How to Get a Virtual Phone Number for SMS? Top 5 Providers

A virtual phone number for SMS, or a virtual SMS number, is a text-enabled cloud phone number used to send and receive texts through an online platform without a physical SIM card. Instead of relying on a mobile network, it works over the internet, making it easy to manage your messages from anywhere.

These numbers are accessible to mobile apps and web dashboards without location barriers. Furthermore, a virtual text number offers higher security and privacy to keep your personal number and sensitive information confidential.

A virtual number for SMS is used for secure two-factor authentication, customer support, marketing campaigns, and anonymous online registrations.

• Two-Factor Authentication: To receive verification codes or OTPs (one-time passwords) without exposing your real number.
• Protecting Personal Privacy: Ideal for signing up on websites, dating apps, or online marketplaces without sharing your personal phone number.
• SMS Marketing: Used in SMS marketing to run bulk SMS campaigns with features like auto-responders and scheduled messaging for better engagement.
• International Communication: Enable companies to get local numbers in other countries, reducing international messaging costs and improving customer reach.
• Feedback and Surveys: To collect customer feedback or run quick surveys via SMS after a purchase or service, all in a shared dashboard.

A virtual SMS phone number routes text messages online using a cloud platform. When someone sends a message, the platform delivers it to your dashboard or app to view and reply. Here’s how an online SMS number works:

1. The sender sends a text to your virtual number.
2. The cloud platform receives the message over the internet.
3. It delivers the message to your dashboard or app.
4. You reply from your device through the platform.
5. The response is sent back to the recipient as a regular SMS.

Calilio is a leading choice for businesses seeking a virtual number for SMS with global reach. It offers virtual numbers from over 100 countries that support two-way texting. With plans starting at $15/month, you can get a US virtual number for SMS for free, included in all paid tiers.

Furthermore, the platform’s user-friendly interface allows you to manage text messages, customer replies, and internal collaboration effectively.

Google Voice offers a free virtual SMS number in the US and Canada with unlimited messaging. Its services suit individuals and small businesses that need affordable VoIP services for domestic texting. Additionally, Google Voice supports both one-to-one and group messaging, with a character limit of 160 for non-Google Voice recipients.

Openphone’s phone system provides a virtual SMS number tailored for startups and small businesses looking to simplify customer interaction. It offers unlimited SMS and MMS messaging to the US and Canada, along with features like shared inboxes, auto-replies, and customizable message templates. Accessible via web, mobile, and desktop apps, businesses can manage all customer conversations in a unified inbox.

MyTempSMS offers a free virtual phone number for SMS verification, ideal for quick and anonymous use. It provides access to a list of public virtual phone numbers from various countries, allowing you to receive SMS without revealing your personal number. This service is handy for one-time verifications, signups, or testing SMS delivery. As its numbers are disposable and public, it’s not recommended to use them for private or long-term use.

CallHippo is a reputable cloud telephony provider, offering a range of virtual numbers for SMS and calls. With the platform’s built-in SMS functionality, you can directly send and receive text messages through its app without needing third-party integration.

Moreover, CallHippo offers a 10-day free trial without credit cards, so you can try features like two-way texting and CRM integration be fore paying.

To buy a virtual phone number for SMS, first sign up with a trusted provider, then choose a number and a plan that fits your needs. Once set up, you can start sending and receiving texts instantly.

1. Sign up to a reliable virtual number provider.
2. Choose a suitable subscription plan.
3. Select an SMS-enabled virtual number and complete payment.
4. Configure necessary messaging features and integrations.
5. Start sending and receiving messages via your virtual number.

Using a virtual number for SMS protects your privacy, reduces costs, and gives you the flexibility to manage messages from anywhere. It helps to keep your personal number safe and enables global communication.

• Increased Privacy: Protects your personal phone number when you're signing up for online services or registering on websites.
• Global Reach: You can communicate with customers anywhere in the world without needing local SIM cards.
• Cost-Effective: Since everything runs over the internet, you can send texts across borders without worrying about high costs.
• Automation and Integration: It often comes with CRM integration capability and SMS automation features, useful for improving customer engagement.
• Scalability: You can add new numbers for your marketing campaigns without adding extra infrastructure. Simply configure the new number in the existing system.
• Multi-Device Access: View and respond to messages from any internet-connected device, including desktop, tablet, or phone.

A virtual SMS phone number offers the perfect balance of security and convenience. It offers a simple and secure way to send and receive messages via the internet, making it a valuable tool for privacy-conscious individuals and businesses.

Calilio offers virtual numbers from over 100 countries with SMS capabilities. With multi-device syncing and robust features like SMS filter, we help you manage your text efficiently while filtering out unwanted or spam messages for safety. Get a virtual number from Calilio today!

Yes, you can receive SMS messages online using virtual phone numbers. The texts to these online numbers are delivered to their particular app, accessible via the internet.

You can get a free virtual number for SMS from a platform like Google Voice and MyTempSMS. However, they often come with limited features and service.

Yes, a virtual phone number can be used to send international SMS. Many services offer global texting, allowing you to send and receive messages across borders.

Yes, virtual SMS numbers are typically safer to use. However, it's important to choose a reputable provider with a robust data encryption and security policy.