.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
No, having an anonymous and untraceable phone number is not something only the world’s best vigilantes and assassins should have so they can carry out their top-secret plans undetected. In fact, having an anonymous phone number might be a good idea for everyone to consider as digital privacy becomes more and more of an issue.
If you’re interested in learning more about anonymous phone numbers and how you can get one for yourself, you’re in the right place.
What Is an Anonymous and Untraceable Phone Number?
As the name suggests, having an anonymous phone number means that when you call someone, they won’t be able to tell who you are from the number. You can easily make anonymous calls and send anonymous text messages from this number to anyone you would usually be able to contact.
In most movies, an untraceable number would mean the user can make calls without the opposing side being able to trace their number and find their location. For average citizens, no number is entirely untraceable in this sense.
Untraceable numbers and cell phones are typically referring to the same idea as anonymous ones. They are untraceable in the sense that people can’t trace the number back to your identity.
Why Is it Important To Have an Anonymous Number?
It used to be much more common for people to change their phone numbers every so often, usually when they moved somewhere new, so their area code would be accurate. With ever-evolving technology, changing your number is less common and necessary now.
With iPhones, Windows, and Android phones, you can keep the same number regardless of where you move domestically. This means people’s identities are much more attached to their phone numbers than they once were.
Numbers are needed to set up accounts, sign up for subscriptions, pay at online stores, and more. Your number appears a lot online, whether you intentionally spread it or not, so the need for security and privacy is even more important.
Anonymous second phone numbers allow you to do all of the same things, like create accounts and pay online without your identity being attached. In the event that a hacker gains access to your Instagram account, they only have your anonymous temporary phone number, not your real one. This severely limits what they can learn about you and what other data they might use your number to access for their scams and cybercrime.
Private numbers with different area codes from where you live can also help disguise or hide your location from cybercriminals. With a different area code, it’s much harder for people to pinpoint where you are.
You can also give your Burner phone number to anyone you don’t know online who might request it. This most notably applies to online dating.
If you’re just getting to know someone and aren’t totally sure they’re harmless yet, give them your second number instead of your real one. Again, in the event things turn sour, they aren’t able to access and disrupt as many things as they could’ve with your real number.
What Does an Anonymous Number Show Up As?
When calling from your anonymous number, the recipient’s phone will see a caller ID that shows your full private number. They will not see a suggested name. If you want to hide your caller ID, you can do so on your anonymous number by dialing *67 first.
Ways To Get an Anonymous Phone Number
There are several different options you can explore to get an anonymous number so you can make untraceable phone calls. You can add a second phone number app to your existing phone, get a separate phone entirely, or hide your caller ID on your main number.
Deciding which option best suits your needs will help you make the most out of having an anonymous number.
1. Second-Number Apps
Downloading a second phone number app is a quick way to start using an anonymous number. You can install the app on your existing device, which prevents you from having to switch between devices, and the setup process is typically very easy.
Here are a few well-known second-number apps you can install and start using today:
Burner
Burner is one of the most well-regarded second phone apps. It allows you to call any number within the United States and Canada. Burner is 100% ad-free, comes with built-in spam call blocking and allows you to text both messages and pictures. Burner works by routing your outgoing calls through Burner itself, who then connects you to the recipient.
The Burner app is great for organizing your contacts, keeping primary friends and family on your main number while all others can reside within Burner. You can choose a custom Burner number and begin calling anonymously as soon as you download the app and follow the few simple set-up steps. Burner offers a 7-day free trial. It is $4.99 if you set up your account online or $9.99 if you set up in the app.
Google Voice
Google Voice is a free option that uses a second number that will notify all of your existing phones when called. Though owning multiple phones is less common than it used to be, a virtual phone number can ring your mobile phone, landline, work phone, and anything else you have attached to it.
It is also a VoIP system, meaning it can use your Wi-Fi or existing phone data plan. All users with Google accounts already have access to Google Voice.
Hushed
Hushed is an option suitable for international calls, as it is available across 40 countries. Hushed also uses VoIP to operate. You can get up to three lines bundled, making this a good option for families or those who want to switch between multiple anonymous numbers. Pricing is $4.99 a month per line.
TextNow
TextNow is free with ads or $15.99 ad-free with 2GB of storage. This option is especially suitable for international use, as it reaches 230 countries. TextNow also partners with T-Mobile and offers a $4.99 activation kit to use a second SIM card as a way of anonymous calling.
2. Second Phones
You do have the option of buying a completely separate phone. A burner phone is a phone you usually don’t intend to keep long term.
Phone companies don’t track burner phone data, making it even more private, and you can buy a prepaid plan in cash for additional anonymity. You don’t need to attach a credit card, address, or name to the phone. It is completely anonymous and untraceable.
Ideal burner phones are extremely cheap; they’re not usually phones with touch screens. You can buy them at places like Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven without needing to go to a proper phone carrier. Just make sure you buy a prepaid plan and activate the phone after purchasing. The cost of the phone should range between $10 and $40.
.png)
3. Get a Prepaid Phone Plan or SIM Card
Another option you have is to get a prepaid phone plan with a cheap carrier or buy a prepaid SIM card to add to your existing phone. With a prepaid plan, you pay as you go each month rather than getting locked into a long-term contract, where the terms may change unexpectedly. This way, you’re only paying for the calls and sms texts you’re using and can adjust your plan to reflect that usage.
There may be additional fees for exceeding your data limit, activating a new phone, or switching carriers. Many of the plans offered by cheaper phone carriers are close to the monthly cost of a second number app, making this a great option if you’re looking to add a second phone for anonymity.
Here are some popular carriers to check out:
- Mint Mobile
- Ultra Mobile
- Tello
- Boost Mobile
- Visible
4. Hide Caller ID
The easiest way to make an anonymous call without adding and paying for a new app or phone is to simply hide your caller ID when making a call. You can do this on a mobile phone or landline by dialing *67 before entering the recipient's phone number.
This method is convenient because you don’t have to do anything besides dial a few extra numbers, and you can pick and choose who you call anonymously. The one major drawback is that your caller ID will show up as Private, Anonymous, Blocked, or Unknown.
These labels may discourage the person you’re calling from picking up, as it seems more likely that the caller is someone they won’t want to talk to. Some people may still pick up, but you are more likely to be ignored or immediately blocked.
Anonymous and Untraceable
Anonymous and untraceable phone numbers refer to numbers where your identity isn’t attached, not numbers that can never be found by authorities. Anonymous numbers are great to give out in place of your real one to anyone unknown online or when creating accounts to help your real number and identity stay protected.
If you think an anonymous number might be helpful, decide if you want to download an app, buy a new phone, or just try hiding caller ID first. Or if you’re really serious about it, try all three. Stay safe online by using anonymous and untraceable numbers so your real number can remain solely yours.
Sources:
How to Get a Secret Phone Number (and Why You Need One) | PCMag
