What is a Virtual Number?
A virtual phone number is a phone number that is not tied to a physical SIM card and operates over the internet. It is commonly used for user authentication, social media account registration, and secondary security bindings. In fields like Web3, cross-border e-commerce, and social media management, using virtual numbers can help manage multiple account resources better and prevent accounts from being identified as belonging to the same entity.
Virtual vs. Physical Phone Numbers
| Comparison Point | Virtual Number | Physical Number |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Internet services (VoIP) | SIM card from a mobile carrier |
| How to Use | Mobile app or web interface | Insert SIM card into a phone |
| Receiving Capability | Varies depending on platform stability | High stability |
| Registration Cost | Free or low-cost | Usually requires a monthly fee |
| Platform Detection Risk | High (but varies by platform) | Low |
| Multi-Account Suitability | High | Not suitable |
Use Cases for Virtual Numbers
- Cross-border e-commerce registration and management (Amazon, eBay)
- Social media account management (Twitter, Meta, Snapchat)
- Web3 & Airdrop multi-account interaction management
- Multi-account protection for gaming
- Ad campaign testing and marketing platform registration
Recommended Virtual Phone Number Platforms
This list includes popular free options as well as a premium choice for users who need maximum reliability.
1. Google Voice (GV Number)
Website: https://voice.google.com/
Country: US
Web Version: Yes
Introduction: A phone service provided by Google, used with a Google account. It can receive text messages and calls, and can also forward them to other numbers.
Free: Yes
Active Conditions:
- 1 Number/ each account.
- Stay active at least every 30 days to keep the number.
Pros:
- Official Google service, making the number highly credible.
- Seamless integration with Google accounts.
- Clean interface and stable functionality.
Cons:
- Registration is limited to North American users.
- Requires an existing Google account without a phone number already linked.
2. TextNow
Website: https://www.textnow.com/
Country: US, Canada
Web Version: Yes
Introduction: Provides a permanent free number that can be used for receiving texts and calls.
Free: Yes
Active Conditions:
- 1 Number/ each account.
- Stay active at least every week to keep the number.
Pros:
- A permanent number can be used to register on multiple platforms.
- The web version supports logging in to view message history.
- Developer-friendly and easy to integrate into automated systems.
Cons:
- Occasionally fails to receive verification codes from some platforms.
- Registration may not be available in certain regions.
3. Textfree
Website: https://textfree.us/
Country: US
Web Version: No
Introduction: A simple and easy-to-use virtual number app, suitable for short-term registration purposes.
Free: Yes
Active Conditions:
- 1 Number/ each account.
- Stay active at least every 30 days to keep the number.
Pros:
- Free to register, no identity verification required.
- Numbers can be changed, offering flexibility.
Cons:
- Numbers will be reclaimed if inactive.
- No web version available.
4. Talkatone
Website: https://www.talkatone.com/
Country: US, Canada
Web Version: No
Introduction: Offers free voice and text services, and supports linking a Google account to generate a virtual number.
Free: Yes
Active Conditions:
- 1 Number/ each account.
- Stay active at least every 30 days to keep the number.
Pros:
- Supports SMS verification from major international platforms.
- Can be linked to a Google account for better stability.
Cons:
- Sometimes fails to receive verification codes from sensitive platforms (e.g., VK, Facebook).
5. TextMe
Website: https://go-text.me/
Country: US, Canada, UK
Web Version: No
Introduction: Provides free virtual texting services and can manage multiple numbers simultaneously.
Free: Yes (credit-based system)
Active Conditions:
- 1 Number/ each account.
- Stay active or maintain a credit balance > 20.
Pros:
- Can switch numbers from different countries/regions.
- Easy multi-account management.
Cons:
- Occasionally fails to support sensitive platforms (e.g., Snapchat).
- The credit system can be confusing for new users.
6. TextPlus
Website: https://textplus.com/
Country: US, Canada
Web Version: No
Introduction: A popular ad-supported app offering a free US or Canadian number for unlimited texts and affordable calls.
Free: Yes
Active Conditions:
- 1 Number/ each account.
- Stay active periodically to avoid losing your number.
Pros:
- Completely free number for texting.
- Easy to sign up and use immediately.
Cons:
- Heavily ad-supported, which may affect user experience.
- Number can be reclaimed due to inactivity.
7. Textr Go
Website: https://textrapp.com/go/home
Country: US, Canada, UK
Web Version: No
Introduction: Textr Go provides a real US/CA phone number. It’s designed to be reliable for SMS verification for various services.
Free: Yes (credit-based system)
Active Conditions:
- 1 Number/ each account.
- Requires active use or credit balance to maintain the number.
Pros:
- Reliable for receiving verification codes.
- Provides real phone numbers, not VoIP numbers, increasing compatibility.
Cons:
- The free model is limited; sustained use requires earning or buying credits.
- No web version.
8. Hushed (Premium Option)
Website: https://hushed.com/
Country: US, Canada, UK
Web Version: Yes
Introduction: For users who prioritize privacy and reliability, Hushed is an excellent paid choice. It provides private, disposable numbers from over 45 countries.
