How to Get Virtual Business Phone Number for Calls and Texts

In today’s digital age, having a phone number is crucial for communication. However, acquiring a business phone number typically involves signing up for a cellular service plan or purchasing a prepaid SIM card.

But what if you need a temporary or additional phone number without the associated costs? In this article, we will explore various methods to obtain a free phone number for calls and texts, allowing you to stay connected without breaking the bank.

Business Phone Number

Before diving into the methods, let’s understand the two primary types of services that offer free phone numbers:

Understanding VoIP Services

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services use the Internet to transmit phone calls. They provide an alternative to traditional phone systems and often offer free or low-cost phone numbers.

Virtual Phone Number Providers

Virtual phone number providers offer phone numbers that are not tied to a physical SIM card or device. They rely on an internet connection to make and receive calls or texts.

How to Get a Business Phone Number for Free

Google Voices

You can get a free business phone number for your business through Google Voice. Here are the steps on how to do it:

1. Go to the Google Voice website and sign in to your Google account.
2. Click on the “Settings” tab.
3. Under “Calls,” click on “Get a free phone number.”
4. Select the area code you want your number to be in.
5. Choose a number from the available options.
6. Click on “Get number.”

Your new business phone number will be activated immediately. You can start using it to make and receive calls right away.

Here are some of the benefits of using a Google Voice business phone number:

• You can use the same number on all of your devices, including your computer, smartphone, and tablet.
• You can forward calls to any other phone number, including your mobile phone or home phone.
• You can use Google Voice’s features to block spam calls, transcribe voicemails, and more.

If you’re looking for a free and easy way to get a business phone number, Google Voice is a great option.

Here are some additional tips for using Google Voice for your business:

• Use your Google Voice number for all of your business communications, including customer service, sales, and marketing.
• Set up a voicemail greeting that includes your business name and hours of operation.
• Use Google Voice’s features to block spam calls and transcribe voicemails.
• Track your call history and analytics to see how customers are interacting with your business.

Ring Central

To get a free phone number for your business in RingCentral, follow these steps:

1. Visit the RingCentral website (www.ringcentral.com) and sign up for an account.
2. During the signup process, choose a plan that offers a free phone number. RingCentral may have specific plans or promotions that include a free number for your business.
3. Complete the registration process by providing the required information, such as your business name, contact details, and any other requested information.
4. Once you’ve completed the registration, you will be able to choose a phone number for your business. Look for options that are marked as “free” or included in the plan you selected.
5. Select the desired free phone number from the available options.
6. Continue with the setup process, following any additional instructions provided by RingCentral to configure your phone system and customize your business settings.
7. Once your setup is complete, you will have access to the free phone number for your business, which can be used for making and receiving calls through the RingCentral platform.

Remember to check the terms and conditions of the plan you choose to ensure that the free phone number is available and any limitations or restrictions associated with it.

Zoom Phone

Zoom Phone offers a free local phone number for businesses with a Zoom Phone Basic plan.

To get a free phone number, you will need to create a Zoom account and sign up for a Zoom Phone Basic plan. Once you have done that, you can add a free local phone number to your account.

To add a free phone number, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Zoom Phone website https://explore.zoom.us/en/products/zoom-phone/ and sign in to your account.
2. Click on the “Phone Numbers” tab.
3. Click on the “Add Phone Number” button.
4. Select the “Local” option.
5. Enter the area code and phone number you want to use.
6. Click on the “Add Phone Number” button.

Your free phone number will be activated within minutes. You can then start using it to make and receive calls.

Here are some of the benefits of using a free phone number with Zoom Phone:

• You can have a dedicated business phone number, even if you don’t have a physical office.
• You can use your free phone number to make and receive calls from anywhere in the world.
• You can use your free phone number to set up call forwarding, voicemail, and other features.

Flyp

Here are the steps on how to get a free business phone number in Flyp:

1. Download the Flyp app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Create an account and sign in.
3. Tap on the “+” button in the top left corner of the screen.
4. Select “Get a Phone Number”.
5. Choose a plan. The first number is free for 7 days, but after that, each number costs $7.99/month or $79.99/year.
6. Select an area code.
7. Enter a name for your number.
8. Tap on “Create Number”.

Your new business phone number will be added to your Flyp account. You can start using it right away to make and receive calls and texts.

Here are some additional details about Flyp’s business phone number plans:

• All plans include unlimited calls, texts, and picture messages to and from any US phone number.
• You can use your Flyp number to call and text people in more than 15 countries.
• You can set up “Do Not Disturb” for individual numbers, so that you can choose who can call you and when.
• You can also use Flyp to forward calls and texts to your existing phone number.

