How to Get a Free Phone Number: A Step-by-Step Guide

A phone number is essential for communication. But not everyone wants to pay for a traditional phone plan. Maybe you need a second number for work, online dating, or privacy. Luckily, there are ways to get a free phone number. This guide will explain simple methods to get a free number. We will cover apps, online services, and other options. Let’s start!

>> Also Read: A Complete Guide to Free Phone Number Search Services

Why Do You Need a Free Phone Number?

Before learning how to get a free number, understand why it’s useful:

• Privacy: Avoid sharing your real number with strangers or websites.
• Travel: Use a local number when abroad to avoid roaming charges.
• Business: Keep personal and work calls separate.
• Budget: Save money if you can’t afford a paid plan.
• Temporary Use: Sign up for apps or services without using your main number.

Free phone numbers often use the internet (VoIP) instead of cellular networks. They may have limits, like ads or shorter validity. But they work for calls, texts, and verifications.

>> Also Read: How to Get a Free Phone Number Online (Easy Steps)

Method 1: Use a Free Phone Number App

Apps are the easiest way to get a free number. They work on Android and iOS. Below are popular apps:

1. TextNow

TextNow offers free U.S. and Canadian numbers. You can make calls and send texts over Wi-Fi or data.

Steps to Use TextNow:

1. Download TextNow from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Open the app and sign up with your email.
3. Pick a phone number from the available area codes.
4. Start calling or texting for free.

Limitations:

• Ads appear in the app.
• Inactive numbers expire after 7 days (unless you use the app weekly).
• Premium features like voicemail transcription require payment.

2. Google Voice

Google Voice provides a free U.S. number linked to your Google account. It works on Wi-Fi and offers voicemail, call forwarding, and spam filtering.

Steps to Use Google Voice:

1. Go to voice.google.com.
2. Sign in with your Google account.
3. Search for available numbers by city or area code.
4. Select a number and verify your existing U.S. phone number.
5. Start using your free Google Voice number.

Limitations:

• Requires an existing U.S. number for verification.
• International calls cost money.

3. Burner

Burner offers temporary numbers for privacy-focused users. The free trial gives a number for 7 days.

Steps to Use Burner:

1. Download Burner from your app store.
2. Sign up and choose a free trial.
3. Pick a number and use it for calls/texts.

Limitations:

• Free trial lasts only 7 days.
• Paid plans start at $4.99/month.

>> Also Read: Get a Free Virtual Phone Number Without Registration

Method 2: Get a Free Number via Social Media

Some platforms offer calling/texting features with a free number.

1. WhatsApp

WhatsApp uses your existing number but lets you make free internet calls.

Steps for Temporary Use:

1. Install WhatsApp and verify with your main number.
2. Buy a cheap SIM card for a second number (e.g., local prepaid SIM).
3. Verify WhatsApp with the new number on another device.

Limitations:

• Requires a physical SIM or secondary device.

2. Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger allows voice/video calls without a phone number. However, your Facebook profile is linked to the account.

>> Also Read: How to Get a Virtual Phone Number for Free (Easy Ways)

Method 3: Use Free Trials from VoIP Services

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services often offer free trials.

1. RingCentral

RingCentral’s 14-day trial gives a business phone number.

Steps:

1. Visit RingCentral.
2. Sign up for the free trial.
3. Choose a number and set up your account.

Limitations:

• Requires credit card details.
• Cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges.

2. Grasshopper

Grasshopper offers a 7-day trial with a free number.

Steps:

1. Go to Grasshopper.
2. Start the trial and pick a number.

>> Also Read: Top 10 Best Free Virtual Phone Number App in 2025

Method 4: Free Phone Numbers for Verification

Many websites require phone verification. Use these services for disposable numbers:

1. Receive-SMS-Online

This website provides temporary numbers for SMS verification.

Steps:

1. Go to Receive-SMS-Online.
2. Choose a number from the list.
3. Use it to receive verification codes.

Limitations:

• Numbers expire after a few hours.
• Cannot make calls.

2. SMSPool

SMSPool offers free and paid numbers for verifications.

Steps:

1. Visit SMSPool.
2. Select a free number.
3. Enter the number on the website/app needing verification.

>> Also Read: Free Smartphones Without Contract: How to Get One in 2025

Method 5: Government-Assisted Phone Programs

In the U.S., the Lifeline program offers free phones and service to low-income households.

Steps to Apply for Lifeline:

1. Check eligibility at Lifeline Support.
2. Submit proof of income or participation in government programs.
3. Choose a provider like Assurance Wireless or SafeLink.
4. Receive a free phone and number.

Limitations:

• Limited minutes/texts/data per month.
• Only available to eligible individuals.

>> Also Read: Best No-Contract Phone Carriers: Affordable and Flexible Options

Method 6: Free International Phone Numbers

If you need a number from another country, try these:

1. TextPlus

TextPlus offers free U.S. numbers and cheap international calls.

Steps:

1. Download TextPlus.
2. Sign up and pick a number.

2. Dingtone

Dingtone provides free U.S./Canada numbers and credits for international calls.

Steps:

1. Install Dingtone.
2. Earn credits by watching ads or inviting friends.

Potential Issues and Tips

• Expired Numbers: Use apps weekly to keep them active.
• Ads: Free services show ads; paid plans remove them.
• Region Restrictions: Some apps only work in specific countries (use VPN if needed).
• Security: Avoid sharing sensitive info over free numbers.

Conclusion

Getting a free phone number is simple with apps like TextNow, Google Voice, or temporary SMS sites. Choose based on your needs: long-term use, privacy, or verification. Always check limitations like ads or expiry dates. With this guide, you can stay connected without spending money!