Free: No (Paid Service)
Active Conditions:
- Unlimited numbers/each account.
- Number validity depends on the plan purchased (e.g., 7-day, 30-day, recurring).
Pros:
- High privacy and security.
- Numbers from many countries.
- Highly reliable for verification as numbers are less likely to be flagged.
- Web version available for easy management.
Cons:
- It is a paid service, not free.
Virtual Number Platform Comparison Chart
| Platform | Number Validity | Free | Web Version | Country | Active Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Voice | Permanent (with activity) | Yes | ✅ | US | Stay active every 30 days |
| TextNow | Permanent (with activity) | Yes | ✅ | US, CA | Stay active weekly |
| Textfree | Requires activity | Yes | ❌ | US | Stay active every 30 days |
| Talkatone | Requires activity | Yes | ❌ | US, CA | Stay active every 30 days |
| TextMe | Requires activity/credits | Yes | ❌ | US, CA, UK | Maintain credit balance > 20 |
| TextPlus | Requires activity | Yes | ❌ | US, CA | Stay active to keep number |
| Textr Go | Requires activity/credits | Yes | ❌ | US, CA, UK | Maintain active use |
| Hushed | Plan-based | No | ✅ | US, CA, UK | Depends on paid plan |
FlashID (Your Anti-Detection Powerhouse)
If you need to manage multiple accounts and browser fingerprint windows after using virtual numbers, FlashID is your perfect partner.
Our fingerprint browser is a tool designed for multi-account operations, with these core features:
✅ Independent browser fingerprints (UserAgent, Canvas, WebGL, resolution, etc.)
✅ Each window simulates a different IP (can be used with IP proxies)
✅ One-click configuration for multi-account management
✅ Compatible with MetaMask and all Web3 wallets & DApps
✅ Clean interface and easy to use
✅ High-level anti-detection, supporting professional use cases across industries (Web3/Social Media/Amazon, etc.)
Suitable for all digital brand management scenarios, from airdrop wallets to Twitter bot armies. Stop worrying about your browser fingerprints being too similar and getting your accounts restricted! FlashID streamlines your multi-account strategy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can virtual numbers be banned by major platforms?
While some large platforms (like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.) have some level of risk control against virtual numbers, not all virtual numbers will be banned. It mainly depends on the number’s source, registration method, and user behavior. For example, Google Voice numbers are less likely to be banned due to their credible source. In contrast, free platforms like Textfree might be flagged and restricted if used in bulk from the same IP range or with the same device fingerprint.
It is recommended to use a fingerprint browser (like FlashID) to significantly reduce the risk of being identified for multi-accounting.
2. How do I choose the right virtual number platform for me?
When choosing a virtual number platform, consider the following factors:
- Permanence: Google Voice and Flyp numbers are more stable. For maximum stability, a paid service like Hushed is best.
- Country: Hushed offers the widest selection of countries. TextNow and others offer US/CA numbers.
- Platform Compatibility: For better support on Snapchat, choose TextMe. For Google services, GV is the best fit.
- Budget: Most platforms offer free versions. If reliability is key, consider a paid plan from Hushed or Flyp.
Choose a platform based on your actual business needs. If you need to operate multiple accounts long-term, consider pairing it with a fingerprint browser like FlashID.
3. Can I change my virtual number?
Some virtual number platforms allow you to change your number, but the methods differ:
- TextNow, TextMe, Google Voice: You can change your number on the existing platform, but it might affect accounts previously linked to the old number.
- Textfree, Talkatone: Changing numbers is more complex and may require a new registration.
- Flyp, Hushed: Offer easy and flexible number management, allowing you to add or dispose of numbers as needed (usually part of a paid plan).
When changing a virtual number, be aware that the platform may require you to maintain the usage record of the original number or re-verify your identity.
4. How do virtual numbers receive verification codes?
The ability of a virtual number to receive verification codes depends on the platform’s SMS compatibility. Most services support receiving text messages, calls, and voice verification codes. However, some platforms have stricter limitations:
- Paid services like Hushed, or real-number providers like Textr Go, generally have the highest success rate.
- Google Voice and TextNow have high compatibility for most platforms.
- Textfree and Talkatone may fail on some sensitive platforms (like Facebook, Discord).
- Recommendation: Use different numbers in combination with a multi-account management tool like FlashID to reduce risk and increase success rates.
If a number fails to receive a code, try changing your device’s login state or using a different registration method.
5. Can I link a virtual number to a MetaMask wallet?
Yes, you can link a virtual number to MetaMask, but be mindful of risk control. MetaMask frequently flags accounts for security reasons. If multiple wallets use the same IP or browser fingerprint, they are easily associated. Even if you use a virtual number to avoid phone number-level identification, the risk remains high if the browser and device information are identical.
Using a FlashID fingerprint browser can help you:
- Run each account window with a different browser fingerprint (UA, Canvas, WebGL, IP).
- Isolate the device behavior of different accounts.
- Work seamlessly with MetaMask and other Web3 wallets.
Virtual Number + Fingerprint Browser = True “Multi-Account Isolation.”
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