Do you want to text from a number other than your personal digits? Perhaps, you’re coordinating a surprise or managing a side business. Fortunately, there are several methods, apps, and techniques to text someone from a different number. In today’s world, there are times when it’s necessary to prioritize your privacy. Here’s a breakdown of the most reliable options for sending anonymous, professional text messages.
Why text from a different number?
There are many reasons you may text someone from a different number. These are the legitimate reasons to do so.
- Protect personal privacy
Whether you are selling on Facebook Marketplace or going on a first date, a second number keeps your personal data. Your phone number contains a lot of personal information, which, in the wrong hands, can be used to steal identities, access social media profiles, or attempt to hack your bank account.
- Separate business from personal number
Using a dedicated business line helps organize your communication with suppliers, customers, and tons of others. You can also set “office hours,” use a professional voicemail, and mentally switch off after silencing it at 6 PM. Plus, you can list it on your website, social media, and flyers.
- Maintain anonymity
A second number serves as a shield when you want to report concerns, such as unsafe working conditions or unethical practices. You can make anonymous reports without fear of immediate personal reprisal.
How to send text from a different number?
When you want to send a text using a different number, you have diverse tools and apps at your disposal. But not all methods are created equal. Some offer a random number you won’t be able to access again. Others will provide a dedicated, organized second number for your calls and texts.
Use virtual phone number apps
Many virtual phone number apps allow you to create a dedicated second phone number. Some also offer additional text messaging service, which would happen within the app as a separate inbox from your phone’s native SMS app. Many of these virtual apps also allow you to set up voicemail, call forwarding, scheduling, and auto-reply for texts. You may also be able to purchase multiple phone numbers for different things. Great virtual phone number apps include Google Voice, Burner, and Hushed. Here’s how to use Google Voice:
- Go to the Google Voice product page and select a plan that meets your needs. Note that you’ll need a Google Workspace plan to be able to use the Voice plan.
- Download the Google Voice app on Android or iPhone.
- Sign up using your existing mobile number and email for verification.
- The app will then let you select a new phone number and configure additional features you prefer.
- The number is yours for as long as you maintain your subscription.
- Follow the in-app prompts to complete the setup.
Via SMS or messaging platform
Messaging platforms such as TextNow, SimpleTexting, and TextMagic allow you to set up secondary lines to send messages. On these platforms, you can purchase a sender phone number for these text message purposes. Then you can use the website or app to compose your messages. This method is most suitable when sending bulk messages or even SMS campaigns for your business. Note that many texting apps might not provide call management or support multiple employees or shared numbers.
Get a second SIM card/eSIM
This means purchasing a separate SIM card or eSIM from your primary phone number. It’s one of the most authentic experiences, since the SIM will function just like your primary SIM card. Calls and texts would also be easily identifiable as coming from a second line. Since many Android devices already offer dual-SIM support, it’s an easy choice. Others might offer an eSIM slot (popular on iPhones), which lets you scan a QR code from your carrier to add a different SIM card digitally. Here’s how it works:
- You can purchase a standard prepaid SIM card from your carrier and insert it into your phone if it has a dual-SIM tray. Or you are buying an eSIM plan and then scanning a QR code from your carrier.
- Activation demands following the carrier’s instructions.
- You’ll either need a separate monthly plan or prepaid top-ups. This also means you now have two phone bills/accounts to manage.
Use VOIP service
Most small businesses benefit most from establishing a professional business service. These VoIP systems support auto-attendants, shared inboxes with your teams, call routing, and integration with customer relationship management (CRM) tools. It also means you could use the same number on a smartphone, desktop, and tablet seamlessly. VOIP systems are expensive but geared towards business budgets. Of course, it would be overkill for simple personal anonymity needs. Some examples include RingCentral, Grasshopper, and Quo (formerly OpenPhone).
Try email-to-text trick
You can also send a text message through email. It won’t be like texting from a different phone number, but it can keep you anonymous. Each phone number has a gateway email address you can use to send messages to that number. All you need to do is find the @ address associated with the carrier your recipient uses, then add the phone number. For example, when texting a customer using a Verizon number:
- You would write [phone number]@VText.com into your email “to” section.
- Enter the message you want to send, then click Send.
- The recipient would receive your message as a text from an unknown phone number.
- The challenge is knowing which service provider or carrier your recipient uses. Also, the recipient can’t reply to you.
Check with the carrier service
Your service provider may also offer the option to text from a different phone number. All you need to do is contact their customer support directly. That said, this method may require you to register a business account with your service provider. People often use that as a last resort because it is the most expensive option on the list. Usually, registering a second phone number with your carrier won’t provide as many business features, such as a VoIP system.
Bonus: Can someone track your location from a text?
Yes, someone can track your location via text, and this can happen in a variety of ways:
- Receiving a location-grabbing link: Often, people hide links in text messages that are designed to capture your IP address and reveal your location.
- Receiving a location-sharing app: You can also receive a link that downloads a location-tracking app on your smartphone anonymously.
- Sending a location-sharing message: You can also share a link to a website or app using tools like Apple Find My or Google Maps with your friends. In this instance, the recipient of your message would view your location details by clicking the link.
- Triangulation. This technique combines signals from multiple cell phone antennas. Hence, when a person transmits a text message, it travels through the aforementioned towers to the intended recipient. Using the signals transmitted and analyzed, the sender’s location becomes visible.
- Contents of your message: The recipient may also infer your location from the context or information shared in your text messages.
FAQ
Can you text someone from a different number?
Yes, you can send a text from a different number using a virtual app like Google Voice or Buner, a second SIM/eSIM in your phone, or a VOIP business service. All of these provide a dedicated alternative number for texting and other purposes.
Does *67 work for texting?
No, you can only use *67 to block your caller ID when making outgoing calls. When you send a text message, the *67 code won’t hide or change your number.
How do I send an anonymous text message?
If you want true anonymity, use a disposable “burner” app that provides a random, temporary number for your calls. In this scenario, the app would generate a random phone number and make it available for a specified period. However, be aware that even as this hides your identity from the recipient, service providers can still make call logs accessible under legal orders.
Can a fake text number be traced?
Yes, authorities or carriers can still trace “fake” numbers from apps, but everyone else won’t be able to. That said, if you used a second SIM card or signed up for a virtual number service, your call details can still be provided in response to legal orders. No method makes you completely untraceable.
Conclusion
You can text from a different number on the same phone, using virtual apps, secondary SIMs, carrier services, or VoIP solutions. Doing so protects your privacy, helps organize your business communications, and avoids scams. Remember, depending on your choice, you may incur separate phone or account bills. Decide whether you need a temporary number or a dedicated line. With the right tool, you can avoid scams and confidently grow your professional brand.
