Why Use Virtual Phone Numbers?
Your primary phone number has likely become a digital ID that you've shared with countless businesses, websites, and people over the years. This widespread distribution can lead to privacy concerns, unwanted marketing calls, and potential security risks.
Virtual phone numbers offer a solution by creating a buffer between you and the outside world. These secondary numbers can be used selectively, monitored separately, and even discarded if they become compromised by spammers or unwanted callers.
Think of a virtual phone number as a digital gatekeeper: it provides all the functionality of a regular phone number while giving you advanced privacy controls and the ability to compartmentalize your communication.
Key Benefits of Virtual Numbers
- Privacy Protection: Keep your personal number private by using virtual numbers for non-essential contacts
- Spam Control: Contain potential spam by using different numbers for different purposes
- Number Segmentation: Maintain separate numbers for work, personal, and online activities
- Disposability: Use temporary numbers for short-term needs, then discard them
- Advanced Filtering: Many virtual number services offer enhanced call screening capabilities
Types of Virtual Phone Numbers
There are several types of virtual phone numbers available in the UK, each with different features and use cases:
VoIP Numbers
Phone numbers that work over the internet instead of traditional phone lines.
- Function like regular phone numbers but are not tied to a physical location
- Accessible from multiple devices via apps (smartphones, tablets, computers)
- Usually offer additional features like call recording, voicemail transcription, etc.
- Typically require an internet connection to receive calls
Best for: Daily use as a secondary number with full functionality
Second SIM Services
Secondary mobile numbers that work alongside your primary number on the same device.
- Actual mobile numbers on the UK mobile network
- Work even without internet connection (unlike most VoIP services)
- Some phones support dual physical SIMs, while others use a physical + eSIM combination
- Many UK carriers now offer multi-SIM options on a single account
Best for: A permanent second number with full mobile functionality
Temporary/Disposable Numbers
Short-term numbers that can be used and discarded when no longer needed.
- Perfect for one-time use cases like online marketplaces or dating sites
- Typically active for a limited time (hours, days, or weeks)
- Usually forwarded to your real number or accessed via an app
- Less expensive than permanent virtual numbers
Best for: Short-term needs where you don't want to share your real number
Forwarding Numbers
Numbers that simply redirect calls to your primary number while masking your real details.
- The simplest form of virtual number
- Callers dial the virtual number, and it forwards to your real number
- Often includes screening options to filter calls before forwarding
- Usually doesn't require an app installation
Best for: Simple privacy needs with minimal setup
Remember:
When choosing a virtual number type, consider how you'll use it. For frequent, long-term use, a VoIP or second SIM solution offers the most features. For casual, temporary use, disposable numbers are more cost-effective.
Popular Virtual Number Services in the UK
Here are some of the leading virtual phone number providers available to UK residents, along with their key features:
| Service | Type | Key Features | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hushed | Disposable & Long-term |
|
£3.99-£6.99/month | Multiple temporary numbers |
| Skype Number | VoIP |
|
£5-£7/month | Existing Skype users |
| Google Voice | VoIP |
|
Included with Workspace (£4.60+/month) | Business users |
| Burner | Disposable |
|
£3.99-£4.99/month | Dating & online marketplaces |
| EE Second Number | Second SIM |
|
£5-£10/month (added to EE plan) | Separating work & personal |
| Swytch | VoIP (UK-based) |
|
£4.99-£9.99/month | UK small businesses |
Note:
Prices and features are subject to change. Most services offer free trials or low-cost starter plans so you can test them before committing to a longer subscription.
Dual SIM Options from UK Mobile Carriers
If you prefer a fully integrated mobile experience, several UK carriers now offer dual SIM options:
EE
Offers "Second Number" service that works with your existing EE account.
- Works via eSIM on compatible phones
- Supports both calls and texts
- Uses your existing data allowance
Vodafone
Provides "OneNumber" service for adding additional numbers.
- Compatible with smartphones, watches
- Share data, minutes across devices
- Requires compatible eSIM device
O2
Supports multi-SIM functionality through "O2 Multi SIM."
- Up to 4 SIMs on one account
- Shared data across devices
- Works with compatible smartphones
How to Implement Virtual Numbers Effectively
Step 1: Determine Your Privacy Needs
Before selecting a service, consider what you're trying to achieve with a virtual number:
Work-Life Separation
If you want to separate work and personal calls:
- Look for a permanent second line solution
- Consider carrier-provided dual SIM options
- Prioritize business features like professional voicemail
- Choose a service with good call quality and reliability
Online Marketplace Protection
If you're selling items online or using dating apps:
- Temporary/disposable numbers work best
- Look for services with auto-expiring numbers
- Prioritize texting capabilities
- Consider services with blocking features
General Privacy Protection
If you want to limit exposure of your real number:
- VoIP numbers offer good general protection
- Look for call screening and spam filtering
- Consider ease of managing multiple contacts
- Choose a service with good app usability
International Communication
If you communicate internationally:
- Look for services with international numbers
- Check international calling rates
- Verify coverage in countries you contact often
- Consider VoIP services with free app-to-app calls
Step 2: Set Up Your Virtual Number
Once you've chosen a service, follow these general setup steps:
- Select and download your chosen service's app from the App Store or Google Play
- Create an account with your email address (avoid using your primary phone number if privacy is important)
- Choose a number - most services let you select from available numbers in your area code
- Select a plan based on your usage needs (calls, texts, duration)
- Configure settings including voicemail greeting, call forwarding options, and notification preferences
- Test the number by making a call to ensure everything works properly
Step 3: Implement a Number Segmentation Strategy
To maximize privacy benefits, consider how you'll use different numbers for different purposes:
| Contact Category | Suggested Number Type | Privacy Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Close family & friends | Primary personal number | Share your real mobile number |
| Work colleagues & clients | Permanent secondary number | Dual SIM or professional VoIP service |
| Online shopping & services | General virtual number | Use one consistent virtual number for all online accounts |
| Marketplaces & classifieds | Temporary disposable number | New number for each listing or transaction |
| Dating apps & social media | Dedicated virtual number | Separate number that can be changed if needed |
Step 4: Manage Your Virtual Numbers
Proper management ensures your virtual numbers continue to protect your privacy:
- Label contacts clearly in your phone to indicate which number they have
- Use distinctive ringtones for calls to different numbers to know instantly which "identity" is being contacted
- Check virtual voicemail regularly as some services don't forward these messages
- Review and update privacy settings periodically as new features become available
- Consider using a password manager to keep track of virtual number account credentials
- Dispose of numbers properly when they're no longer needed to avoid recurring charges
Privacy Reminder:
Even with virtual numbers, be mindful of other digital footprints. Services that ask for your virtual number may also collect other identifying information like email addresses, home addresses, or payment details.
