Wondering how to get a specific cell phone number? Well, this might be an easy or very challenging task, based on what you’re looking for.
This guide will unwrap all facts, and steps you need to undertake to acquire a specific phone number from an operator or third-party app!
To get a specific phone number from your operator you need to call their support center, be redirected, and hear the options.
Some specific numbers can be purchased or rented, and their price is based on the specific operator, certain number, and other factors!
Let’s continue to explore and unwrap this topic!
How to Get a Certain Cell Phone Number?
The quickest way to get a specific phone number would be by contacting your operator and following the voice prompts to get connected to an agent.
That agent would be specified in a specific area and you might be redirected multiple times before receiving any information.
- Typically, most operators offer specific phone number services!
However, the cost might vary per operator but you will definitely be informed about how it works and what you need to do to get the specific phone number.
Usually, there is a list of available numbers and you shouldn’t have silly expectations, since numbers are quite random.
Stay Friendly for a Better Offer!
You might be asked what is the reason for you to request a specific phone number since there might be such general restrictions.
For example, you should come up with a silly reason such as wanting a specific number to show off and catch eye with whoever you’re calling.
Your intent must be reasonable, for example, you need an easier number to narrate, type, and for people to remember due to work duty.
Even if your operator does not support official number changes of this nature, when asked with respect and reasoning, you might become exception.
How to Get a Specific Cell Phone Number? – Easy Steps!
In the world of mobile numbers and operators, there are two general options in regard to getting a specific number, as per your selection.
The two options are
- Renting or
- Purchasing numbers.
Yes, you would still need to select an available number and you wouldn’t be able to get an exact number you’ve got prepared in mind.
However, keep in mind that not all mobile operators work in the same way, hence renting or purchasing might or might not be available in your case!
Let’s take a closer look at the options available:
- How to *Rent* a Specific Phone Number?
Renting a phone number is simple and of course, happens with the help of your mobile operator.
It does not matter what is your current plan, or subscription, even if you are on a month-to-month billing you can still rent a specific phone number that you will be able to use.
In most cases, renting means an annual subscription, hence you would be paying each month to continue using the rented number.
The price might be equal for all available numbers in the listing and of course, the price for some numbers might be higher than for others.
What Happens After Canceling?
When you’ve rented a number and you don’t fulfill the monthly payment you will be provided with a short grace period.
After this period the mobile number will be deactivated and you will receive a notification since you won’t be able to call nor receive calls until updating the status.
Note: If you fail to renew your rented number for too long it might be given to someone else!
- How to “Buy” a Specific Phone Number?
As you can safely assume, “buying” means getting a specific cell phone number indefinitely, which comes with benefits and downsides.
Buying means, acquiring a number permanently which is good, might be more expensive thorough, and surely, entangles you with this operator.
Info: What this means is that you will not be able to cancel or refund the number so this is the option that requires the most thought before buying.
Switching Operators with Specific Numbers?
The numbers for rent or for purchase are normal numbers and luckily you would be able to bring them with you to another operator.
However, rented numbers cannot be transferred to another operator and you would need to presumably wait until your rented number expires and move on.
Get a Specific Number on Google Voice!
In case you’re not quite sure whether you still want a specific phone number after checking the availability and prices, simply get Google Voice.
This Google service provides a virtual phone number that you can use to call other Google Voice numbers all around the globe!
- Google Voice is available through a computer or phone app!
Regardless of whether you’re an Android or an Apple user, you can find the Google Voice app in the Google Play or App Store.
The best part though is that during the setup you would be able to choose a specific phone number for free, that will be bound to your registration profile.
- Navigate to voice.google.com.
- Sign into your Google Account.
- Read the ToS and click Continue.
- Search for available location numbers.
- Select the specific number you want.
- Follow the rest of the instructions!
Does Google Voice Cost Money?
The straightforward answer is No. Google Voice is completely free as well as the apps for the operating system, both are free of charge.
In addition, there are no contracts needed, you only need to register upon going to Google Voice through a browser or when downloading the app.
Google Voice – Cellular or Data?
Google Voice uses the internet, hence you would be able to use the feature everywhere as long as you’re connected to the WiFi or your smartphone is cellular-enabled.
- Google Voice calls use about 0.2 MB of data per minute!
However, nowadays we’re all subscribed to an operator and typically they provide unlimited data in the plan, meaning we can speak for free using Google Voice.
In addition, the selected number will be visualized every time you call someone or use it when they need to call you.
Using Third-Party Virtual Phone Apps!
It’s important to also mention that there are a lot of virtual phone apps available for the most popular operating system Android and iPhone.
Some of them also allow custom numbers which might be paid or free to use based on the app supplier.
However, keep in mind that not all of these apps would work based on how popular they are but feel free to explore the market and available apps.
In case you still haven’t called your operator to check the custom number services, reach out without hesitation and explore opportunities!
Getting a Second Phone Number?
To wrap things up we can share a helpful tip that might get you a rare mobile number, but you might have to get a second number.
How this works is by first, asking your supplier for what they can offer you, considering that you’ll be paying for a second cell phone number.
In case they have nothing that suits you, you can simply subscribe to another operator with the request of getting a specific phone number.
We all know that suppliers would do anything to get a new customer, hence better deals might mean a nice, perfect number for you!
Tip: Later, when you have the number you can bring it with you to any other operator!
Quick Recap:
In this guide, we’ve learned how to get a specific cell phone number and we can conclude that it’s easy as long as we’re willing to rent or purchase one.
Well, now we also know that when using Google Voice, getting a specific number is completely free of charge!
Read Next: What is the Cheapest Way to Keep a Phone Number?
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.