You can get a second number without buying another phone. The main choice is between adding a carrier line to a compatible phone with a SIM or eSIM, and using a number through an app such as Google Voice or TextNow. A carrier line gives you native cellular service; an app number is usually the simpler option if you mainly need calls and texts over Wi-Fi or your existing data connection.
This guide focuses on U.S. options. Check your exact phone model, carrier, plan, and number-use requirements before choosing: dual-SIM support is not universal, and some services may not work with every bank, short code, or account verification.
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Choose between a carrier line and an app number
A second number can mean either a second mobile line provisioned by a carrier or a phone number you use through an app. They are not interchangeable: the first is a cellular subscription on your phone, while the second relies on the app and its service terms.
| Option | What it gives you | Best fit | Cost or condition stated by the provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrier SIM or eSIM line | A second carrier-provisioned line, if your phone and carrier support it | Native cellular calling and texting, or keeping work and personal lines on one compatible phone | Verizon lists its Second Number perk at $10 per month per line for eligible plans and compatible dual-SIM devices with an available eSIM; eligibility applies. Verizon Second Number FAQ |
| Google Voice | An app/service number used on a phone or in a web browser | A separate number for calls and messages without adding a carrier SIM line | Google’s cited setup help describes number selection and text verification; terms, calling charges, and availability should be checked for your account and location. Google Voice: Get a Google Voice number |
| TextNow app | A number used in the app over Wi-Fi or an existing carrier data connection | A free app-based option when that connection is sufficient | TextNow documents a free Android and iOS app option. Its wireless services are separate; device and account eligibility apply. TextNow |
The cited carrier example and Google Voice setup information are U.S.-specific. Service availability, pricing, and rules can differ elsewhere; these examples are not a complete carrier or app comparison.
#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
When a carrier second line makes sense
Choose a carrier line if you need another native mobile line rather than a number that works through an app. Before signing up, verify all three dependencies: the exact phone, the carrier’s support for that model, and whether your current plan or a new plan qualifies.
Check the phone and plan first
- Confirm the exact model supports dual SIM and, if relevant, eSIM. A phone having an eSIM capability does not by itself mean a particular carrier will provision a second line.
- Ask the carrier whether your phone is compatible, whether an eSIM is available, and whether your plan qualifies for a second-number offer.
- Google says Pixel 3a and later can use a physical SIM with an eSIM. Later Pixel models may support two active eSIM profiles where the operator permits it; this is not a guarantee that every Pixel, carrier, or plan supports the configuration. Google Pixel Help: Use two SIMs on your Pixel phone
For example, Verizon lists its Second Number perk at $10 per month per line, subject to eligible-plan, compatible-device, and available-eSIM requirements. Check the carrier’s current terms rather than assuming the offer applies to your account. Verizon Second Number FAQ
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Activate the second line
- Check your phone’s model specifications and the carrier’s compatibility information for dual SIM or eSIM support.
- Confirm with the carrier that your plan is eligible and that it can add and provision a second line for your phone.
- Request the line from the carrier and follow its activation instructions for your device. The activation path depends on the carrier and phone.
- After activation, set your preferred line for calls, messages, and mobile data in the phone’s SIM or cellular settings. Exact labels and menu paths vary by model and software version. Google’s Pixel guidance explains choosing a SIM for calling or messaging. Google Pixel Help: Use two SIMs on your Pixel phone
Get an app-based number with Google Voice
Google Voice is an app/service number, not a second carrier SIM. Google’s U.S. setup instructions let users search for an available number by city or area code and verify signup by text. You can use the number through Google Voice on a phone or web browser. Google Voice: Get a Google Voice number
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- Install or open Google Voice and sign in.
- Search by city or area code and choose an available number.
- Complete the text verification requested during signup.
