Published : March 26, 2025Today, businesses rely on fast, reliable, and scalable messaging solutions. Traditional phone numbers have limitations: high costs, geographical limitations on location, and security issues. A virtual text number removes these barriers and allows you to send or receive messages with more flexibility.
If you’ve ever used a service that required SMS verification or received a business message from an unknown number, chances are it came from a virtual phone number to receive SMS. But how do these numbers work, and why are they becoming essential for businesses? Let’s break it down.
What Is A Virtual SMS Number?
Virtual SMS numbers allow you to send and receive texts without linking them to a SIM card or device. They usually run on the internet instead of conventional phone lines, allowing businesses and individuals to manage messages from the comfort of their homes or anywhere else.
Think of it as a virtual texting number. It works just like a standard number but with better flexibility and features. This is why many businesses use this number for customer communication, marketing, and verification purposes. It offers privacy, scalability, and global reach.
- VoIP has the potential to reduce company phone expenses by 50%.
Source
How Virtual SMS Numbers Work?
Using VoIP technology, a virtual phone number can receive SMS messages. Unlike a general carrier that routes cell phone messages via landline, VoIP carriers route their messages through the internet, offering enhanced features for accessing and managing text messages from various devices.
Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
- Get A Virtual Number: You can buy a virtual text number from providers like CallHippo.
- Link It to an App or Platform: Link your number to a cloud-based messaging platform or CRM.
- Send and Receive Messages Online: You can use the number to interact with customers, verify accounts, or answer support inquiries through a web-based dashboard or mobile app.
Virtual numbers are not associated with SIM cards so you can send and receive messages to and from anywhere in the world. This makes them extremely suitable for businesses with remote teams.
How to Receive Online SMS Free?How to Get a Virtual SMS Number with CallHippo (Step-by-Step Guide)
A virtual phone number SMS service with CallHippo is quite a quick and easy affair. Thus, here is all you would need to do to set this up:
Step 1: Sign Up with CallHippo
Create an account on CallHippo’s website and verify your email to access the platform.
Step 2: Choose Your Country
Select the country where you want your virtual number. (Example: USA)
Step 3: Select Your City
Pick a specific city for your number. (Example: New York)
Step 4: Pick Your Number Type
Depending on your business needs, you can choose a local or toll-free number. You can also search for city-specific phone numbers by name.
Step 5: Configure Your Settings
Customize your virtual number settings, add users, and integrate it with your business tools for seamless communication.
Now, you can use your online text message number for customer support, marketing, and other business operations. You can access your messages from any device using CallHippo’s web or mobile app.
- Is CallHippo compliant with messaging regulations?
Yes! CallHippo follows GDPR, TCPA, and other compliance guidelines to ensure secure messaging.
- What happens if I need support?
CallHippo offers 24/7 live chat, phone, and email support to assist with any issues.
- How much does it cost?
Plans start as low as $18/month, with no hidden fees.
- Are there any downsides to using a virtual SMS number?
While virtual SMS numbers offer flexibility, some services may have limitations in certain countries due to local telecom regulations. Always check with your provider to ensure full coverage in your target regions.
Addressing Common Buyer Concerns:
- Kishore C, Demand Manager (Review From G2)
5 Key Benefits of Using a Virtual SMS Number
A virtual phone number SMS service is a business tool that enhances communication, security, and customer engagement. Hence, here are some reasons why businesses are switching to virtual SMS numbers:
1. Global Reach & Scalability
With a virtual SMS number, businesses can communicate globally without separate phone lines or exorbitant international plans.
Example: If you own an online store that ships internationally, a client in the UK has a question regarding their order, while another client in Australia is in dire need of support. In place of setting up so many separate local numbers, you can conveniently attend to these inquiries in one go and manage everything from one dashboard with just a single online text message number.
2. Better Privacy & Security
Using your number for business can be risky. A virtual phone number for texting keeps your private and professional communication discrete, minimizing spam, fraud, and security risks.
Example: A businessman handling properties for multiple clients can use a virtual text number to communicate with buyers and sellers without revealing a personal number. This ensures their private lives are not interrupted while still allowing them to act professionally.
6 Apps to Get Free Numbers for Texts3. Multi-Device Access
Regular SMS works from a single phone, but with a virtual phone number to receive SMS, you can access your messages from any device, mobile, tablet, or desktop. This has created opportunities for remote work and made team collaborations much easier.
Example: A customer support team working from different locations can log into a shared dashboard and promptly respond to customer messages. No messages will be missed, and there will be no need to pass around a company phone!
4. Cost-Effective Communication
International texting via traditional carriers has become expensive. However, using a virtual SMS number reduces costs to a minimum, making it perfect for startups and growing businesses. Small businesses can reduce their initial expenses by 90% with VoIP.
Example: A startup using SMS marketing could send thousands of promotional messages for less than traditional carrier prices, allowing it to reach a wider audience without spending a lot.
5. Integration with Business Tools
Most virtual phone number SMS services integrate with CRMs, automation tools, and chatbots, helping businesses simplify communication. This allows businesses to send automated replies, track messages, and even personalize customer interactions.
Example: Using a virtual phone number to receive SMS, a doctor’s clinic could automate SMS appointment reminders to minimize no-shows and increase patient involvement.
- Company : INTECH Creative Services Pvt Ltd – A global IT services provider specializing in Port & Terminals, Logistics, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Retail, and E-commerce.
- Challenge : INTECH needed to expand its sales team while managing high calling costs across multiple regions. Their previous provider lacked global coverage, provided poor support, and made onboarding new sales reps difficult.
- Solution :INTECH switched to CallHippo’s virtual phone system, which provided an intuitive interface, cost-effective pricing, and seamless international connectivity.
- Results :
- 32% increase in sales team efficiency
- 25% reduction in communication costs
- Expanded global customer reach with a single platform.
Conclusion
A virtual phone number SMS solution is an asset for any business looking to enhance customer engagement. Whether expanding reach globally, improving security, saving on costs, or easy integration with existing tools, virtual phone numbers can bring you flexibility and control.
If you’re looking for a secure, scalable, and cost-effective messaging solution, CallHippo is the perfect choice. Sign up for CallHippo today and get a 10-day free trial with premium SMS features. No credit card is required!
Why stick to traditional SMS services when you can switch to a modern cloud-based solution? Get your online text message number today and start experiencing the benefits of virtual messaging!
RCS vs. SMS: What Are The Differences?FAQs
1. Can I receive SMS from international numbers?
Yes! A virtual phone number to receive SMS allows you to send and receive messages from any country without extra fees.
2. Is it possible to use the same number for calls and SMS?
Absolutely! Many providers offer virtual phone numbers for texting and calling, allowing you to manage all business communication with one number.
3. How secure are virtual SMS numbers?
They are highly secure. Most providers offer end-to-end encryption and authentication features to protect your messages.
4. Can VoIP numbers send and receive SMS messages?
Yes! A virtual text number works with VoIP, allowing businesses to handle both calls and SMS effortlessly.
Updated : March 27, 2025
Supriya Bajaj is a senior content developer with immense experience in the VoIP telephony domain. With a deep knowledge of VoIP systems and emerging technologies in the field, she provides insightful and targeted content. Known for simplifying complex topics and her thought-leadership articles, Supriya delivers actionable content for both technical and non-technical audiences.
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