How to text from a different number?

Ever felt the need to text or call someone without revealing your personal number?

You could be reaching out to someone on a classified ad site, connecting with clients, or simply wanting to keep your personal and private lives separate. Whatever the reason, calling or texting from a new number can help you maintain your privacy and anonymity.

But do you need to buy a new phone number every time you don’t want to reveal your phone number? If not, how do you get a different phone number for texting and calling?

There are a few methods to get a different phone number for texting, such as virtual phone number apps, SMS or messaging apps, email-to-text gateways, or using different SIM cards.

In this guide, we’ll discuss these methods in detail, highlight the best virtual phone number apps, and show you how to send text from a different number in 5 easy steps.

Let’s get started!

Reasons for texting from a different number

Some scenarios require you to text or call someone from a different phone number for one or more of the following reasons:

• Protect your privacy: Your main phone number should only be for your personal contacts. Doesn’t it annoy you when, after signing up for a website or a service, you keep receiving unwanted calls? It feels like someone has invaded your private space. An alternate phone number is a lifesaver in situations like these. It helps you keep your main phone number out of unwanted callers’ reach, safeguarding your privacy.
• Separate your personal from professional: You might be running a business or could be freelancing, and need a separate phone number to connect with your clients and customers. Having a substitute phone number is your go-to solution to keep your business communication organized and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Maintain anonymity: Let’s say you are conducting surveys or reaching out to leads and want to ensure that your main phone number isn’t exposed. In instances like these, temporary numbers could help you maintain anonymity.
• Short-term use – In temporary scenarios like international travel, short-term projects or testing services, it isn’t wise to use your main phone number. It could reach unwanted directories and attract unwanted callers. Here, disposable numbers could come in handy. Once the short-term purpose is over, you can easily dispose of the number.
• Multiple projects, one device: Managing different projects? Get different numbers for each to handle communication more effectively without carrying multiple phones.

Methods to get different numbers for text messages

If you need to send texts from different numbers, consider the following methods:

Using virtual phone number apps

Virtual phone number apps like iTeleCenter, Google Voice, Burner, and others allow you to get a second phone number for calls, texts, and other communication needs. They’re easy to set up, usually cost-effective, and only need an internet connection without needing any additional device. They even provide additional features like call forwarding, voicemail, call recording, and more. This option is perfect for both business and personal use.

Using SMS or messaging platforms

Messaging platforms like TextNow and TextMagic enable texting from a different number using their web-based services. More often than not, these services for sending texts from different numbers are used by businesses to send bulk SMS or customer support, but they can also be used for personal texting.

Using email-to-text gateways

Did you know you can send a text message through email? While it isn’t exactly texting from a different number, it serves the purpose.

By using email-to-text gateways, you can send a message directly to someone’s phone. However, this method should be used only for low-volume consumer use and isn’t intended for commercial purposes. Moreover, this is a convenient option if you know the recipient’s gateway email address. For a Verizon user, it would look something like this – [recipient’s number]@vtext.com

Using different SIM cards

Your next option is to buy a new SIM card. It works only if your phone supports a dual SIM, and even then, it limits you to having just one extra phone number. We wouldn’t call it much of a solution for your ‘different numbers for text messages’ need. Go for this method, only if you are ready for a long-term commitment with your second phone number.

Our take:

If you ask us, we would prefer to go with the method involving virtual phone number apps. It’s cost-effective, doesn’t require you to buy any additional device, and allows you to have as many different phone numbers as you need.

Best virtual phone number apps for texting

iTeleCenter

Key features

• Multiple numbers under a single account: Want to have different phone numbers for different projects or clients? iTeleCenter is one of the best apps for sending texts from different numbers. It allows you to have as many alternate phone numbers as you want under a single account, making it ideal for managing different business and personal projects from one place.
• Voicemail-to-email: Missed calls and don’t want to sit through listening to all the voicemails? iTeleCenter’s Voicemail-to-email feature has got you covered. It converts your voicemail into readable text formats and sends it over as emails, so you can read them at your convenience.
• Call forwarding: Forward your incoming calls to up to 6 devices, so your business never misses any important calls. Moreover, it allows you to custom call forwarding schedules through which you can schedule to whom the call gets forwarded based on the time of the day.
• Choose from local, toll-free, and vanity numbers: Not only does iTeleCenter meet your ‘text from a different number’ needs, but it also gives you the option to choose from a range of local, toll-free, and vanity numbers. If you are a business owner, local numbers help you create a local presence anywhere in the U.S. or Canada, and toll-free numbers help you create a national presence.
• MMS for multimedia messages: Don’t just want to send plain text messages after you have acquired a different phone number for texting? Use the MMS feature to add emojis, audio, images and more through your texts and add personality to your messages.
• Additional features: iTeleCenter has several additional features that can enhance your business’s productivity and aid in your communication needs. Learn more about them!

Limitation

• While iTeleCenter is a great option to get a different phone number for texting and calling, it has limited integration options with CRM tools. Therefore, if you are a business looking for a virtual phone system app that integrates with third-party tools or CM applications, iTeleCenter might not be the best fit for you.
• iTeleCenter doesn’t support international calling. If your business has employees or customers outside the U.S. and Canada, you may not want to go with iTeleCenter.

