How to Get a Virtual Phone Number: The Complete Guide for 2025

How to Get a Virtual Phone Number: The Complete Guide for 2025

Key Takeaways

  • Virtual phone numbers are cloud-based, allowing calls to be forwarded anywhere.
  • They enhance professional appearance and privacy for both individuals and businesses.
  • Providers offer various options including local, toll-free, and vanity numbers.
  • Acquiring a virtual number is often quick and can include a free trial period.


Table of Contents



What Is a Virtual Phone Number?

A virtual phone number (also called a VoIP number) is a cloud-based number that is not tied to a physical location, line, or device, allowing calls to be forwarded worldwide to mobiles, landlines, softphones, or apps via the internet, according to AVOXI, RingCentral, and Nextiva.

Think of it like this: imagine a phone number that floats in the sky. It does not live inside your phone or on a cable in the wall. Instead, it lives on the internet, and calls can be sent (or "forwarded") to any device you choose — your mobile phone, your laptop, a tablet, or even a business phone system.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol): This is the technology that lets you make and receive phone calls using the internet instead of a traditional phone line. It turns your voice into data packets and sends them online, just like sending an email.
Cloud-based: This means the service runs on remote servers on the internet (called "the cloud") rather than on a physical machine in your building or home.

According to AVOXI and Unitel Voice, virtual phone numbers provide amazing flexibility for businesses and individuals. They let you appear as a local or national presence, and they come packed with features like call routing, voicemail-to-email, auto-attendant menus, and detailed call analytics — all of which we will explore in this guide.



Here is where it gets exciting. The world of work and communication has changed dramatically. Remote work, global businesses, and the need for privacy have all pushed virtual numbers into the spotlight. People no longer want to be chained to a single device or location. They want freedom, and a virtual number delivers exactly that.

Providers like RingCentral offer plans that start with a free number per user, making it accessible to startups and sole traders. Meanwhile, platforms like AVOXI cover over 170 countries with no setup fees and no long-term contracts — a truly game-changing offer for anyone with global ambitions.

The security of virtual numbers is also a big selling point. Virtual numbers match traditional landlines when it comes to encryption and call protection, according to RingCentral and FlyNumber. The only requirement is a reliable internet or Wi-Fi connection.



What Are the Different Types of Virtual Phone Numbers?

Not all virtual numbers are the same. Providers offer a range of options to suit different needs, and understanding the types will help you choose the right one. According to AVOXI, Unitel Voice, and RingCentral, here are the most common types available today:

Local Numbers

These numbers match specific city or regional area codes, giving you a geographic presence even if you are working from thousands of kilometres away. A business in Dubai, for example, could have a New York local number to serve American customers — without ever opening an office there.

Toll-Free Numbers

Toll-free numbers (such as 800, 888, or 877 codes) are free for the people calling them, which makes them perfect for customer service lines and nationwide reach, according to Unitel Voice and RingCentral. The business pays the cost of incoming calls, not the caller.

Toll-Free Number: A phone number that the caller can dial at no cost to themselves. Businesses often use these to encourage more customers to call in, since there is no barrier of cost for the caller.

Vanity Numbers

Vanity numbers are custom, memorable sequences tied to your brand, per Unitel Voice. Think of a number like 1-800-FLOWERS or 1-800-DOCTORS. These are designed to be easy to remember and to reinforce your brand in the minds of customers.

International Numbers

If you need to reach customers in other countries, international virtual numbers are your best friend. According to AVOXI, VoIPReview, and FlyNumber, providers can supply numbers from 70 or more countries, allowing global call forwarding at local calling rates — saving both you and your customers serious money.

Call Forwarding: This is when an incoming call to one number is automatically redirected to another phone or device. It means you never miss a call, even if you are on the move or using a different phone.

You can also own multiple numbers at once, port your existing phone number to a new virtual provider, or add extra numbers affordably — for example, RingCentral offers additional numbers for as little as $4.99 per month, while FlyNumber provides flexible porting and low-cost extensions.



