How to Get a Second Phone Number
Learn the practical ways to get a second phone number, including number apps, eSIMs, carrier lines, and Google Voice.
Quick answer
You can get a second phone number through an app, a second carrier line or eSIM, or a service such as Google Voice. A number app is usually the simplest route when you want calls and texts on your existing phone without another SIM or device.
Getting another phone number no longer means buying another phone. The right method depends on whether you need a full mobile plan, a personal line inside an app, or a basic forwarding number.
Four ways to get a second phone number
1. Use a second-number app
A second-number app gives you another number that you manage inside the app. Calls and messages use Wi-Fi or mobile data, while your primary carrier number stays unchanged.
This approach works well for personal conversations, freelance work, online selling, dating, and signups. HashPhone offers available US and Canadian numbers for one-to-one calling and texting on iPhone, iPad, and Android.
2. Add a carrier line
Your mobile carrier may let you add another line to the same account. This is a full cellular service and may include data, emergency calling, and native integration with the phone's dialer and messaging system.
It is usually more expensive than an app, but it is the stronger option when you need carrier-level features or broad verification compatibility.
3. Activate an eSIM
An eSIM is a digital SIM, not simply a phone-number app. It activates another carrier plan on a compatible device. Many recent phones support more than one SIM or eSIM profile, although the exact behavior depends on the model, carrier, and whether the device is unlocked.
4. Consider Google Voice
Google Voice can provide a US number for eligible personal accounts. It supports calls, texts, and voicemail, but personal Google Voice availability is US-focused and signup requires verification with another number. Some outside services also decline Google Voice numbers for account verification.
How to get a second number with HashPhone
- Download HashPhone on your current device.
- Create an account.
- Review the US or Canadian numbers currently available.
- Select a number and read the offer and renewal terms shown for your region.
- Start using the number for personal calls and SMS inside the app.
The app is free to download. Eligible users may see a free trial or promotional introductory price, but the exact offer depends on region, storefront, and current eligibility.
What to check before you choose
- Decide whether you need cellular data or only another calling and texting identity.
- Confirm the country and area code you want are available.
- Read the renewal price, not only the introductory offer.
- Test important verification flows before relying on the number for account recovery.
- Keep another recovery method for important accounts.
- Do not use an app-based second number as an emergency calling replacement.
Which option is simplest?
Choose an app when you want separation without changing your carrier plan. Choose eSIM or another carrier line when you need native cellular service, data, or the broadest compatibility with systems that distinguish mobile and VoIP numbers.
For ordinary one-to-one calls and texts, HashPhone keeps the setup compact: one device, one app, and a separate number you can use without sharing your primary line.
Checked July 18, 2026: Apple explains Dual SIM and eSIM behavior, while Google documents personal Voice setup. The official HashPhone store listings describe current iOS and Android support.