In today's digital age, having a US phone number can open up a world of opportunities, even if you don't reside in the United States. A free USA phone number can be incredibly beneficial for various reasons, such as giving your business an international vibe, making it easier to sign up on freelancing and money sites like Fiverr, Upwork, PPH, PayPal, and Payoneer, and registering on international dropshipping websites or other services that may be blocked in certain countries 1. Additionally, a US phone number can help you become an international affiliate, register on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Tinder, or Hub, and even call loved ones abroad or in the US for cheaper using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
This article will explore how you can get a free USA phone number for verification without the need for a VPN. We'll discuss the key benefits of using a free US phone number, top apps that provide this service, and a step-by-step guide on obtaining your own virtual US phone number. We'll also cover how to maintain your free US phone number and explore some alternatives to consider.
Understanding Free USA Phone Numbers
A free USA phone number is a virtual phone number that allows you to receive calls and text messages without being physically present in the United States. The format of a free USA phone number is (XXX) XXX-XXXX, where the first three digits represent the area code, and the last seven digits are the recipient's phone number
Twilio, a leading cloud communications platform, offers a range of services that enable businesses and individuals to obtain free USA phone numbers. Some of these services include:
Phone Numbers: Twilio provides access to local, national, and toll-free phone numbers, as well as Toll-Free 10DLC Short Codes
Verify: This service offers globally-managed multichannel 2FA and passwordless authentication
Messaging: With Twilio Messaging, you can send and receive multichannel text and media messages in over 180 countries
Flex: A digital engagement center for customer service and sales
Engage: A unified data-first platform for creating multi-channel campaigns
Marketing Campaigns: Create and manage email marketing campaigns using SendGrid
Segment: Unify customer data with Segment CDP to power personalized engagement 2.
Lookup: Know your customer and assess identity risk with real-time phone intelligence
Task Router: Build, deploy, and run apps with Twilio's serverless environment and visual builder
Supernetwork: Unify customer data across every channel
By leveraging these services, businesses and individuals can obtain free USA phone numbers without the need for a physical presence in the United States, enabling them to expand their reach and communicate with customers and clients worldwide.
Key Benefits of Using a Free USA Phone Number
Using a free US phone number offers numerous advantages for individuals and businesses alike:
Versatility: A virtual US number can be used for various purposes, such as registering on freelancing and money sites, international dropshipping websites, social media platforms, and making calls to loved ones abroad or in the US
Cost-effectiveness: Virtual phone numbers are an affordable alternative to traditional landline and cellular plans 4. They can help businesses save money on international calling fees when collaborating with overseas clients in the US, reducing communication costs and improving the bottom line
Enhanced privacy and security:
Free US phone numbers for SMS verification allow users to keep their personal phone numbers private and separate from online services
By using a separate number for online services, users can minimize the risk of receiving unwanted calls or messages on their personal phone numbers
Phone verification ensures that a phone number is real and functional, preventing fraud by confirming that a person is really the account owner and obtaining customer names and addresses from existing phone numbers
Convenience and flexibility:
Users can manage multiple online accounts without needing multiple SIM cards or devices
Easily change or discard virtual phone numbers when needed
Access online services that require SMS verification even if you don't have a personal phone number
A US mobile number can make it easier for people in the US to contact you and for you to stay in touch with people in the US
Professionalism and localization:
A free US virtual phone number can make your business appear larger and more legitimate, instilling confidence and trust in US customers
If your US clients are concentrated in a specific city, you can select a phone number specific to that area, establishing a local presence and building rapport
US customers are more likely to answer calls displaying a US number, improving customer engagement and boosting your chances of successful communication
Improved call quality: Calls made to the US are treated as local calls when using a US mobile number, resulting in better call quality and reduced call drop rates compared to international calls
Lead generation and customer data:
Saves time and money for call centers by collecting customer data and creating a better customer experience
Increases the value of leads, customers, and prospects by tracking if the number is a landline or mobile phone, what country the phone number is from, and the network status of the number
Top Apps to Get a Free USA Phone Number Without a VPN
There are several apps and services that offer free US phone numbers without requiring a VPN:
Google Voice: Offers a free US phone number that can be used for making and receiving calls, sending text messages, and transcribing voicemail messages within the US 16. However, it only offers free local area code numbers 5 and is only available to US residents
TextNow: Provides a free US phone number that allows users to send and receive text messages, make calls, and group chat 13 19. It offers free unlimited calling and texting between TextNow phones, free international calling, and free 4G LTE data when referring friends
TextFree: Another messaging app that offers a free US phone number, allowing users to send and receive text messages and transmit voice online 13 20. It provides a free phone number, conference calling options, and group texting, with an optional upgrade for additional features at $9.99/month
CallHippo: A virtual phone system that offers a free US phone number for making and receiving calls, recording calls, and sending text messages 13 14. It allows users to select their preferred US area code, opt for a local or US toll-free phone number, link their number with the chosen virtual number, and add users
Other apps and services that provide free or low-cost US phone numbers include:
Numero
FreeConferenceCall.com (for receiving calls)
VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber
Receive SMS Free
DialerHQ
Hushed
Talkatone
Vik (for a monthly fee)
Textr's free receive SMS online tool
When choosing an app or service for a free US phone number, consider factors such as the features offered, ease of use, and any potential limitations or costs associated with the service.