How to Get a Virtual Phone Number: Step-by-Step

This is the part you have been waiting for! Getting a virtual phone number is surprisingly simple and can be done in just a few minutes. Here is a clear, step-by-step breakdown based on guidance from top providers including Unitel Voice, RingCentral, and Dialpad.

Step 1: Choose a Provider and Sign Up

Browse the list of top providers (we have included a full table below) and pick one that matches your needs. Many providers offer free trials or starter plans with no credit card required, making it risk-free to try. Sign up online — it takes just a few minutes.

Step 2: Search and Select Your Number

Once you have an account, you will be able to search for available numbers by area code, number type (local, toll-free, vanity, or international), or country, according to AVOXI, Unitel Voice, RingCentral, and FlyNumber. Browse the inventory and pick the number that suits your brand or personal needs.

Step 3: Configure Your Call Forwarding and Routing

This is where the magic happens. You decide where calls to your new virtual number should go — your mobile phone, a colleague's number, a whole team, or even an IVR menu (an interactive phone menu that greets callers with options). According to AVOXI, Unitel Voice, and VoIPReview, you can also set up custom greetings, extensions, and routing rules so that calls are handled professionally at all times.

IVR (Interactive Voice Response): This is an automated phone menu system — the kind that says "Press 1 for sales, Press 2 for support." It helps businesses manage high call volumes without needing a receptionist for every call.

Step 4: Activate and Start Using Your Number

Your number is ready to go! Manage everything through a web browser, a mobile app (iOS or Android), or a desktop application — no special hardware needed if you are using a VoIP app, according to RingCentral, FlyNumber, and Alliance Virtual Offices. The whole setup process, from signing up to making your first call, can take as little as five minutes.

Step 5: Add Optional Features and Integrations

Once your number is live, you can supercharge it with extra tools. According to RingCentral and FlyNumber, popular add-ons include:

  • E911 address registration for emergency services access
  • Call recording for training and compliance
  • AI-powered call transcription that turns spoken conversations into written text automatically
  • CRM and app integrations such as Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, and more

Providers like FlyNumber and VirtualPhone.com even include unlimited incoming minutes on certain plans, while VoIPReview notes that setup on many platforms takes just minutes from start to finish.



Top Virtual Phone Number Providers in 2025

The market is packed with excellent choices. Here is a detailed breakdown of the leading providers to help you make the best decision for your needs:

Provider Key Strengths Pricing Notes Coverage
AVOXI 170+ countries, 20+ features, no setup fees Pay-per-use, no contracts — per AVOXI Global VoIP forwarding
Unitel Voice Toll-free, local, and vanity numbers, mobile management 30-day free trial — per Unitel Voice US-focused, any device
RingCentral Unlimited domestic calls, AI tools, integrations Free number included per user — per RingCentral Toll-free & international
TollFreeForwarding 120+ countries, pay-as-you-go No contracts — per VoIPReview Global toll-free & local
FlyNumber 70+ countries, app support, easy porting Optional full system at $14.95/mo — per FlyNumber VoIP & local rates
Dialpad AI-powered platform, free trial available Business plans — per Dialpad US virtual numbers
eVoice Free number included, auto-attendant Subscription — per eVoice Call routing
Alliance Phones Simple VoIP app add-on From $30/mo — per Alliance Virtual Offices Business plans

According to VoIPReview and Nextiva, all major VoIP providers support virtual numbers, and your best choice will depend on factors like international reach needs, app integrations, team size, and budget.



What Are the Benefits of Getting a Virtual Phone Number?

