Most of us use just one phone number on just one phone. But there are cases in which you need to spread your contact number across two phones, be it for business, travel, or otherwise. So, how can you use one number on two phones, and what possible drawbacks are involved?
Can You Use One Number on Two Phones?
In short, yes! You can use one number on two phones, and this can be done legally.
However, it's important to understand this cannot be done using two separate SIM cards. Each phone number can only be dedicated to a single SIM (unless the SIM is illegally cloned), so if you want to go about things by the book, this isn't an option.
While you cannot use two identical SIMs on two phones, there are several easy and sometimes free solutions you can try to use one number on two phones.
1. Google Voice
Google Voice is a US-based telephony app that lets you use one number across multiple devices. Known specifically as a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service, Google Voice allows you to make and receive calls, as well as send and receive text messages, all using one contact number.
Google Voice is a trusty service, but it isn't free. Google Voice currently has three payment tiers: Starter, Standard, and Premier. Starter costs $10, Standard costs $20, and Premier costs $30. Though this isn't as good as free, it is certainly affordable.
You can access Google Voice via your browser or the Android or iOS smartphone app.
Google Voice is only available for US residents. If you live outside the US, consider some other listed options.
Download: Google Voice for Android | iOS (Free, subscription available)
2. WhatsApp
You may already use WhatsApp to text and make calls on a single device, but you can also use WhatsApp to make calls across multiple devices.
What's great about WhatsApp is that it uses end-to-end encryption on all calls and messages, keeping your conversations private to you and the recipient. It's also totally free to use, with a simple interface that can be navigated by just about anyone.
You can use WhatsApp on two phones by heading to the Linked Devices section in your app settings, which you can access by tapping the three vertical dots at the top-right of your screen. Here, you'll need to tap Link a device and then scan the QR code on the WhatsApp app on your second phone.
Download: WhatsApp for Android | iOS (Free)
3. Phone Booth
Phone Booth is an online service that lets you use one number across two devices.
Phone Booth allows users to make local and long-distance calls using the same number on one or multiple phones. You don't need to sign up for a permanent Phone Booth contract and it only charges $20 monthly per user.
A particularly nifty feature offered by Phone Booth is call routing. Using this, you can route your calls to the relevant device, meaning you won't miss anything important if you're not within physical reach of your main phone.
Like Google Voice, Phone Booth uses VoIP.
4. Call Forwarding
Call forwarding allows you to forward a call from one device to another, all while using the same number. For instance, if you're in your office, but receive a call on your home phone, call forwarding allows you to transfer that call to your current location.
To use this technology, you can use a third-party service or your provider's call-forwarding feature. You may also be able to activate call forwarding via your phone's settings.
5. Your Provider's Multi-Phone Service
You don't need to use a third-party service to use one number on two phones. Depending on which cell service provider you're using, you might be able to access a multi-phone service directly (though this will likely come at an extra cost).
For instance, Verizon has an additional service known as Number Share, which lets you use one number on up to five devices. Currently, it will cost you an extra $5 monthly to use Verizon's Home Number Share feature. However, you'll be able to use the service free of charge for the first 90 days.
If you're in the UK, EE has a feature called Smart Number, which allows you to use your phone number on up to five Apple devices. This feature is completely free if you have an EE phone plan. Unfortunately, if you're not using Apple devices, this feature won't be an option.
The Downsides of Using One Number on Two Phones
While the above services are certainly useful, there are some downsides.
The most obvious downside is the extra money you'll spend monthly to use one number across two phones. While the paid services listed are fairly affordable, they are, nonetheless, taking your money. If you want to stick to a tight budget and avoid fees, many of these multi-phone tools will be off-limits.
Certain services, such as Google Voice, can also apply caps to your calls and texts. This can limit the minutes you spend on the phone per month, as well as the number of characters you can include in a text. Of course, a regular cell service provider can also place certain limits on calls and texts, but this is still worth keeping in mind.
You'll also need a good internet connection to use services like Verizon Number Share, Phone Booth, and Google Voice. What's more, there's always a chance the VoIP feature you're using, which requires the internet, could be hacked by malicious actors. Through such hacks, private information could be stolen, as well as intimate conversational details.
You Don't Need to Stick to One Phone
If you regularly deal with poor internet connection but often have good cell service, you may be better off using call forwarding.
If you need to spread your number across one or more devices, worry not. There are options available to you. Just make sure you choose an affordable and trustworthy service so you don't end up worse off.
