There are now three common ways to get a second UK mobile number: a second physical SIM, an eSIM, or a virtual number. They sound similar, and they all give you another number, but they suit very different jobs. Pick the wrong one and you either pay for features you never use, or find it can't do the one thing you needed.
Here's a plain-English comparison to help you choose.
The short answer
- Want to make calls and use mobile data on a second line? Get a second SIM or an eSIM.
- Want a number to give out, sign up with, or receive codes on, without it ringing your phone? Get a virtual number.
- Moving or travelling abroad and need to keep receiving UK texts? A virtual number is usually the most reliable option.
What each one actually is
A second physical SIM
A normal SIM card from a mobile network, with its own number and its own plan. To use it alongside your main number you need either a second phone or a dual-SIM phone. It's a full mobile line: calls, texts and data.
An eSIM
An eSIM is the same thing without the plastic card. It's a digital SIM that you download onto your phone by scanning a QR code or through your network's app. Most recent phones support one eSIM alongside a physical SIM, so you can run two numbers on one handset. It's still a full mobile line from a mobile network, with the same contracts, credit checks or top-ups, and roaming rules.
A virtual number
A virtual number is a mobile number that isn't tied to any SIM or phone. It lives online, and messages sent to it are passed on to you, for example by email or in an app. A good one is a genuine UK 07 mobile number, not a landline-style number. It's built for receiving texts and voicemail rather than being a second phone line.
Side by side
When a second SIM or eSIM is the right choice
If you genuinely need two working phone lines, for example a work number you make calls from, or a local number for a country you spend a lot of time in, a second SIM or eSIM is the right tool. An eSIM is usually the neater option: there's no card to swap, and you can keep both numbers on one phone.
The downsides are the ones that come with any mobile line. It needs a compatible phone. Calls and texts to that number reach your phone, so it doesn't add much privacy if you're trying to stay out of reach. And it's subject to the network's roaming rules, which matters if you live or travel abroad.
When a virtual number is the right choice
Most people looking for a "second number" don't actually want a second phone line. They want a number they can hand out without handing over their real one:
- Signing up to apps, shops and websites without your personal number ending up in another marketing list or the next data breach.
- Selling online on marketplaces, where you'd rather buyers didn't have your personal number. See our guide to protecting your number on Facebook Marketplace.
- Dating apps and one-off contacts, where you want to stay reachable without being findable.
- Living or travelling abroad while still receiving UK verification codes. More on that in how to get UK verification codes while living abroad.
Because there's no SIM, there's nothing to install, no phone to carry and no roaming to worry about. Texts arrive in your inbox wherever you are, and the number never rings your phone. If it ever starts attracting spam, it's separate from your real number.
Not all virtual numbers are equal. Look for a genuine UK 07 mobile number that's private to you. Shared numbers from free websites, and landline-style or internet calling numbers, are often refused by banks and apps when they send verification codes. With Privify, every service we've tested has delivered its codes to our numbers.
Can you combine them?
Yes, and many people do. A common setup is your main SIM for friends and family, plus a virtual number for everything else: sign-ups, deliveries, selling, and anything you'd rather keep at arm's length. If you travel a lot, add a local eSIM for data while you're away. Your virtual number keeps receiving your UK texts the whole time.
Frequently asked questions
Is an eSIM more private than a physical SIM?
Not really. An eSIM is just a digital version of a SIM card. It's still a mobile line registered with a network, and the number works the same way. It's more convenient, not more private.
Can I keep my existing number and use it as a virtual number?
Often, yes. Some virtual number providers let you move your current number across with a PAC code. Privify supports this on the Premium plan. Our PAC code guide explains how it works.
Can I make calls from a virtual number?
It depends on the provider. Many, including Privify, are designed for receiving: texts are forwarded to your email and callers can leave a voicemail, which is also emailed to you. If you need to make calls from the second number, a second SIM or eSIM is the better fit.
How quickly can I get a virtual number?
Usually straight away. A Privify number is typically ready the moment you pay, with no SIM to post and nothing to install.
Get a second UK number without a second SIM
A private UK 07 number that forwards texts and voicemail to your email. Nothing to install, works anywhere, usually ready the moment you pay.
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