When you want a phone number you know you have to pay for it. It can be through a contract, a prepaid card... But, Do you know the virtual number? Do you know that they allow you to have a phone to make or receive calls, or even WhatsApp messages, without the need for a SIM card.
It is increasingly common to have one, but do you know what they are, how to use them and, above all, how to get one? Don't worry, Here we give you all the keys to achieve it. Shall we start?
What is a virtual number
A virtual number is a phone number that does not require a SIM and is not physically linked to a phone extension. Actually, to be able to make calls, receive messages, etc. all you need is to have an app on your phone for them to work. Depending on the provider you choose, the app will change, as well as how it works. But this allows you to have a second phone number that will be operational as long as you have Internet, either by WiFi or by data from your mobile.
In other words, it is another telephone number that you may have and that is not linked to a telephone company but to a provider that will be the one that will give you access to it through its application.
Characteristics of a virtual number
With what you've seen before, you might be tempted, especially since it's cheaper to have a virtual number than a physical one. But, what features does it have? It is limited? Is it a good or bad thing? As you will see, virtual numbers are characterized by the following:
They work with data networks
And who says data networks, they also say WiFi. They're actually powered by the Internet, which is what makes them work, and not a phone company. This makes it rarer for coverage to fail, although there may be some connection failures when talking.
They use a website or app
This is a must. And it is that, by not using the telephone companies, the way for these telephones to work is through an app that allows access to that phone number for it to be operational.
Each number provider has its own app, so depending on where you get the number you will have to download one or the other.
Does the same thing as a “non-virtual” phone
In the event that you can do the same thing you do with your mobile or your landline: send SMS, messages, have applications, make or receive calls, etc.
Of course, be careful, because there are some virtual numbers that do put some problems in sending SMS, for example, causing some messaging apps to not work like this (because SMS cannot be sent and therefore cannot be verified). Such is the case of WhatsApp, that if you take a virtual number that does not give you access to SMS, you will encounter this problem.
How to get a virtual number
Having a virtual number is not difficult. Between quotation marks. And you have options to choose from, both free and paid. Now, not everything is good.
In the case of the free options, you have the problem that they greatly limit what you can do with the virtual number. To give you an idea; there are some that will only allow you to receive SMS, but not calls, which is a paid service. In others they may allow you limited calls (incoming), but not outgoing. And others can give you calls but not SMS (which is essential for some apps).
That is why many opt more for paid ones. And before you ask, yes, it's even cheaper than having a number with a telephone company (unless you have it prepaid and only pay one euro every four months (and that's because you don't use it)). In fact, If you are wondering, it is possible to find virtual number rates from about 2 euros and up to 20 euros (in the case of companies and when more services are wanted).
When creating a virtual number you have many options to choose from. Everything will depend on what you want to pay or what type of number you want. To give you an idea, You may be looking for virtual numbers from Spain, but you may also need international numbers (because you want to offer your products and/or services in other countries and you prefer that they call a number from that country even if it is answered from Spain).
Also, some do let you choose the phone number (from among those available); but others give it to you randomly.
Virtual number: where to get it
In conclusion, How about we talk about several options to have a virtual mobile number? There are many options, both free and paid, so we leave you some.
TextPlus
This is one of the options that you could consider if you want a free virtual number. You can have free SMS and also receive calls. However, it will cost you money if you are the one who has to call.
SMS is unlimited and free all of them, and you can even call other people who also use Text Plus for free.
It is available for both Android and iOS. As for the telephone, as we have seen, It allows you to catch a number from different countries.
Free
We continue with another option for a virtual number. In this case, with Zadarma, you find a website where the first thing to do is say which country you want it from. This It offers you a number of landlines with monthly fees of 1,8 euros to 2 euros.
Of course, the cheapest rate does not allow you to make calls, but it does allow you to receive them.
rinkel
Another company that offers you a virtual number is Rinkel. In this case It is specialized in business and has a monthly and annual fee. What are you going to find? Well, it has several rates. The most basic is the Essential, which does not have calls (you will have to pay for them separately) and costs 4,99 euros per month per user. The next rate already has unlimited calls, but its price increases to 14,99 euros per month (or 12,99 if you pay annually).
eSIM number
Finally, we leave you eSIM Number: Virtual Number, one of the best-known apps that offers you international numbers, for WhatsApp... and with very cheap plans.
In this case, it allows you to obtain a free number from the United States with coins (and these are achieved by playing or watching videos), but if what you want is a phone number from another country you will have to sign up for a plan.
Our recommendation is that you make a comparison with the options offered by several companies and the use that you are going to give to your virtual number to opt for one or the other. Do you recommend any company?