How to Get a US Phone Number for SMS? A Step-by-Step Guide

A US phone number for SMS lets you receive verification codes, connect with US customers, run marketing campaigns, and protect your privacy. Businesses can also link it with tools like CRM (Customer Relationship Management) or support platforms to manage communication more easily.

1. Account Verification: Many US-based websites and apps, such as banks, e-commerce platforms, and social networks, require a US phone number to send verification codes. Without one, you may not be able to sign up or access certain services.
2. Business Communication: If you run a business that serves US customers, a local number makes it easier to send updates, confirmations, and support messages. Customers are more likely to trust and reply to texts from a US number.
3. Marketing Campaigns: Among different marketing campaigns, SMS marketing is also highly effective in the US. A US number allows you to send promotions, reminders, and special offers directly to American customers’ phones, making your campaigns more personal and engaging.
4. Privacy Protection: Sometimes you need a US number just for one-time use, like signing up for online services without sharing your personal number. Virtual US numbers give you that extra layer of privacy.
5. Integration with Tools: For businesses, a US SMS number can be linked with CRM systems or customer support tools, making it easier to manage all communication in one place.

To get a USA phone number to receive/send SMS​, choose a provider, create an account, pick a plan, and select your number. After activation, you can use it right away to send and receive texts.

• Step 1: Choose a US virtual phone number provider.
• Step 2: Sign up and create your account.
• Step 3: Subscribe to a plan if required.
• Step 4: Buy a US phone number for SMS from the list.
• Step 5: Complete the payment process.
• Step 6: Wait for activation.
• Step 7: Start sending and receiving SMS.

1. Calilio: Calilio is one of the best US virtual phone number providers. You can select your desired number from over 50 states at just $2 per month (excluding subscription). You can choose from local and toll-free numbers, and manage all SMS online from any device.
2. OpenPhone: OpenPhone offers US virtual phone numbers with plans starting at $15 per user per month. Numbers are available from 300+ area codes, and you can choose local or toll-free number options to match your SMS needs.
3. EasyRinger: EasyRinger provides US virtual phone numbers starting at just $10 per month. Every plan includes SMS and MMS, so you can text just like with a regular US number. It’s a cost-effective way to manage personal or business communication messaging without extra hardware or hidden fees.
4. Fanytel: Fanytel is a dependable virtual number provider and offers a US number starting at just $0.99 per month. Moreover, you can receive SMS for free, while sending costs only $0.10 per message within the US and Canada.
5. JustCall: JustCall provides US virtual numbers with built-in SMS capabilities, including two-way texting, bulk SMS campaigns, and automation tools. Plans start at $29 per user per month and include 500 SMS segments, with higher tiers offering unlimited texting.

To get a free USA number for SMS, simply choose a provider, sign up if needed, select a number, and use it to receive messages online.

• Step 1: Pick a free US virtual phone number provider.
• Step 2: Sign up or create an account if required.
• Step 3: Select a US number from the available options.
• Step 4: Enter the number when asked and receive your SMS online.

However, do keep in mind that most providers that offer free US numbers only let you receive SMS, not send them.

1. Receive-SMSS: Receive-SMSS provides free disposable US numbers that refresh regularly. You can pick a number, use it for verification, and view incoming SMS directly on the website without registration.
2. Textr: Textr lists free US numbers you can use to receive SMS verification texts in your browser within about a minute. These numbers are public and receive-only, so avoid using them for sensitive accounts.
3. eSIM Plus: eSIM Plus offers free, disposable US numbers to receive verification texts in your browser. Since these are public numbers, no signup is needed, and it is only for receiving texts.

Free US numbers are ideal for quick, one-time verifications or testing. They’re easy to use, but usually public, temporary, and limited to receiving SMS only. This makes them unreliable for long-term use or sensitive accounts, as messages can be seen by others, and numbers may stop working at any time.

On the other hand, paid US numbers for SMS provide stability and privacy. You get a dedicated line that supports both sending and receiving texts, higher delivery success, and better security. They’re perfect for ongoing business use, customer communication, or accounts where you’ll need the number repeatedly.

Overall, free US numbers for SMS work for short-term needs, while paid options are a safer investment for reliability, privacy, and professional use.

Having a US phone number for SMS is more than just convenient since it’s essential for verification, communication, and privacy. Free US numbers can be handy for quick, one-time uses like signing up for websites or testing services, but they come with clear limits. As most of them are public, temporary, and have only receiving capability, they aren’t reliable for important accounts or long-term business needs.

For anyone seeking reliability, privacy, and advanced features, paid numbers are the better choice. And, Calilio is a strong option here. After subscribing to one of our plans, you can even claim a US phone number for free.