtual phone number is a real phone number that lives in the cloud instead of on a SIM card or copper line. It lets you add a business line or a second number to the phone you already carry. Here is how it works and how to get one.
What is a virtual phone number?
A virtual phone number is a phone number that a cloud phone provider manages for you. It is not tied to a single SIM card, handset or address. Instead, calls to the number reach an app or forward to any phone you choose.
To callers, it looks and works like any other number. To you, it is flexible: you can answer on your mobile today and your laptop tomorrow.
Why people get a second phone number
- Separate work and personal life: keep your private mobile number private.
- Look established: a local or toll-free number builds trust with customers.
- Run a side business: take client calls and texts on a dedicated line.
- Sell online or rent property: avoid sharing your personal number with strangers.
- Work remotely: answer your business line anywhere.
Types of virtual numbers
| Type | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Local number | A number with a city area code | Local businesses and trades |
| Toll-free number | 800, 888, 877 in the US | National brands and support lines |
| Vanity number | A memorable word or pattern | Marketing and adverts |
| International number | A number in another country | Reaching overseas customers |
What is a toll-free number?
A toll-free number lets customers call you without paying for the call; your business pays instead. In the US and Canada, toll-free numbers start with prefixes such as 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 and 833. Most business VoIP providers can add one to your account.
How to get a business phone number on your cell phone
- Choose a provider. Options range from simple second-number apps to full business phone systems. Popular choices include Google Voice, Quo (formerly OpenPhone), Grasshopper and the mobile apps of RingCentral, Nextiva, Dialpad and Ooma.
- Pick your number. Search by area code or choose toll-free.
- Install the app on your mobile and sign in.
- Set business hours and voicemail so calls outside hours go to a greeting.
- Add teammates later if the provider supports shared numbers or call routing.
Most apps let you choose which number appears when you make a call, so customers only ever see your business number.
Virtual phone system for small business
A virtual phone system goes beyond one number. It gives a whole team business numbers, an auto attendant, call routing and voicemail without any hardware in the office. It suits remote teams and growing businesses. Compare full systems in our guide to the best VoIP for small business, and see how the menus and routing work in our cloud PBX guide.
Free vs paid virtual numbers
Some services offer a free personal number (for example, Google Voice for personal use in the US). Paid business plans add features such as:
- shared lines and call routing for teams
- business texting and MMS
- toll-free and vanity numbers
- call recording and integrations
- admin controls and support
For a real business line, a paid plan usually pays for itself in features and reliability. Check current pricing on each provider's website.
Can you keep a number you already have?
Yes, in most cases. Moving an existing number to a new provider is called porting. You give the new provider your account details and a signed authorisation, and it handles the move. Ports often take a few days; keep your old service active until the provider confirms completion.
Frequently asked questions
What is a virtual phone number?
It is a real phone number managed in the cloud. Calls reach an app on your devices or forward to any phone, so the number is not tied to one SIM card or location.
How do I get a second phone number on my phone?
Install a second-number or business phone app, pick a local or toll-free number and sign in. Your calls and texts then run through the app over Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Can I get a business phone number for free?
Some services offer a free personal number, but business features usually need a paid plan. Check current pricing and terms on each provider's site.
Is a toll-free number worth it for a small business?
It can be. A toll-free number makes it free for customers to call and helps a business look national. Local numbers often work better for local trades.
Can I text from a virtual number?
Yes, most virtual number apps support SMS, and many support MMS too. Business texting in the US may require a short registration process with the carrier networks.
Can I use a virtual number in another country?
Many providers offer numbers in other countries, which lets overseas customers call you at local rates. Availability depends on the provider and country.
Keep reading
How we write: we explain the technology in plain English and compare providers on published features. We do not invent prices; plans change often, so check current pricing with each provider. Some links may earn us a commission at no cost to you (see our affiliate disclosure).