What is a Virtual Phone Number and How Can It Benefit You?

A virtual number gives you a flexible, affordable phone line that works on your existing smartphone. It’s the easiest way to add a dedicated number for business, privacy, or travel. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from how they work to how you can get one in minutes.

What Exactly Is a Virtual Phone Number?

A virtual phone number is a real telephone number that isn’t tied to a physical phone line or SIM card. Instead, it operates “in the cloud.” You can program it to forward incoming calls to one or more phone numbers of your choice, including your mobile phone, office landline, or a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) softphone.

Virtual Number vs. Traditional Phone Number: What’s the Difference?

The primary difference is flexibility and independence. A traditional number is physically linked to a SIM card in a specific phone or a landline at a fixed address. A virtual number is location-independent, offering a level of portability and control that traditional numbers can’t match. Because it lives in the cloud, you can manage your calls from any device, anywhere with an internet connection.

Here’s a quick comparison:

How Do Virtual Phone Numbers Work?

Virtual phone numbers use VoIP technology to route calls over the internet. The process is seamless and instantaneous:

1. Someone Dials Your Number: A caller dials your virtual number just like any other number.
2. The Call is Routed: The call travels through the internet to your virtual number provider’s network.
3. Forwarding to Your Phone: The provider instantly forwards the call to the destination device(s) you’ve designated.

This powerful routing is fully customizable. You can set rules to have calls forwarded to your mobile phone during the day, your home phone in the evening, and a professional voicemail service after hours. The caller never knows the difference—they just experience a smooth, clear connection.

3 Main Types of Virtual Phone Numbers

Each type of virtual number serves a unique purpose:

• Local Numbers: These numbers are attached to a specific area code (e.g., a 212 number for New York City). They are perfect for businesses wanting to establish a local presence in a city or region where they aren’t physically located.
• Toll-Free Numbers: With prefixes like 800, 888, or 877, these numbers allow anyone to call your business for free. They lend credibility and a professional, nationwide image to your brand.
• Vanity Numbers: These are memorable, custom numbers that spell out a word (like 1-800-FLOWERS). They serve as powerful marketing tools that dramatically improve brand recall.

Top Benefits of Using a Virtual Phone Number

Both businesses and individuals can gain a significant advantage by using a virtual number.

Virtual Phone Number For Businesses:

• Enhanced Professionalism: A dedicated business number, especially a toll-free one, makes even a one-person startup appear more established and trustworthy.
• Unbeatable Cost-Effectiveness: Virtual numbers are far cheaper than traditional business lines. There’s no need for expensive hardware, and monthly plans are highly affordable.
• Effortless Scalability: As your business grows, you can add more numbers and lines in seconds without needing to install new equipment.
• Advanced Communication Features: Most providers offer a suite of powerful tools like auto-attendants (“Press 1 for Sales…”), call recording, business hour settings, and detailed analytics.

Virtual Phone Number For Personal Use:

• Protect Your Privacy: Use a virtual number for online dating, classified ads, or any situation where you’re hesitant to share your private, personal number.
• Achieve Work-Life Separation: Stop giving out your personal number for work. A virtual number lets you have a separate work line on your personal phone, which you can set to go to voicemail after hours.
• Consolidate Your Calls: If you have multiple numbers, you can forward all of them to a single device for ultimate convenience.

Are There Any Downsides?

While virtual numbers offer incredible flexibility, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Internet Dependency: Since virtual numbers run on VoIP, they require a stable internet connection. A poor connection can lead to choppy audio or dropped calls. Likewise, a power outage can disrupt service unless you have a backup power source. 
• Emergency Call Limitations: While technology is improving, not all virtual number services can reliably transmit your exact location to 911 dispatchers. It’s crucial to check your provider’s emergency calling policy.
• Compliance Requirements: To prevent fraud, many countries require proof of address or business registration to purchase a local number. Reputable providers will guide you through this verification process. 

How To Get a Virtual Phone Number in 5 Simple Steps

Getting started is faster and easier than you think.

Step 1: Choose a Virtual Phone Number Provider 

Research providers that offer the features most important to you, whether it’s call quality, international coverage, or integrations with business tools. Compare pricing plans to find one that fits your budget.

Step 2: Select Your New Phone Number 

Once you’ve chosen a provider, browse their available numbers. You can usually search by country, city, or area code to find the perfect local, toll-free, or vanity number.

Step 3: Verify Your Account

Be prepared to provide basic identification or proof of address. This is a standard security step required by telecom regulators in most countries.

Step 4: Customize Your Settings

Use the provider’s dashboard or mobile app to configure your system. Set up your call forwarding rules, record a professional voicemail greeting, define your business hours, and enable other helpful features. 

Step 5: Test Your Number

Before publicizing your new number, make a few test calls from different phones to ensure everything is working as expected.

Get Your Virtual Phone Number Today!

Ready to streamline your communications, protect your privacy, and elevate your professional image? Getting a virtual number is fast, affordable, and takes only a few minutes. For the easiest setup and most intelligent features, download the TrueNumber app today. Available on both the App Store and Google Play.

Unlock Powerful Privacy with TrueNumber

Virtual Phone Number FAQs

1. Is a virtual phone number a real number? 

Yes, it is a 100% real phone number that can make and receive calls and texts just like a traditional number. Its only distinction is that it operates over the internet.

2. Can I send and receive text messages (SMS)? 

Absolutely. Most modern virtual number providers include SMS and MMS messaging as a standard feature, allowing for both one-on-one and group texting.

3. Are virtual numbers safe and private? 

Yes. They are one of the best tools for enhancing your privacy. Using a virtual number keeps your personal phone number from being exposed in public-facing situations.

4. How much does a virtual number cost? 

Virtual numbers are very affordable. Basic plans often start around $15 per user per month. The final cost depends on the provider, features, and the type of number you choose.

5. Can I get a number from a different city or country? 

Yes! This is a key advantage. You can select a local number in a different city or an international number to establish a presence in new markets without needing a physical office.

6. Can I keep my existing phone number? 

Yes, in most cases. This process is called “porting,” and it allows you to transfer your existing number from your current carrier to your new virtual phone service.