How to get a virtual phone number?

A virtual phone is basically just a second number that lives online instead of being tied to a physical SIM. You can use it to call, text, sign up to things or keep your personal number out of places it doesn’t need to be.

The easiest way in is through apps. You download one, pick a number and start using it straight away. Options like TextNow or Burner are popular because they are quick and require very little setup. Skype Number sits somewhere in the middle. You pay for a proper number that people can call like any normal UK mobile, which makes it feel a bit more legit. Google Voice exists too, though it is more US-focused and not always the smoothest option in the UK.

If you need something a bit more serious, especially for work, VoIP providers are the better route. Services like Sonetel, Aircall or RingCentral let you set up a proper phone system without touching any hardware. You can choose a UK number, forward calls to your mobile, set opening hours and even create voicemail menus. Yep, it looks and behaves like a business line.

There is also the eSIM route, which is slightly different. Instead of an app-based number, you get a digital SIM that sits alongside your main one. Providers like Airalo focus more on data, but some UK networks offer full eSIM plans with actual numbers. It is a good option if you want a second line that feels like a normal mobile number, especially for travel or keeping work and personal calls separate.

A few things are worth keeping in mind before you pick one. Some platforms, especially banks and services like WhatsApp, do not always accept virtual numbers for verification. Free numbers can also get recycled, so what works today might not be yours forever. If you need something stable, it is usually worth paying for it.

It all comes down to what you need. If it is just for sign-ups or avoiding spam, a free app will do the job. If you want a second number that people can rely on, something like Skype Number is the better option. And if you are setting up anything customer-facing, go straight to a proper VoIP provider and save yourself the headache later.