- If you want calls forwarded to an existing phone, add and verify linked phones in Google Voice settings. Google documents linking up to six verified numbers. Google Voice: Link your number
Google says almost all calls from the U.S. to the U.S. and Canada are free, with exceptions; international calls may have rates. Check Google’s current calling terms for the destination and type of call. Google Voice calling rates and availability
Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup, but is necessary record the IMEI). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also NOT compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc). Please contact the seller for more information about carrier compatibility.
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1(2100), B2(1900), B3(1800), B4(AWS), B5(850), B7(2600), B8(900), B12(700), B13(700), B17(700), B26(850), B28(700), B66(AWS-3) Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Capture Every Moment in Detail – The 50MP triple-camera system (wide, ultrawide, macro) and 13MP front camera deliver high-quality photos and videos with HDR, panorama, and LED flash.
- All-Day Battery & Fast Charging – A massive 5000mAh battery keeps you powered, and 25W fast charging gets you back to 100% in no time.The included 25W Fast Charger is a generic accessory and is not a Samsung-branded charger.
Use TextNow for an app number or wireless service
TextNow’s free Android and iOS app provides a number for calling and texting over Wi-Fi or a carrier data plan. That app-based number is distinct from TextNow’s wireless options: using the app does not automatically mean you have a separate carrier line or wireless data service. TextNow
- Install or update the TextNow app, then create an account or sign in.
- Use the app number over Wi-Fi or your existing mobile data connection.
- If you want wireless data rather than relying on Wi-Fi or existing data, check whether TextNow offers an eligible SIM or eSIM option for your specific device and account.
TextNow’s Android eSIM instructions depend on compatible hardware and an activation option appearing in the app; do not assume that option is available on every Android phone. TextNow Support: How to activate TextNow eSIM
Rank #4
- 2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 4G bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 5G bands 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
- Dimensions 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm (5.78 x 2.78 x 0.28 in) Weight 162 g (5.71 oz) Build Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame SIM Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)
- Display Type Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 480Hz PWM, HDR10+, 2600 nits (peak) Size 6.2 inches, 94.4 cm2 (~91.1% screen-to-body ratio) Resolution 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~416 ppi density) Protection Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
- OS Android 15, up to 7 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 Chipset Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) CPU Octa-core (2x4.47 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M) GPU Adreno 830
- Main Camera Triple 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.4, 67mm (telephoto), 1/3.94", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55" 1.4µm, Super Steady video Features Best Face, LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama Video 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS
Adding a new number is not the same as porting your current one
Getting a second number gives you an additional number while you keep your original line. Porting transfers an existing number from one provider to another, so it is a different process and can affect the service attached to the number being moved.
| Service | Porting details stated by the provider | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Google Voice | Google’s current help page states a $20 fee to port an eligible active U.S. mobile number into a personal Google Voice account. It says the number transfer can take up to 48 hours and texts up to three business days. Google Voice: Port your number | These figures concern porting an existing number, not acquiring a new second number. Google advises keeping the old plan active until the port completes. |
| TextNow | TextNow says its number-port process averages 2–3 business days after submission and requires a TextNow SIM. TextNow Support: Porting your number to TextNow | This is a transfer estimate, not a time estimate for getting a new app number. |
Check whether the number will work for your intended use
Before relying on an app-based number for a bank, short code, or account verification, check the specific organization’s rules. The cited provider information does not establish that every app-based or VoIP number is accepted by every service. If that use is essential, confirm acceptance directly before switching or depending on the number.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup, but is necessary record the IMEI). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also NOT compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc). Please contact the seller for more information about carrier compatibility.
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1(2100), B2(1900), B3(1800), B4(AWS), B5(850), B7(2600), B8(900), B12(700), B13(700), B17(700), B26(850), B28(700), B66(AWS-3)
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
- For work/personal separation, consider whether you need a native carrier line or whether an app number meets your calling and texting needs.
- For privacy or a temporary project, review the app or carrier’s terms and account requirements; do not assume a number is permanent or accepted everywhere.
- For a line that must behave like ordinary cellular service, confirm device, carrier, and plan compatibility before paying for an additional line.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
