How it works
eSIM, second SIM or virtual number app? Choosing the right way to get a second number
Three ways to have a second number on one phone, and they solve different problems. eSIMs and second SIMs bring a plan; a virtual number app brings numbers, in any country, with features around them.
"I need a second number" has three technical answers, and choosing the wrong one is expensive or pointless. Here is what each actually is.
Second physical SIM
A dual-SIM phone takes two cards from two carriers. You get two numbers, two plans and two bills, and both numbers are tied to the phone. It suits people who want two full plans, for example a work contract paid by an employer and a personal one. It does not help with a number in another country unless you buy a plan there, and the second number has no features beyond what the carrier gives every customer.
eSIM
An eSIM is a SIM in software. It is the same idea as a second physical SIM, without the card: a plan from a carrier, downloaded to the phone. eSIMs are excellent for data when travelling, because you can buy a local data plan in minutes. Some eSIM plans include a local number for the trip; many are data-only. Like a physical SIM, the plan is tied to the phone and the features are the carrier's.
Virtual number app
A virtual number is a number, not a plan. It arrives in an app and carries calls and texts over whatever internet connection the phone has. That difference is what makes it flexible:
- Any country. Choose the country and region when you buy; hold numbers in several countries at once, up to ten on one Second Phone account.
- Any term. The first number comes with a subscription; extra numbers can be bought for a week, a month, three months or a year, and renewed or dropped.
- Features per number. Name, business hours, voicemail greeting, call forwarding, call recording and auto-renew are settings on each number.
- Portable. The numbers belong to the account. Change phone or country and they come with you.
What it does not do is provide internet. It rides on the data or Wi-Fi you already have.
Which one, when
| You want | Best fit |
|---|---|
| A second full plan with data, paid separately | Second SIM or eSIM |
| Cheap data on a trip | Data eSIM |
| A number in another country without a contract there | Virtual number |
| A work line with hours, voicemail and forwarding | Virtual number |
| A number you can pause, forward or retire | Virtual number |
| Several numbers on one phone | Virtual number |
The combination most people end up with
A data eSIM (or the home SIM's roaming) for the internet, and virtual numbers for the numbers themselves: one local to home, one for work, one in the country being visited. The eSIM changes with the trip; the numbers stay the same. See Add another number with coins and Switch the number you are using.
Frequently asked questions
Does a virtual number work if my phone has no SIM at all?
Yes, over Wi-Fi. It needs an internet connection, not a SIM.
Is a virtual number a real mobile number?
It is a real number from the country's numbering plan, local or mobile depending on what you choose. Callers cannot tell the difference. Some services check number ranges when sending codes, so test important sign-ups.
Can I move my existing number into a virtual number app?
Second Phone issues new numbers rather than porting existing ones. Keep your existing number on its SIM and add Second Phone numbers alongside it.