How to get a free US phone number

There are various ways to get a US phone number from outside the US, including many free and paid services that can give you your own US cell phone number.

Method 1 – Get a free US phone number with TextNow

TextNow is a popular free messaging app that provides users with toll-free phone numbers that can be used to make calls, send text messages, and verify online accounts.

You can sign up for TextNow with your email address, Apple ID, Google account or Facebook account.

In addition to smartphones, TextNow can be used to make calls and send text messages from Windows and Mac computers.

1. Download the TextNow App from Google Play Store (Android Phone) or App Store (iPhone).

2. After downloading the app, open TextNow and select the option to sign up with email.

3. Enter your email address and any password to create a TextNow account.

4. On the next screen, enter the area code of any US city and tap Continue (for example, 773 in Chicago).

5. Select your phone number from the list and tap Continue.

Tip: Be sure to note the number you choose. If you didn't write down the number, click the 3-line menu icon and write down your toll-free number.

Note: The TextNow app is not available in some countries. If it's not available in your country, you can change your app store country or follow another method.

Method 2 – Get a free US phone number with TextFree

Like TextNow, TextFree also offers a free US mobile number that can be used to make calls, send text messages and verify WhatsApp , Facebook and other apps.

TextFree also uses an email-based verification system that doesn't prompt you for your phone number.

1. Download the TextFree app from the Google Play Store (Android phones) or App Store (iPhone).

2. After downloading the app, tap the Register button.

3. On the next screen, tap the Allow option to give TextFree access to your location.

4. Next, delete the area code suggested by TextFree and enter the area code of any US city. For example, type 773 for a Chicago-based phone number.

5. Select your TextFree Number from the Number list provided by TextFree.

6. On the next screen, enter your email address and password to register for a TextFree account.

If you forgot to write down your TextFree number, just click the gear icon to view your number.

Method 3 – Get a Free US Phone Number Using Google Voice

If you're looking for a prestigious name, you can trust Google to give you a reliable and free US phone number through its Google Voice service.

The problem with Google Voice is that it's only available in the US and prompts for a US-based phone number during signup.

However, you can resolve this issue and get a Google Voice number from outside the US by following the steps provided in this guide: How to get a Google Voice number from outside the US.

Method 4 – Get a US phone number using Skype

Microsoft's Skype service is widely used by businesses and individuals around the world. A lesser-known feature of Skype is that it also offers US-based phone numbers.

While Skype isn't free, it's certainly a reliable way to get a US phone number by signing up for Skype using only your email address.

1. Visit the Skype Numbers page on your computer.

2. Select the United States as the country where you want to buy your Skype number.

3. On the next screen, you can click Continue - if you are satisfied with the number provided by Skype.

If not, you can click the Show other local numbers option and choose another phone number from the list of numbers provided by Skype.

You can also choose numbers from other US cities by clicking the Choose another location option.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

In addition to the US, Skype numbers can also be used in many other countries. In most countries, your phone number will be activated as soon as your payment is processed.

The cost of a Skype phone number varies depending on the country where the phone number is required.