Pricing

The Basic plan starts at $19.99/month. If you are a business with 1-5 employees looking for additional features, you should go with the Premium plan which costs $39.99/month. iTeleCenter also has a ‘Grow’ plan for growing business priced at $99.99/month.

Get a 14-day free trial. Text from a different number with iTeleCenter now!

Google Voice

Key features

• Google Voice offers a free second phone number for personal and business use, making it ideal for those looking for a low-cost solution.
• Already using the Google ecosystem for your business? If yes, Google Voice could easily integrate with Gmail, Calendar, and other Google Workspace apps for a seamless communication experience.
• It can transcribe your voicemails into text and send them to your email, making it easy to read through missed messages.
• Google Voice automatically screens calls and blocks spam numbers, ensuring only important calls get through.

Limitations

• Only one Google Voice number per user is allowed with this app. If your business requires your employees to have different numbers for text messages, you may have to look at other options.
• Google Voice doesn’t support international calling.
• Google Voice doesn’t have customer support and requires you to rely on its support docs in case you face any issues with its services.
• Google Voice doesn’t integrate with any third-party applications.
• Users are required to have a Google account to set up and use Google Voice, which may not appeal to everyone.

Pricing

Google Voice is free for individual users.

Business plans start at $10/user/month with additional features.

The Standard plans and the Premier plans cost $20 and $30 per user per month.

Burner

Key features

• Burner is a second phone number app that allows you to get disposable or long-term virtual numbers based on your needs, perfect for both temporary and/or long-term use.
• Advanced call filtering and blocking features help prevent unwanted calls and spam messages.
• Burner easily integrates with third-party applications like Dropbox for data storage or Slack for team collaboration, making it a great alternative to Google Voice and other virtual phone number apps that don’t support such integrations.
• Want to keep track of all your calls and texts? Burner keeps a history of your texts and calls and allows you to export them when needed.
• You can even set up auto-renewal for numbers you want to keep long-term, ensuring continuous use without the hassle of manual renewal.

Limitations

• Burner supports SMS and voice calls only within the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Hence it may not be an ideal option for businesses operating internationally.
• Reused numbers may sometimes receive calls and texts meant for previous users, leading to confusion.
• Burner numbers are not suitable for long-term business use.
• Some numbers may be flagged by carriers as “temporary” and may be restricted.

Pricing

Burner offers a basic plan at $4.99/month. Premium plans start at $9.99/month.

Grasshopper

Key features

• With Grasshopper, you can text from a variety of local, toll-free, and customizable vanity numbers to suit your personal and business needs.
• Grasshopper automatically transcribes voicemails and offers personalized greetings, giving your business a professional touch.
• It allows for multiple calls to be handled simultaneously, ensuring customers don’t have to wait.
• You can set up different extensions for different departments or team members for streamlined communication.

Limitations

• Grasshopper doesn’t integrate with CRM platforms.
• It lacks advanced features like call recording.
• Some users have complained about Grasshopper’s interface to be non-intuitive and complex.
• Users have also complained about long waiting times for solutions over customer support.

Pricing

Grasshopper offers three plans: The True Solo plan is priced at $14 per month, and the Solo Plus plan and Small Business plan are priced at $25 per month and $55 per month respectively.

RingCentral

Key features

• RingCentral is one of the best platforms to unify all your communications needs at one place. It combines voice, text, video conferencing, and team messaging in one platform, making it a great option for collaborative work environments.
• RingCentral provides detailed insights into call metrics, user activity, and performance, helping businesses optimize communication.
• You can get numbers from various regions and countries, allowing businesses to establish a local presence in multiple markets.
• The app offers automated call routing and interactive voice response (IVR) features to streamline call handling.

Limitations

• Some new users have found setting up and using RingCentral to be complex and time-consuming.
• RingCentral’s comprehensive features come at a higher price point, making it less ideal for small businesses or individuals with budget constraints.
• Text messaging capabilities are limited outside of the U.S., making it less favourable for international communication.

Pricing

RingCentral monthly plans start at $30/user/month and can go up to $45/user/month.

How to text using a different phone number in 5 steps

Want to instantly get started and send a text using a different number?  Here’s how you can do it with iTeleCenter in 5 easy steps:

Step 1 – Sign up for iTeleCenter

Visit the iTeleCenter website and choose a plan based on your needs. Don’t worry! You can also start with a free trial to understand your fit with the app. They offer a free trial for new users, or you can select from their standard or premium plans.

Step 2 – Select your desired number

After signing up, choose a virtual number. iTeleCenter allows you to select from local, toll-free, or even vanity numbers depending on your preference.

Step 3 – Download the iTeleCenter app

Install the iTeleCenter app on your device (Android or iOS) and log in with your credentials.

Step 4 – Set up your preferences

Configure call forwarding, voicemail, and messaging settings. You can also set up custom responses or greetings if you’re using it for business purposes.

Start texting from a different number

Now you know how to text from a different number. Using a different number for texting offers a range of benefits, from enhanced privacy to organized communication.

Whether you need a number for temporary use, anonymity, or business needs, services like iTeleCenter can provide the perfect solution. Manage and use multiple numbers from a single device. Start with iTeleCenter for free.

Frequently asked questions