Let us take a moment to zoom out and look at the big picture. Why should you — or your business — actually bother getting a virtual phone number? Here are the most compelling reasons:

  • Look Professional Instantly: Even a solo freelancer or a tiny startup can present itself like a large, established business. A toll-free number or a local number in a major city instantly boosts your credibility.
  • Work From Anywhere: Your virtual number follows you wherever you go. Whether you are in Dubai, London, or a café in Bali, your calls reach you. According to AVOXI and RingCentral, calls can forward to mobiles, landlines, softphones, or apps via internet — meaning your office is wherever you are.
  • Save Money on International Calls: Traditional international phone calls can cost a fortune. With a virtual number from a provider like FlyNumber, you can make and receive calls at local rates across 70+ countries — a massive saving for global businesses and travellers.
  • Keep Your Personal Number Private: Use a virtual number for business or online listings, and your personal mobile number stays completely private. This is especially useful for people selling items online, running side hustles, or dating apps where privacy matters.
  • Scale Easily: Need more numbers for a new team or a new market? Just add them to your plan. According to RingCentral, extra numbers can be added for as little as $4.99 per month, making it incredibly easy and affordable to grow.
  • Advanced Features Included: Virtual numbers are not just numbers — they come bundled with powerful tools. According to AVOXI and Unitel Voice, features like call routing, voicemail-to-email, auto-attendant systems, and call analytics are typically included, helping you run a smarter, more efficient operation.


Are Virtual Phone Numbers Secure?

A common question — and a completely valid one. The short answer is: yes, absolutely. Security for virtual numbers matches that of traditional landlines thanks to encryption technology, according to RingCentral and FlyNumber. The one requirement is that you have a stable internet or Wi-Fi connection, as this is the backbone of how all VoIP calls are transmitted.

Top providers invest heavily in call security, fraud detection, and data protection, so you can communicate with full confidence that your conversations are safe.



A Note for UAE Residents and Businesses

If you are based in the UAE and looking to upgrade your communication setup, getting a virtual phone number can unlock incredible opportunities — whether you want a local UAE number for customers, an international number for overseas partners, or a toll-free line for your growing business.

And while you are upgrading your tech life, it is worth knowing about TamTam — the UAE's trusted platform for buying, selling, trading in, and repairing used electronics and devices. If you are thinking about upgrading the smartphone or laptop you use to manage your virtual number, TamTam makes it fast, transparent, and easy to sell your old device or trade it in for something new. It is the smart way to fund your next tech upgrade right here in the UAE.



Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a virtual phone number, in simple terms?

A: A virtual phone number is a regular-looking phone number that works over the internet instead of through a physical phone line or SIM card. You can use it to make and receive calls on any device — your mobile, laptop, or tablet — from anywhere in the world.

Q: How much does it cost to get a virtual phone number?

A: Prices vary widely by provider and plan. Some providers like RingCentral include a free virtual number with each user account, while others offer pay-as-you-go options or monthly subscriptions. Additional numbers can cost as little as $4.99 per month on some platforms, according to RingCentral, making it very affordable even for individuals.

Q: Can I get a virtual phone number for free?

A: Yes, several providers offer free virtual numbers as part of their starter plans or free trials. Providers like Unitel Voice offer 30-day free trials, RingCentral includes a free number with new accounts, and eVoice also offers a free number option. Always read the fine print to understand what is included at no cost.

Q: Can I keep my existing phone number and also get a virtual number?

A: Absolutely. You can port (transfer) your existing phone number to a virtual provider, or simply add a new virtual number alongside your current one. According to FlyNumber and RingCentral, porting existing numbers is a standard feature offered by most major providers.

Q: Do I need any special equipment to use a virtual phone number?

A: No special hardware is required. According to RingCentral, FlyNumber, and Alliance Virtual Offices, you simply manage your number through a web browser, a mobile app on iOS or Android, or a desktop app. All you need is a reliable internet or Wi-Fi connection.

Q: Can a virtual phone number receive SMS text messages?

A: Many virtual phone number providers do support SMS, though this varies by provider and plan. It is worth checking with your chosen provider — platforms like RingCentral and Dialpad typically include SMS as part of their business communication packages.

Q: Is a virtual phone number suitable for a small business or startup?

A: Definitely — and it may actually be one of the smartest investments a small business can make. Virtual numbers give startups the ability to look professional, manage calls efficiently, and reach customers locally or globally, all without expensive hardware or long-term contracts. According to VoIPReview and Nextiva, all major VoIP providers offer solutions tailored to small businesses, often with free trials so you can test before committing.