How to Get a Second Phone Number on Android

If you want to keep your main phone number private and secure, having a secondary phone number for your Android device is a great option. It adds a layer of anonymity, allowing you to use the number for a service or call someone without revealing your identity.

There are several services available that can provide you with an additional phone number for your Android device, and most of them are free. If you don’t want to use your personal number, using a secondary phone number app is a perfect solution.

“Are there any other ways to add a second line without using an app?”

There are a few apps that can help you add a secondary phone number, which I will discuss below. However, if you prefer to avoid using apps, the only other option is to have a dual-SIM smartphone. This is especially useful for frequent international travelers who want to avoid long-distance or roaming charges.

I will talk about the dual-SIM option later in this article, but for now, let’s focus on the apps.

Apps to Get a Second Phone Number on Android

Using one of these apps is the easiest way to add a second phone number to your Android device. They are simple to set up and use, and most of them only require a quick download and installation.

Sideline

Sideline is an excellent option for a secondary phone number app, especially for business owners or those who need a separate number for work calls. It offers convenient features like number porting, unlimited texting, voicemail, and calling using your carrier minutes.

Sideline uses your carrier network for call reliability, so you don’t have to worry about call quality. It also includes group messaging, a separate caller ID, voicemail-to-text, optional VoIP service, and business texting.

Setting up Sideline is quick and easy, even if you don’t have any technical knowledge. You can create a number and maintain your privacy without any hassle.

Line2

Line2 is another well-known app for getting a second phone number. It is a versatile app available in multiple countries, allowing you to get a separate number for job searches, personal business, and more.

When you download the Line2 app, you get 1500 free minutes, and there are no hidden charges to worry about. You can get a local number or even an 800 number if you prefer. It also allows you to transfer an existing number to the app.

Line2 offers various service plans with great features. The Standard plan starts at $9.95 per month and includes unlimited text messaging, a US or Canada-based phone number, group calling, low international rates, and a convenient website widget.

CoverMe

CoverMe is an amazing app that provides secure texting and private phone calls, making it perfect for protecting your privacy. It uses end-to-end military-grade encryption for both calls and texts, ensuring no one can eavesdrop on your conversations.

In addition to secure communication, CoverMe offers a private vault for storing your photos, videos, passwords, and sensitive documents. You can also set personalized notifications and make texts self-destruct for added privacy.

When you use CoverMe, there will be no record of your calls or texts on your phone bill. Additionally, your contacts will remain secret. If you want the ultimate protection for your phone, CoverMe is the way to go.

Setting Up and Using Google Voice

Using Google Voice is another great option for getting a second phone number on your Android device. It is a free service that is easy to set up and use, allowing you to use Google Voice as a second number indefinitely.

To use Google Voice as a second phone number:

1. Log in to Google Voice with your Gmail account email and password.
2. Click on “get a Voice number” on the left side menu.
3. Choose whether you want to use an existing phone number or have Google provide a new one. If you choose a new number, enter an area code, zip code, or city name to create a new number or port your existing number.
4. Select the right number for you from the list of available options. Note that you cannot change the number for free later on.

Once you have set up your Google Voice number, you can use it as your primary number for making outgoing calls. This allows you to conceal your primary number from call recipients. Google Voice offers many features and allows you to switch between its number and your SIM card number easily.

If the other apps don’t meet your needs, Google Voice is a reliable choice.

Conclusion

Adding a second phone number to your Android device can help keep your primary number private and secure. Whether you choose to use a secondary phone number app or opt for a dual-SIM smartphone, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs. Consider the apps mentioned in this article or explore Google Voice for a convenient and reliable second phone number solution.

Get the Google Voice App for Your Android Phone

So, you’ve got yourself a Google Voice number. Now, to actually use it, you’ll need to install the Google Voice app on your Android phone. Don’t worry, it’s free! Just head over to the Google PlayStore and download and install the app.

Once you’ve got the app on your phone, launch it and log in to your Google Account. Make sure to use the same account that you used to get your Google Voice number. After that, it’s time to set up the outgoing number.

Set Your Outgoing Number as Google Voice

By default, when you make calls from your Android device, they’ll be connected through your SIM card using your actual phone number. But you want to be able to switch between your SIM number and your Google Voice number. Here’s how:

1. Open the Google Voice app on your Android device and go to the Settings.
2. Scroll down to the “Calls” section.
3. Tap on “Calls started from this device’s phone app” to choose which number you want to use for outgoing calls.
4. Select your Google Voice number as the outgoing number. If you want it to be the default for all calls, select “Yes, all calls” when prompted.
5. If you prefer to choose the number each time you make a call, don’t select “Yes, all calls”.

With this setup, the number displayed on the receiving phone will be your Google Voice number, not your private number.

Using Google Voice for International Calls

Remember that Google Voice calls are free within the US and Canada. But if you want to make international calls, you can add credit to your Google Voice account. This is often cheaper than going through your mobile service provider. Plus, Google Voice offers reliable service with clear connections, so you won’t have to worry about interruptions.

In the Google Voice app settings, you can set your Google Voice number as the default number for all international calls made from your Android phone. Whenever your phone detects that it’s an international call, it will automatically use your Google Voice number.

Direct All Incoming Calls to Your Android Phone

Using both your Android number and Google Voice number on the same phone is super convenient. And here’s another handy feature: you can direct calls from your other registered devices to your Android phone. Let me show you how to set it up:

1. First, make sure your mobile phone number is linked to your Google Voice account.
2. Login to Google Voice using your Gmail credentials.
3. Click on “Settings” at the top-right of the screen.
4. In the “Phones” tab, click on “Add another phone”.
5. Follow the prompts to add the number, select the phone type, and choose if you want to receive texts to that number. Note: only mobile numbers can receive texts.

Now, you can choose which of your Android devices will receive all incoming calls:

1. Go back to Google Voice Settings.
2. Select Calls > Incoming Calls > My Devices.
3. From the list, choose the device where you want to receive all incoming calls.

Now, all calls will go directly to that device.

Simplifying the Confusion Between Google Voice and Carrier Calls

Making sure that all calls to your SIM and Google Voice numbers reach a single Android device can be confusing. It’s hard to keep track of which calls go to which number. But don’t worry, there’s a solution! You can enable “Incoming Call Options” in your Google Voice app, which requires you to press ‘1’ on the dial pad to accept calls to your Google Voice number. Calls to your private number will come through without any interference. You can find this option in the Google Voice app Settings.

With this option enabled, your Android phone is set up to work like a dual-SIM phone. You can make international calls, hide your private number, and forward all calls to a specific device.

Now, let’s talk about dual-SIM smartphones…

Using a Dual-SIM Android Phone

Dual-SIM phones are becoming more popular, especially for those who make international calls or travel frequently. With a dual-SIM phone, you can receive messages to your primary SIM number while using a local SIM for data when you’re abroad.

Dual-SIM phones are a great way to save money, especially with the high prices of international plans offered by most mobile carriers. If your carrier supports WiFi calling, you might still be able to use your primary number for calls in different countries. However, WiFi can be unreliable in many countries, so it’s often better to just get a dual-SIM phone.

Currently, the best dual-SIM Android phones are the OnePlus 6T and Huawei Mate 20 Pro. There are other budget-friendly options available, but they may not offer the same quality.

As more carriers start offering services for dual-SIM phones, their use will likely increase. But for now, you can try one of the other methods mentioned above to get a second phone number.