Step-by-Step Guide on Obtaining Your Free USA Phone Number
Here are step-by-step guides on obtaining a free US phone number using various apps and services:
Using Numero App
Download and install the Numero app from the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS)
Open the app and grant it permissions to access your contacts and send you notifications
Create an account by clicking 'Create Account' and entering your real phone number with the country code
Verify your phone number by clicking 'Confirm' and waiting for the verification code to be sent to you
Once your phone number is verified, you can buy a US phone number by clicking the icon and selecting 'USA'
Choose the US area you want the number from and select one number from the list of available numbers
Dismiss any alerts and proceed to buy the plan using Apple Pay (iOS), Google Pay (Android), or your debit card
You can assess your purchase or active phone numbers from the home screen by clicking 'My e-Sims'
To get a US phone number for free using Numero eSIM, go to the 'Free Coin Center' from the home screen
Start earning coins by watching videos, participating in offers or surveys, engaging in games or challenges, or sending referral links to your friends
Collect 400 coins to secure a US virtual number for a month
Using CallHippo
Visit CallHippo's website
Select a US area code
Opt for a local or toll-free phone number
Link your number with the chosen virtual number
Add users
Using Other Apps
Download the app and follow the sign-up process
Allow access to your location
Enter your preferred area code
Select your desired number from the list
Type the email address and sign up by setting up a password
Use an app that provides free and paid numbers
Use a VPN service to change your location to the US
Get a Google Voice number
Using Skype
Visit the Skype number page
Select the country as the United States, where you want to purchase the number.
Follow the instructions
Pay for the number
Note: The tutorial video provides a step-by-step guide on using the Vik app, which can be helpful for users unfamiliar with the process
Maintaining Your Free USA Phone Number
CallHippo's US virtual phone numbers can be used for account verification and receiving OTPs. However, some companies may block verification SMS to virtual phone numbers. CallHippo offers a free USA phone number for verification as part of their Startup program. This number is available for one year and includes 50 minutes of incoming calls each month . Users can top up their account balance to make calls or send SMS using credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, or Google Play
Maintaining a US phone number while traveling abroad:
Verizon prepaid plans: Cannot be suspended, and the user needs to keep the number active to avoid losing it
Google Voice:
Requires receiving a call for verification while outside the US
A VPN might help with the verification process if the user is outside the US
Porting the number to Google Voice costs around $10/month
Allows the user to keep receiving calls even when out of the country
Not compatible with most banks and other verification services for sending authorization codes
Google Fi:
Allows suspensions up to 3 months, but can be more expensive if the user already has another phone plan in the US
Can be used outside the US, but has limitations, such as not receiving calls or texts when paused and only supporting 5 devices simultaneously
Tossable Digits:
Ports and parks the number for $3 per month during long-term travel without paying for a monthly plan
Delivers instantaneous email notifications of any texts or voicemails and allows responding to texts through their platform
After porting the number, a SIM card should be used abroad, which can be found in the country when you land, registered, and 'topped up' to get data, texts, or minutes for that number
The average monthly cost for using a SIM card abroad is around $30, but prices vary across countries
Can save a significant amount compared to paying for a monthly contract with Verizon or adding international packages to that contract 20.