Common Use Cases for Virtual Numbers
Online Selling Safety
When selling items on platforms like Gumtree, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace, using a virtual number protects your privacy from unknown buyers.
Implementation Tips:
- Use a temporary number for each listing or category of items
- Set up auto-responses for common questions
- Discard the number once the transaction is complete
Recommended services: Burner, Hushed
Online Selling Safety
When selling items on platforms like Gumtree, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace, using a virtual number protects your privacy from unknown buyers.
Implementation Tips:
- Use a temporary number for each listing or category of items
- Set up auto-responses for common questions
- Discard the number once the transaction is complete
Recommended services: Burner, Hushed
Online Dating Safety
Virtual numbers provide an important layer of protection when getting to know new people through dating apps or websites.
Implementation Tips:
- Use a consistent virtual number for all dating platforms
- Set up advanced call screening features
- Only share your real number after establishing trust
Recommended services: Hushed, Burner
Small Business Professionalism
For small business owners, having a dedicated business line creates professionalism without requiring a second physical phone.
Implementation Tips:
- Set up business hours for the virtual number
- Create a professional voicemail greeting
- Configure custom call handling rules
Recommended services: Google Voice, Swytch, Skype Number
Form & Registration Protection
When signing up for online services, loyalty programs, or entering competitions, virtual numbers help limit marketing calls.
Implementation Tips:
- Maintain one dedicated "forms" number
- Enable robust spam filtering
- Monitor for increases in spam and change if necessary
Recommended services: Any VoIP service with good filtering
Real-World Success Story
"After receiving persistent marketing calls on my primary mobile, I started using a virtual number for all online forms and services. Within three months, spam calls to my real number decreased by 90%, while my virtual number became the 'spam catcher.' Now I just check that number's voicemail occasionally to make sure I'm not missing anything important."
Expert Tip:
Consider maintaining a simple log of which services have which virtual numbers. This makes it easy to identify the source of any unwanted calls and take appropriate action by changing just that specific virtual number rather than your primary number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are virtual numbers legal in the UK?
Yes, virtual phone numbers are completely legal in the UK. They're simply a technology that routes calls differently, and many legitimate businesses and individuals use them daily. However, you should not use them for fraudulent purposes or to circumvent telecommunications laws.
Can I receive text messages on virtual numbers?
Most virtual number services support SMS text messaging, but functionality varies by provider. VoIP services typically offer full texting capabilities, while some forwarding services may only support voice calls. Check the specific features of any service before subscribing if text messaging is important to you.
Will calls to virtual numbers work if I'm abroad?
This depends on the service. Most app-based VoIP numbers will work anywhere you have internet access, making them ideal for travelers. Carrier-based second SIM solutions might incur roaming charges. Check with your provider about international usage before traveling.
Can I port my existing number to a virtual service?
Many virtual number providers support number porting, allowing you to transfer an existing phone number to their service. This can be useful if you want to convert a physical SIM number to a virtual one. The process typically takes 1-7 days and may involve a one-time fee.
Do virtual numbers show up differently on caller ID?
No, virtual numbers appear like any other phone number on caller ID. The recipient cannot tell it's a virtual number. Most services allow you to customize what name appears along with the number if the recipient's phone displays caller names.
Received Unwanted Calls on Your Virtual Number?
Report suspicious numbers to our database to help others identify potential scammers and telemarketers.
Quick Navigation
Virtual Number Type Finder
Not sure which type of virtual number you need? Answer these questions to find out:
Need your number for more than a month?
If yes → Consider a permanent VoIP number or carrier second SIM
If no → Look at disposable number services
Will you use it primarily for business?
If yes → VoIP services with business features
If no → Standard VoIP or forwarding numbers
Need to receive texts?
If yes → VoIP apps or dedicated second SIM
If no → Simple call forwarding services
Need it to work without internet?
If yes → Carrier-provided second SIM
If no → App-based VoIP services
Related Protection Guides
Virtual Number Privacy Tips
- Always use a separate email address when signing up for virtual number services
- Consider using a privacy-focused payment method like a virtual card for subscriptions
- Disable call history syncing to cloud services when using virtual numbers
- Review the privacy policy of any virtual number service before signing up
- Never use the same virtual number for both high-security services (banking) and public listings