Dingtone

To get a free business phone number in Dingtone, you can follow these steps:

1. Download the Dingtone app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Create a free account and sign in.
3. Tap on the “More” icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
4. Tap on “Phone Numbers”.
5. Tap on “Get a Free Number”.
6. Select the country and area code for your business number.
7. Tap on “Get a Number”.
8. Your free business phone number will be displayed.

You can use your free business phone number to make and receive calls, send and receive texts, and set up voicemails. You can also use it to create a professional-looking business card.

Here are some of the benefits of using a free business phone number from Dingtone:

• It’s free to sign up and use.
• You can get a local phone number for any country in the world.
• You can use your phone number on any device, including your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
• You can make and receive calls and texts over Wi-Fi or cellular data.
• You can set up voicemail and call forwarding.
• You can use your phone number to create a professional-looking business card.

CoverMe

To get a free business phone number in CoverMe, you can follow these steps:

1. Download the CoverMe app on your mobile device.
2. Create an account and sign in.
3. Tap on the “Add Number” button.
4. Select the “Free Trial” option.
5. Choose a phone number and area code.
6. Tap on the “Get Number” button.

You will now have a free business phone number that you can use to make and receive calls, send and receive text messages, and access other CoverMe features.

Here are some additional details about the free trial:

• The trial period lasts for 3 days.
• You can use the free number to make and receive calls within the United States and Canada.
• You can send and receive unlimited text messages.
• You cannot use the free number to make or receive international calls.
• You cannot use the free number to access other CoverMe features, such as call forwarding, voicemail, and call recording.

If you decide to continue using CoverMe after the free trial period, you will need to subscribe to a paid plan. Paid plans start at $9.99 per month

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Virtual Phone Numbers

Using virtual phone numbers, also known as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) numbers, has both advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the key points:

Advantages of using Virtual Phone Numbers

1. Cost-effective:
   • Virtual phone numbers are often more affordable than traditional phone lines.
   • They can be obtained at lower rates and may offer cheaper long-distance or international calling rates.
2. Flexibility:
   • Virtual phone numbers are not tied to a physical location.
   • They can be used from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing businesses and individuals to establish a local presence in different regions without needing a physical office.
3. Scalability:
   • Virtual phone systems can easily scale up or down based on the needs of the business.
   •  Additional numbers can be added or removed without requiring significant infrastructure changes.
4. Features and functionality:
   1. Virtual phone numbers come with a wide range of features, such as call forwarding, voicemail, call recording, automated greetings, and integration with other communication tools like email or CRM systems.
5. Privacy and security:
   • Virtual phone numbers provide an additional layer of privacy since they don’t reveal the user’s actual phone number.
   • This can be useful for maintaining personal privacy or for businesses that want to protect customer data.

Disadvantages of using Virtual Phone Numbers

1. Internet dependency:
   1. Virtual phone numbers rely on an internet connection for communication.
   1. If the internet connection is unreliable or goes down, it can disrupt phone service.
2. Voice quality:
   1. The voice quality of virtual phone systems can vary depending on internet speeds and network conditions.
   1. Poor voice quality can negatively impact the user experience and communication effectiveness.
3. Emergency calling limitations:
   1. Virtual phone numbers may not always support emergency services or location tracking as reliably as traditional landlines.
   1. This can be a concern in situations where immediate assistance is required.
4. Caller identification challenges:
   1. Virtual phone numbers can make it more difficult to identify the origin of a call.
   1. This can lead to issues with spam calls or fraudulent activities, as scammers can use virtual numbers to mask their identity.
5. Integration complexities:
   1. While virtual phone systems offer integration with various tools and platforms, setting up and configuring these integrations can sometimes be complex, requiring technical expertise.

FAQs

Which virtual phone number providers offer free business phone numbers?

Some popular providers that offer free business phone numbers include Google Voice, TextNow, and FreedomPop.

Are there any limitations to free business phone numbers?

Free business phone numbers may have certain limitations, such as limited features, call restrictions, or advertisements.

Can I choose a specific area code for my free business phone number?

Yes, many virtual phone number providers allow you to choose from available area codes when selecting your free number.

Can I use my free business phone number to make and receive calls?

Yes, you can use your free business phone number to make and receive calls, depending on the capabilities of the provider.

Can I forward calls from my free business phone number to my personal number?

Yes, most virtual phone number providers offer call forwarding features that allow you to forward calls to any phone number.

Can I use a free business phone number for texting?

Yes, many virtual phone number providers also offer text messaging capabilities for free business phone numbers.

Can I use a free business phone number for international calls?

Some providers may have restrictions on international calling, so it’s important to check the terms and conditions.