How to Get a Free UK Virtual Phone Number (Step-by-Step Guide)

A UK virtual phone number is commonly used to maintain or create business credibility, stay connected with family there, support remote work, verify online accounts like WhatsApp, and protect personal privacy with a second line.

If you own or manage a business in the United Kingdom, having a UK virtual telephone number helps you establish a local presence. It builds credibility, improves customer trust, and makes your company more approachable, which ultimately drives sales.

A British phone number makes it simple to stay connected with friends and family in the UK. Whether you are traveling or living overseas, you can use the number to call, text, or receive messages at a low cost or even for free, depending on the provider.

For freelancers and remote teams, a UK VoIP number ensures smooth collaboration with clients in the region. Team members can work from anywhere in the world while maintaining reliable UK-based contact for customer service, meetings, and day-to-day operations.

One of the most popular uses of a free UK virtual mobile number is to receive SMS for verifying online accounts. From WhatsApp to banking apps, having a UK number helps with quick OTP (one-time password) confirmations, ensuring your accounts stay secure.

If you want to protect your personal number, a free second phone number in the UK is a smart choice. It allows you to sign up for services, post ads, or handle customer inquiries without exposing your real number, keeping your privacy intact.

You can get a free UK virtual phone number by signing up with a free number provider, selecting a UK area code or mobile-style number, completing the quick setup, and then using it for calls, texts, or SMS verification.

• Step 1 - Decide if you need a free UK phone number for SMS verification only or for calls and texts.
• Step 2 - Create an account with a service that offers a free UK phone number.
• Step 3 - Select a number with specific UK area codes, or pick a virtual mobile number.
• Step 4 - Finish setup in the app.
• Step 5 - Place a test call. Send and receive a test SMS to make sure everything works.

Quackr is a platform that provides free temporary UK phone numbers for receiving SMS online. These numbers are ideal for account verifications, OTPs, and online registrations without exposing your personal number.

Messages arrive in real time, are deleted after 24 hours, and no sign-up is required. For added privacy, users can also rent private non-VoIP UK numbers compatible with apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.

A step-by-step guide to use Quackr

1. Visit the Quackr website and go to the United Kingdom numbers section.
2. Select a UK number from the list of active free numbers.
3. Share the chosen number on the site or app where you need verification.
4. Check Quackr’s page for the incoming SMS in real time, then use the code to complete your verification.

OnlineSim is a service that offers free virtual UK phone numbers for receiving SMS online. It is perfect for account sign-ups, one-time passwords, and app verifications on platforms such as WhatsApp, Google, Telegram, or Instagram. While you can find free UK numbers, most verifications come with a small charge depending on the service you want to activate.

For example, verifying Google (Gmail/YouTube) costs about $2.14, WhatsApp is $3.21, and Telegram also sits at $2.14. Social apps are generally cheaper, like Instagram is $0.23, Twitter (X) and Yahoo are just $0.20, and Viber is only $0.15. Even dating and lifestyle apps stay affordable, like Tinder at $0.39 or Airbnb at $0.49.

A step-by-step guide to use OnlineSim

1. Go to the OnlineSim website and sign up.
2. Select the United Kingdom as your preferred country.
3. Pick a free UK number from the available list.
4. Use this number on the site or app where you need SMS verification.
5. View the incoming SMS in real time on OnlineSim’s platform and complete your registration or login.

AnonymSMS is a platform that lets you receive SMS for free without needing to sign up or share any personal details. It’s designed for quick verifications, one-time passwords, or accessing services that require a UK number, while protecting your privacy.

Unlike other providers, AnonymSMS adds new UK numbers frequently to ensure users always have fresh options, and messages are displayed in real time, typically within a few seconds. The platform offers 100% free service with no hidden charges. Moreover, it is also one of the top free temporary number providers.

A step-by-step guide to use AnonymSMS

1. Visit the AnonymSMS website and open the UK numbers section.
2. Select an active UK number from the list.
3. Use that number on the site or app where verification is needed.
4. Refresh the number’s page to view your incoming SMS instantly.

• Purpose and duration: Decide if you need the number for short-term SMS verification or for long-term use, such as business calls. Most free options only work for one-time codes.
• Free vs. paid limitations: Some platforms advertise free numbers but charge for certain services like OTP delivery on popular apps (WhatsApp, Google, Telegram).
• Sign-up requirements: While some sites allow instant use without registration, others require you to create an account, which might reduce anonymity.
• Reputation and reviews: Always check user feedback to avoid shady services that could misuse your personal data under the label of “free numbers.”
• Number privacy: Public numbers are shared with many users, and sensitive details can be visible. So, proceed at your own risk.
• Availability and freshness: Make sure the providers update their UK numbers regularly, so you don’t end up with inactive or blacklisted ones.
• Service compatibility: Verify if the number works with the apps or websites you need, as some free numbers are blocked by platforms like WhatsApp or banking sites.
• Support and reliability: Look for providers that clearly explain their policies and ensure fast SMS delivery times

Getting a free UK virtual phone number can be a quick and easy way to handle SMS verifications, protect your privacy, or test services without exposing your personal details. Platforms like Quackr, OnlineSim, and AnonymSMS make it simple to pick a number, receive messages in real time, and complete account activations within seconds.

For short-term needs such as one-time passwords or temporary sign-ups, these solutions are convenient and cost-free. However, it’s important to remember that most free UK numbers are public, SMS-only, and not reliable for long-term use. They may also get blocked by popular apps, making them unsuitable for consistent communication.

If you want a dependable number for business, personal calls, or verification, a paid option is the smarter choice. With Calilio’s UK virtual phone number, you get stability and flexibility and can also keep the same number for the long run. You can further enjoy full calling and texting features, and access advanced tools, including voicemail transcription and call analytics. All of this comes at an affordable $15 subscription fee.