In today’s digital world, having a secondary phone number can be useful for many reasons. A free fake number allows you to protect your privacy, avoid spam calls, sign up for online accounts anonymously, and more. With the right tools, getting a free fake number is quick and easy. This comprehensive guide will walk through the main ways to get a free fake number, the advantages of having a fake number, and tips on how to use your new secondary number safely. After reading, you’ll have all the knowledge needed to get and use a free fake number for your needs.
Reasons for wanting a fake number
There are many legitimate reasons why someone may want a free fake number. Here are some of the most common:
- Protect your privacy when signing up for accounts online. You don’t have to give out your real personal phone number.
- Avoid spam calls and telemarketers. Give your fake number out instead of your real one.
- Safely buy and sell items through Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or other sites. You can chat with potential buyers without revealing your real number.
- Set up a business or work phone number. Keep your professional and personal lives separate.
- Safely meet new people from dating apps. You can chat first without handing out your number.
- Let your kids use an alternate phone number. You don’t have to get them their own cell phone plan.
- Temporary numbers for travel abroad. Get a local number so people can reach you without paying international fees.
The anonymity and privacy provided by a fake number can be very beneficial in the digital world. Free fake numbers give you control over who can contact you directly on your smartphone.
Ways to get a free fake phone number
There are a few different methods you can use to get a free secondary phone number, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some of the top options:
1. Free online phone number services
One of the easiest ways to get a free fake number is through a website or app that provides free online phone numbers. Some top options include:
- Google Voice – Provides free phone numbers for calls, texts, voicemail, and more. Easy to use and integrated with Android phones.
- TextPlus – Gives you a new phone number with calling and texting over WiFi. Use on the smartphone app or online.
- TextNow – Offers free fake numbers with calling, texting and voicemail. You can even choose your area code.
These services let you get started with a new number quickly, with no payment required. The number works for calling, texting, verifications and more. However, there are some limitations – for example, only being able to use the number on WiFi.
2. Apps that provide temporary numbers
In addition to services designed specifically for fake numbers, there are some apps that can generate temporary phone numbers:
- Burner – Lets you create short-lived phone numbers that can make calls. Easy to use for getting verification codes sent to a fake number.
- Hushed – Gives you a fake number to set up in a smartphone app. Useable for texting, calls and voicemails.
- Sideline – Designed for businesses, but can also be used for personal secondary numbers. Plans are paid but they offer a 7-day free trial.
The advantage of these apps is that you can frequently change the fake number as needed. The numbers expire after a set time period ranging from 7 days to a month.
3. Use a friend or family member’s number
If you just need a quick secondary number for a specific purpose, you can borrow a number from someone close to you. Many people are willing to lend their number to a family member or friend as long as it’s for a limited time.
Just be mindful of only using their number for the agreed upon purpose, like getting a verification code, and avoid activities that could lead to spam calls. Make sure you communicate clearly about when and how long you can use their number.
4. Purchase a SIM card
You can buy a cheap prepaid SIM card to insert into an old phone and use the associated phone number. This gives you full control without relying on a third-party service. However, you will have to pay for the SIM card and any usage fees that apply. Often the cheapest option is a prepaid SIM with a very basic limited plan.
The advantage of using a SIM is you get a “real” phone number that’s not tied to an online service. The drawback is you have to pay upfront and reload fees as needed.
Choosing the best option
When picking the best method to get a free fake number, consider what you’ll use it for and your personal preferences:
- If you only need the number temporarily for verifications, go with a free online phone number service or temporary number app.
- If you want to actually make calls, choose an option like Google Voice that supports calling.
- For the highest anonymity, use a temporary number service that frequently cycles numbers.
- To get a “real” phone number, purchase a prepaid SIM card.
- If you need worldwide flexibility, choose an online phone number provider that lets you enter in any area code.
Think about factors like costs, features, how often you’ll need to change the number, and ease of use. With the many free options out there, you should be able to find a secondary number that suits your preferences and needs.
Major advantages of using a fake number
There are many great reasons to use a secondary fake number, including:
Increased Privacy
A fake number lets you keep your real number private. You can hand out the fake number when asked for your personal info, when signing up for services online, or when meeting strangers. This prevents spam calls and protects your privacy.
Anonymity
Since the fake number can’t be traced back to your real identity, it allows you to remain anonymous online. You can sign up for accounts, buy/sell goods, and chat with people anonymously.
Avoid Spam
Spammers, telemarketers and scammers often search databases for valid phone numbers. Using a fake number can help prevent this unwanted spam to your primary number.
Compartmentalize Work and Personal Life
Having separate real and fake numbers lets you compartmentalize your work versus personal life. You don’t have to give clients your real number.
Safety For Online Dating
When meeting new people through dating apps, you can chat safely using your fake number before deciding to reveal your real number. This gives you control over who you give your private information to.
Give Kids Independence
Kids can have their own number to stay in touch with friends and family without needing their own smartphone plan.
Temporary Travel Number
When traveling abroad, you can get a local fake number so people can contact you without paying expensive international fees.
Tips on how to use your fake number safely
To maximize privacy when using your new fake number, here are some top tips:
- Don’t use it as your main number. Only give out the fake number when needed for privacy reasons.
- Avoid activities that could compromise your anonymity, like logging into personal accounts.
- Frequently change temporary numbers to prevent tracking.
- Use a fake name when signing up for the number account.
- Set up strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication if possible.
- Make sure to comply with the terms of service of any free number provider.
- Don’t use your fake number for illegal or dangerous activities.
- Turn off notifications to avoid unwanted attention when in public.
Following these tips will help you maximize your privacy while reducing risks. Be thoughtful about which situations actually warrant using your fake number to avoid mishaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have additional questions about getting and using fake phone numbers. Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs:
Are free fake numbers safe to use?
The top services and apps for getting free phone numbers are generally safe to use, especially if you follow the right privacy practices. Avoid services that seem sketchy or ask for personal info beyond just an email to sign up.
Can I make calls with my fake number?
Some fake number services allow voice calls, while some only work for SMS text messages. Look for providers like Google Voice that support phone calls if you need that feature.
Do the calls/texts to my fake number show up on my real phone?
Yes, any communication with your fake number will be forwarded to your actual smartphone. Make sure to turn off notifications if you don’t want attention drawn to your fake number use.
Can I choose my fake phone number?
Some services let you pick a customized fake number, while some just randomly generate one. Look for providers that allow you to select a number with your desired area code.
Is it legal to use a fake phone number?
In most regions it is legal to use a fake phone number as long as you are not doing anything unlawful with it. Make sure to follow all terms of service. Never impersonate someone else.
Will I have to pay for my free fake number?
Most services offer an initial free number, but you may have to pay if you want to call, text extensively, or renew after an expiration period. Check the details of your provider so fees don’t surprise you.
Can I link my fake number to multiple devices?
It depends on the service – some fake numbers only work on one device or app, while others can be linked to multiple phones, tablets and computers. Check the capabilities before choosing a number provider.
Conclusion
Getting a free fake phone number is easy and straightforward with the many options now available. Top services like Google Voice and TextNow make it quick to start using a secondary number. Just sign up with an email, install an app or use their website, and you can get calls, texts and voicemails through your new fake number.
The privacy, anonymity and control provided by a fake number can be very beneficial for personal and professional needs. Make sure to use your fake number thoughtfully and follow safety best practices. With a free secondary phone number, you can protect your real number from spam, securely sign up for accounts online, separate work and personal life, safely meet new people and much more.