Most people assume you need a physical SIM and a phone to have a mobile number. That's not true. You can get a real, working UK 07 number that receives texts and calls — without a SIM card, without a handset, and without a contract.
This guide explains how it works, who needs it, and what your options are.
What is a virtual UK mobile number?
A virtual number is a genuine UK mobile number — the kind starting with 07 — that isn't tied to a physical SIM card. Instead of living on a chip in a phone, it lives on a cloud system that receives messages and calls on your behalf.
When someone texts your virtual number, the message is captured and routed to you — usually via email, an app, or a web dashboard. The sender sees it as a normal UK mobile number. They have no idea it isn't attached to a phone.
Calls typically go to voicemail, which gets recorded and sent to you as an audio file.
Important distinction: A virtual UK number is not the same as a VoIP number (like Skype). VoIP numbers are typically used for outbound calls and may not work for SMS verification. A genuine virtual mobile number on the UK mobile network will work for SMS verification codes, 2FA, and any service that requires a real UK mobile number.
Who actually needs one?
More people than you'd think. Here are the most common reasons people get a virtual UK number:
Living abroad but keeping UK accounts
If you've moved to another country, your UK bank, HMRC self-assessment, NHS login, and dozens of other services still need a UK number to send verification codes to. Cancelling your UK SIM means losing access to all of them. A virtual number keeps those accounts accessible from anywhere in the world.
Keeping a number you're retiring
Changing your personal number is a bigger hassle than most people realise. Every account you've ever created with it — banks, PayPal, Amazon, delivery services, work logins — has that number on file. Instead of tracking them all down and updating each one, you can port your old number to a virtual service and keep receiving anything sent to it indefinitely.
Separating work from personal
Freelancers, sole traders, and small business owners often don't want clients calling their personal mobile. A virtual number on your invoices, website, and listings keeps inbound work enquiries separate from your private life.
Protecting yourself online
Your mobile number is far more personal than most people treat it. It's tied to your identity, your bank accounts, and your location history. Every time you hand it out — to a marketplace buyer, a tradesperson, a company you're signing up with — you're giving away something you can't easily take back. A virtual number is one you can give out freely, knowing your real one stays private.
Receiving SMS verification codes
Some services — banks, crypto exchanges, government platforms — require SMS verification to create an account or log in. A virtual number works exactly like a regular mobile number for receiving these codes.
What's the difference between virtual number services?
Not all virtual number services are the same. The main things to check before signing up:
The most popular US-based apps like Hushed, Burner, and MySudo are designed around North American numbers and don't give you a genuine UK 07 number that works on the UK mobile network. Google Voice doesn't work in the UK at all.
How does number porting work?
If you want to keep your existing mobile number — rather than getting a new one — you can port it. Porting means transferring your number from your current network to a new provider, like Privify.
To port a number in the UK, you need a PAC code (Porting Authorisation Code). You get this from your current network. Once you have it, the new provider handles the rest. The process typically takes 24–48 hours.
The number stays exactly the same — same digits, same format. Your old SIM just stops working for that number, and instead it points to your new service.
Read our full guide: How to get a PAC code in the UK.
How to get a virtual UK number
The process with Privify is straightforward:
- Sign up and pay the one-time setup fee plus your first month.
- We provision your number — a real UK 07 number linked to your account. Usually within 24 hours.
- Every text goes to your email. The message appears in your inbox within seconds — formatted clearly, with the sender's number and the full message body.
- Calls go to voicemail, which arrives as an audio file attached to an email.
- If you want to bring your existing number, you can submit a port request from your dashboard with your PAC code.
There's no app to install. No phone to configure. Works from any device with email.
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