How to Get a Virtual Phone Number Free for Websites?
Table of contents
Many websites may ask for your phone number when accessing their services. Also, if you’ve your own website, you might also want to display a phone number so visitors can easily contact you. In such cases, you can also use a virtual phone number instead of your real phone number.
Online communication platforms like Google Voice and different VoIP service providers offer free virtual phone numbers for websites or other uses.
Why Do Websites Need a Phone Number?
Websites often ask your phone number for account sign-ups, service verifications, and customer support.
Sign-Ups and Account Verification: Many websites and online services require a phone number during the sign-up process to verify the user’s identity.
Accessing Services and Features: Some websites and apps, especially financial or social media platforms, require a phone number to activate certain features or gain full access to services.
Can You Use Virtual Phone Numbers for Websites?
Yes, you can use virtual phone numbers for websites, and they work just like regular numbers but without needing a physical phone line or SIM card. These numbers allow you to handle calls and messages through an internet connection.
Using a virtual phone number is often more secure than sharing your personal number, as it helps you avoid potential risks like spam or unwanted calls. These numbers can be ideal solutions for customer support, business inquiries, or even verification during sign-ups.
How to Get a Free Virtual Phone Number for Websites?
You can get a free virtual phone number for websites using VoIP services like Google Voice and Calilio.
Step 1: Choose a Free Virtual Phone Number Provider
Select a reliable service that offers free virtual numbers. When choosing, make sure the service is available in your region and offers the features you need, such as call forwarding or messaging.
Step 2: Sign Up for an Account
Once you've chosen a provider, sign up for an account. This usually involves providing basic information like your email address and creating a password.
Step 3: Select Your Virtual Phone Number
After signing up, choose a virtual number from a list of available options. Pick the number with your preferred area code.
Step 4: Set Up Your Virtual Number
Once you’ve selected your virtual number, configure its settings. You can set up virtual numbers on multiple devices like your laptops, mobiles, or tabs.
Step 5: Add the Number to Your Website
Finally, provide your virtual phone number to the website you’re using.
Top 5 Platforms to Get Virtual Phone Number Free for Websites
The top providers of free virtual phone numbers for websites include Google Voice, Calilio, TextNow, TextFree, and Burner.
1. Google Voice
Google Voice offers a free US-based number to Google Account holders. After getting a number, you can use it for calls, text messages, and voicemails. While the basic feature is free, advanced features like multi-device routing, call recordings, and international callings come with a cost. However, for the basic uses in websites like verification, sign up, or providing the contact information, the free version alone can be effective.
2. Calilio
Calilio is a VoIP service provider that offers free U.S.-based virtual phone numbers for each subscribed plan. Its virtual number comes with added VoIP features like call forwarding, voicemail, SMS integration, and call recording. These tools help to streamline communication through your websites. For example, you can use Calilio’s number to handle customer inquiries, and support calls, or even integrate it with live chat features on your website.
3. TextNow
TextNow provides free U.S. and Canadian virtual phone numbers. However, the free version is ad-supported. If you prefer an ad-free experience, you can upgrade to the paid version, which also includes additional features like voicemail transcription and international calling. The free version is perfect for personal use or smaller websites that don’t require advanced features but still need a reliable contact number.
4. TextFree
TextFree is another free virtual phone number with a user-friendly interface. It allows you to choose your own personalized phone number. Moreover, the app offers unlimited texting and calling within the U.S., as well as useful features like voicemail and call notifications. These features make it easy for you to stay connected with your website visitors.
5. Burner
Burner provides temporary virtual phone numbers. It offers a disposable number, which is good for online activities like temporary promotions or short-term customer inquiries. It’s an excellent choice if you need a number for specific campaigns only. While Burner offers a free trial that lets you access a temporary number, long-term use requires a paid subscription.
Limitations of Using Free Virtual Numbers
Free numbers often come with certain drawbacks, such as limited functionality, ads, and restrictions in terms of geographic availability. Here are some key limitations to keep in mind before choosing a free virtual number:
- Free virtual numbers often lack advanced features that are available in paid plans, such as call recording, call forwarding, and voicemail transcription.
- Many free virtual number providers support their services with ads, which can be intrusive and affect user experience.
- Some free virtual numbers are only temporary and may expire after a period of inactivity.
- Free services typically offer limited customer support compared to paid plans, which can be a significant drawback if you encounter issues.
- With free numbers, you may have fewer options for customizing your number.
Tips for Choosing the Right Free Virtual Number Provider
When selecting a free virtual phone number for your website, look for features that support your website’s goals, consider the level of privacy offered, and check if the provider is reliable for long-term use.
Check Feature Availability: Make sure the provider offers essential features like voicemail, call forwarding, and text messaging to suit your website's communication needs.
Consider Privacy and Security: Choose a provider that prioritizes data privacy and protects against spam.
Review Service Stability: Select the provider with reliable service, as some free numbers may expire after a limited period.
Compare Ad Policies: Many free services come with ads. Consider a provider with minimal or manageable ad displays.
Assess Customer Support Options: Choose a provider that offers good customer support so you can instantly resolve any issues that might arise.
Conclusion
You may need to add a phone number to your website to build trust or provide a contact number for visitors. You can use a virtual number for a website to avoid sharing your personal number. Many VoIP services offer a virtual phone number free for websites. However, these free numbers come with limited features.
Calilio offers a virtual number with advanced features at affordable prices. You can choose your number from more than 100 countries to use on your websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get a free internet phone number?
To get a free internet phone number, sign up for a VoIP service like Google Voice or TextNow. After signing up, choose a number based on your preferred area code to set up on your phone.
How can I get a free phone number for my business?
A different VoIP service offers free phone numbers with their basic plan or as a free trial. However, free numbers often come with limited features.
Latest Posts
From the blog
The latest news, technologies, and resources from our team.