How to Get a Free Phone Number

Normally, 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. However, you can get free phone numbers without having to sign up for a monthly bill. Free phone numbers often come in a package with other interesting features, and they are available if you know where to look. 

Get a Free Phone Number With Google Voice

Google Voice gives you a free phone number through which multiple phones can ring at the same time for incoming calls. This means that when you sign up for a free number from Google, and people call that number, you can have your computer, phone, and tablet all ring at the same time to ensure that you won't miss the call.

One interesting feature you get with Google Voice is transcribed calls, meaning you can read your voicemail instead of listening to it. You can also port 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 you have to pay for it.

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 there are many others that will give you a real phone number to make and receive internet calls. For example, you can download the FreedomPop app, the TextNow app, or the TextFree app from their respective websites.

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

These apps also give you 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 having to worry about area codes and associated rates.

Numbers from iNum are available through the service providers that are 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.