You can get a second number on an existing Android phone or iPhone in two main ways: add a carrier line using a SIM or eSIM, or use a phone-number app such as Google Voice or TextNow. Choose a carrier line when you need another native cellular line; choose an app when you mainly need a separate number for calls and texts over Wi-Fi or your existing data. Before choosing eSIM, confirm that your exact phone model, carrier, and plan support it.
Choose between a carrier line and a number app
A second number does not necessarily require a second phone. The key difference is whether the number is provided as another mobile line by a carrier or through an app.
| Option | How it works | Best suited to | Important condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrier SIM or eSIM line | A carrier provisions an additional mobile line on a physical SIM or eSIM. | People who want another carrier line with calling and texting integrated into the phone. | Phone, carrier, and plan must support the additional line. Check with the carrier before signing up. Google Pixel dual-SIM guidance |
| Google Voice | A number used through the Google Voice app or website; it can also ring linked phones. | People who want a separate number managed through an app. | The cited signup instructions are for U.S. users. Availability and terms vary by location. Google Voice number setup |
| TextNow app | A number used for calls and texts over Wi-Fi or an existing mobile data connection. | People looking for an app-based option, including a documented free app option. | TextNow’s app number and its wireless service are distinct; wireless and eSIM options depend on availability and device eligibility. TextNow |
When a carrier line makes sense
A carrier line is the more direct choice if you want the second number to be another mobile subscription on the phone. It can be preferable when you want calling and messaging managed through the phone’s built-in controls rather than relying on a separate number app. It is not supported on every phone or plan: verify the precise model, carrier compatibility, and plan eligibility.
As one U.S. example, Verizon lists its Second Number perk at $10 per month per line. It requires an eligible plan, a compatible dual-SIM device, and an available eSIM; the price is Verizon’s service-specific listing, not a market-wide rate. Verizon Second Number FAQ
#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 an app-based number makes sense
Google Voice and TextNow let you use a separate number through an app rather than adding a second carrier SIM. TextNow says its free app supports calling and texting over Wi-Fi or a carrier data plan. That does not mean every app-based number will be accepted by every bank, short-code service, or account verification system; universal acceptance is not established.
How to get a second number with Google Voice
Google’s U.S. setup flow lets you search for an available number by city or area code and asks you to verify signup by text. After setup, the number works through Google Voice on a phone or web browser. Google Voice: Get a Google Voice number
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.
- Install or open Google Voice and sign in to your Google account.
- Search by city or area code, then choose an available number.
- Complete the text verification requested during signup.
- If you want calls forwarded to another phone, open Google Voice settings, add a linked phone, and complete its verification. Google documents linking up to six verified numbers. Google Voice: Link your phone number
Google says almost all calls from the U.S. to the U.S. and Canada are free, with exceptions; international calling rates apply. Check Google’s current calling terms for the destinations and call types you need. Google Voice calling rates and terms
How to add a carrier eSIM or second line
Start with compatibility, not the activation screen. The phone must support the required SIM arrangement, the carrier must support that model, and the plan must allow another line. Google says Pixel 3a and later can use a physical SIM plus an eSIM; later Pixel models may support two active eSIM profiles where the operator permits it. Other Android phones and iPhones have their own model- and carrier-specific requirements, so check official support for your exact device. Google Pixel dual-SIM guidance
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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.
- Check the exact phone model’s official specifications or support page for dual-SIM and eSIM support.
- Ask the carrier whether the phone is compatible, whether your current plan is eligible, and whether it can provision a second line.
- Have the carrier add the line, then follow its device-specific activation instructions.
- Choose which SIM or line to use for calls, messages, and mobile data in the phone’s SIM or cellular settings. On Pixel, Google documents choosing a SIM for calls or messaging; menu names vary by device and software version. Google Pixel SIM settings
Do not assume that a phone’s eSIM capability guarantees service: carrier support and plan eligibility still matter. Verizon’s Second Number listing, for example, requires both an eligible plan and compatible dual-SIM hardware with an available eSIM. Verizon Second Number FAQ
How to use TextNow for another number
TextNow’s app provides a number for calling and texting over Wi-Fi or an existing carrier data plan. Its wireless options are a separate way to access service; do not treat the app number alone as proof that wireless data or an eSIM is available for your device.
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
- Install or update TextNow and create an account or sign in.
- Use the app-based number over Wi-Fi or your existing mobile data connection.
- If you want wireless service instead of relying on Wi-Fi or another carrier’s data, check TextNow’s current SIM or eSIM options and device eligibility. On Android, the eSIM activation option is conditional: TextNow says activation depends on compatible hardware and an activation option appearing in the app. TextNow SIM and eSIM activation guidance
Adding a second number is not the same as porting your current one
Adding a second number gives you another number while keeping your existing line. Porting transfers an existing number from one provider to another, so it is not the way to keep that number and add a separate one.
For an eligible active U.S. mobile number moved to a personal Google Voice account, Google lists a $20 port-in fee. Its current help page says the number transfer can take up to 48 hours and text messages up to three business days. Google advises keeping the old plan active until the port finishes. These figures describe porting, not setup time for a newly selected second number. Google Voice number porting
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- 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)
TextNow says number porting averages 2–3 business days after submission and requires a TextNow SIM. That estimate applies to its porting process, not to obtaining a separate app number. TextNow number porting
Quick Recap
Check these details before you decide
- Device and plan: Confirm your precise phone model supports the SIM setup you want and that your carrier supports it on your plan.
- How you will use the number: A carrier line is another provisioned mobile line; Google Voice and TextNow are app-based options, with TextNow also offering separate wireless options.
- Verification needs: Do not rely on an app-based number for a particular bank, short code, or account until that service confirms it accepts the number.
- Location: The Google Voice signup and Verizon examples here are U.S.-specific. Number availability, pricing, and terms differ across countries and providers.
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.