US Mobile:
A US carrier that allows you to use pre-pay for a specified amount of calls, texts, and data every month
Supports eSIMs in devices with eSIM capability
Perfect for remote workers who want to keep their US number, handle 2FA abroad, and don't want to port their numbers back and forth when in the US
Alternatives to Free USA Phone Numbers
While free US phone numbers can be convenient for verification purposes, they may have limitations and risks. Here are some alternatives to consider:
Virtual Phone Number Apps:
These apps offer a secondary phone number that can be used to receive verification codes for online accounts and services, without having to give out a primary phone number.
Benefits of virtual phone numbers include cost savings, flexibility, compartmentalization, privacy protection, spam reduction, convenient account management, accessibility to online services, testing and development purposes, temporary or disposable number usage, and multiple account verification capabilities.
However, virtual phone numbers may have a limited lifespan, be unreliable, and pose security risks
Other Verification Methods:
Email Verification: Some services allow users to verify their accounts using an email address instead of a phone number
Social Media Logins: Certain platforms enable users to sign up or log in using their social media accounts, such as Facebook or Google, eliminating the need for a phone number
Paid Services: For more reliable and secure options, consider paid virtual phone number services
Paid Virtual Phone Number Services:
Textr offers affordable plans that can be used by multiple people from a range of devices and in any location, delivers clear voice quality, and provides unlimited SMS and calls for lower prices
MobileSMS.io provides long-term rental options for a private, dedicated phone number
OpenPhone is a virtual phone number provider that offers a seven-day free trial, allowing users to select their city or area code in the US to pick their phone number
Skype provides local numbers in 25 countries/regions, including the US, but it is not free 9. It offers features like unlimited free calling across multiple countries, SMS through a single app, and more
When choosing an alternative to free US phone numbers, consider factors such as reliability, security, cost, and the specific features that best suit your needs.
Conclusion
In today's interconnected world, having a free US phone number can be incredibly advantageous for individuals and businesses alike. From enhancing privacy and security to improving professionalism and localization, a virtual US number opens up a plethora of opportunities, such as registering on international websites, becoming an affiliate marketer, and staying connected with loved ones abroad.
By leveraging the power of apps like Google Voice, TextNow, and CallHippo, users can easily obtain a free US phone number without the need for a VPN, making the process more accessible and convenient than ever before.
While free US phone numbers offer numerous benefits, it's essential to be aware of potential limitations and risks associated with these services. Alternatives like virtual phone number apps, email verification, social media logins, and paid virtual phone number services can provide more reliable and secure options for those seeking to protect their privacy and maintain a professional image online.
For a step-by-step guide on obtaining a free US phone number without a VPN, check out this informative video on YouTube that walks you through the process.
FAQs
How can I obtain a free US phone number?
You can get a free US phone number by signing up for Google Voice. It allows you to make and receive calls and text messages using a telephone number from the US. You can choose from available numbers in selected area codes. To start, you'll need a Google account, like a Gmail address.
What is the process for acquiring a US virtual phone number?
To obtain a US virtual phone number, follow these steps:
Create an account with a virtual phone service like OpenPhone.
Select your desired city or area code in the US to choose your phone number. You can select a local number from almost any city or state in the US.
Complete the signup process. After these steps, you will have your own US phone number.
What steps do I follow to set up a US number on my Android device?
To get a US number on your Android device, you can use the TextNow app. This app provides a free US phone number and allows for unlimited calls and texts. It is compatible with computers, tablets, and smartphones, and includes features like voicemail transcription, call blocking, and caller ID. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
How can I create a phone number from another country?
To create a phone number from another country, you can:
Sign up for a trial with an international phone service provider like Freshcaller.
Add credits to your account and purchase local or toll-free numbers from over 90 countries.
Select your preferred country and prefix. Additionally, you'll have access to features that facilitate smooth call handling.