How to Get a Free Phone Number for Calling and Texting

Free phone numbers are available that don't come with a monthly bill. Usually, you're given a phone number only when you pay for a landline service, activate a cell phone or SIM card, or register for a VoIP service. This article explains how to get a free phone number and the available features.

Get a Free Phone Number With Google Voice

Google Voice gives you a free phone number through which incoming calls can ring multiple devices simultaneously. That means when people call your free number from Google, it can ring on your computer, phone, and tablet to ensure you won't miss the call.

An added (and handy!) feature you get with Google Voice is transcribed calls. That means you can read your voicemail instead of listening to it. You can also forward your "real" phone number to the Google Voice service.

Google Voice lets you make free local calls within the U.S. to any phone number, such as businesses, other cell phones, and home phones. International calling is available as well, but that's an additional charge.

Apps That Give Out Free Phone Numbers

There are lots of apps that you can use to make free internet phone calls. Google Voice is one example, but many others will give you an actual phone number to make and receive internet calls, such as FreedomPop, TextNow, and TextFree app.

During setup, you're given an actual phone number that others can call and you can use to call others. All calls are managed through the apps so that you can keep your actual phone number.

FreedomPop

Freedom Pop offers cellphones and plans.

TextNow

You can optionally pay a monthly fee to remove ads in TextNow's texting app.

TextFree

TextFree offers text messaging capabilities, voicemail options, and other phone-like features.

Try iNum for Location-Independent Numbers

The iNum project is interesting because the company's aim is to provide one number that you can use all over the world.

iNum provides users with phone numbers with the +883 global country code, a code that has been created by the ITU (International Telecommunication Union). You can use a +883 number as a virtual number without worrying about area codes and associated rates.

Numbers from iNum are available through the service providers listed on the iNum website. Contact one of the service providers to obtain a free SIP account with free calling to all other iNum numbers.