How Can I Send Texts as a Different Number?

Tools & SDKs
1

I’m looking for some advice on sending text messages from a different phone number than my own. I want to maintain my privacy, and I think it would be beneficial to have a way to send messages anonymously or use virtual numbers. Here are a few details to consider:

What I’m Looking For

  • Anonymity: I don’t want my personal number to be shared when I text someone. This is particularly important for sensitive conversations.
  • Ease of Use: I prefer an application or service that’s user-friendly, especially for Android devices.
  • Cost: I’d like to understand what options are available for free or at a low cost, as well as any subscription services that might be worth considering.

Potential Options I Have in Mind

  • Virtual Number Services: I’ve heard of apps that provide you with a virtual number to send texts. Are any of these reputable and effective?
  • SMS Relay Services: Are there any services that can forward messages from one number to another? How do these work?
  • Apps for Anonymous Texting: What apps are available that cater specifically to sending anonymous texts?

Specific Questions

  1. Which applications would you recommend for sending texts as a different number?
  2. Are there risks I should be aware of when using these services?
  3. Can I receive replies on the new number, or is it one-way communication?

Any opinions or experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!

2

There are several apps like Google Voice and TextNow that let you text from a different number. Google Voice is great for its call forwarding feature, but the free version has limits on international texts.

3

I love TextNow for its functionality and the fact that it’s free! Just be aware of ads; they can be a bit annoying.

4

Have you guys tried Burner? It’s super useful if you need a temporary number for a project or event. Just remember that after a while, the number is deactivated if not used.

5

I hear Burner is great for privacy! But I wonder, how does the pricing compare to others like Google Voice?

6

From my experience, Google Voice is fantastic if you want something permanent, but for temporary needs, I suggest checking out apps like Hushed too!

7 Likes
7

Hushed is decent, though I found the user interface a bit clunky. Still, it gets the job done, particularly for disposable numbers.

8

What about privacy concerns? I’ve been told some apps can compromise your data. Anyone faced issues with that?

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9

Great point! I suggest always reading the privacy policy before using any app. It’s essential to know how your info is handled.

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10

I’ve had a mix of experiences. For example, I used to use Sideline, but I switched back to Google Voice because the call quality wasn’t as good.

11

Totally get that! I’ve switched services a lot. Funny how you realize you miss certain features after leaving an app.

5 Likes
12

LOL, does anyone just text from an old phone and pretend it’s a new number? I guess it’s a bit extreme but totally amusing!

13

That sounds hilarious! Just make sure the old phone’s still working! Otherwise, you’re just creating confusion.

14

Sending texts from a different number can be useful for privacy, but it raises privacy concerns too. You should be careful about how your data is shared.

15

Totally agree! It’s great for separating personal and professional life. Just ensure you trust the service you’re using.

16

I’ve tried a few apps that allow this! While convenient, I always worry about how these companies handle our data. Anyone had any bad experiences?

17

I use Google Voice, and it gives me peace of mind. I can control my privacy settings easily. It’s definitely something to consider if you’re concerned about privacy.

3 Likes
18

I’ve heard great things about Google Voice! Are there any alternatives that protect your number well?

19

Look into apps like Burner or Hushed! They both provide temporary numbers, perfect for online transactions or dating. Just remember, they usually log your data.

20

Privacy is key! I once used a service that ended up spamming my personal number. Double-check reviews before choosing a provider.

8 Likes