Everyone uses text messaging at some point. For some, it serves as the primary medium of communication hence they use it daily.
Ideally, one should be able to identify who texts them but once in a while, for whatever reason, you may prefer to hide your identity.
In this article, I will explore the different ways you can send a text with a different number other than yours.
Briefly, to send a text with a different number you can use another person’s number, a burner number app, send via message platforms, or use an email address.
We shall explore these in more detail, but first, let’s explain why you would want to send a text with a different number.
Why you might want to send a text with a different number
1. Privacy reasons
You may want to be anonymous, maybe because you are whistle-blowing or reporting illegal activity, or because you want to file a complaint. All these could be reasons for you to use a different number.
2. Business reasons
You may have business operations that you want to keep separate from your contacts or may not want to be identified with you, so you can set a private number or have dealings with your business contacts without revealing your number.
3. Informal reasons
Another reason you may want to hide your identity is for informal reasons like pulling a prank on someone, you may want to do that using a different number.
Caution about sending a text with a different number
Technology with all its goodness has given us a variety of options/solutions to a vast range of communication problems.
Several people however use these options to instead create problems. This is why it is important to remind you when considering using a different number to send texts;
- Not to use it for unethical activity, fraud, or abuse.
- Do not use these options to harass anyone or misrepresent yourself.
- Use these options responsibly.
With that said, let’s see how you can send your text from a different number.
5 ways to send a text with a different number
Okay, so you have decided to send that text without your identity, here are the top 4 ways you can send a text using a different number
1. Use another person’s phone
This is simple, actually the quickest, and free of charge.
If you want to send a text but not with your phone number, you could just borrow someone else’s phone; your friend, neighbor, or relative.
However, this should be only if the message you are going to send does not implicate the person whose phone number you are going to use, and also, if you do not mind this message being traced back to you.
This is because, with this method, a text can easily be traced back to the sender.
If this is not a good option for you, you can try one of the following, depending on your reasons for wanting to send a text with a different number.
2. Use Burner number apps
Burner number apps function like burner phones, the difference is that you will not need an actual phone, you will only get a secondary phone number to use to send messages.
And when you are through with the number you just let it ‘burn out’ or you can simply delete it.
The burner number services typically come at a cost. Here are some options you have if you choose to use this method to send a text with a different number.
I. Google Voice
Google Voice is a popular burner number app that connects to your Google account and provides virtual phone numbers.
The messages and/or calls are forwarded to your phone, or email address if preferred. Google Voice does not support text blasts, it is only intended for one-on-one texting.
Much as Google is a trusted name and works worldwide, Google Voice services are not supported in some countries, so not everybody can use this option.
To use the service, you will need to register and create an account, you will receive a number after registration.
Google Voice accounts are opened at no cost, Google only charges for making international calls and changing a Google Voice number.
Google Voice works on Android, on the web, and on iPhone.
II. My second line
Another option for sending a text with a different number is my second line. You can download this app on your mobile phone or tablet.
Like all other burner number options, my second line allows you to get a different number that you can use to send your text messages.
To use this option as an app;
Download the app on your smartphone, and sign up to get started.
After signing in, pick a phone number that you would want to use, this will lead you to the country selection page.
On the first option (country), tap on change to get a list of countries in which this app operates.
The countries are already determined so if yours is not on the list, then you cannot access the app services from that country. Scroll through the list and tap on your country of choice.
The country you choose will determine which services you can enjoy with this app. A list will appear below the first three options, with; texting services, call services, etc.
The services on the list with ✅ are accessible for your country choice, but the ones with ⛔ are not.
Before you continue, select the number type by tapping change. The options in the drop-down menu will also depend on the country selected.
For some country selections, your option will be just ‘mobile’, for others you will have ‘local’ and ‘toll-free’.
Make your selection, then move on to the user type, your user type choice will be informed by your reason for wanting to send a text with another number as discussed earlier.
The available options are either individual or business, make your selection then tap continue.
On the next page, you can enter your desired area code, and then continue. Click OK in the next box. Now you get a list of numbers to choose from! Scan through and take your pick
The next step is to purchase the phone number, you can select your plan from the options depending on how long you intend to use the number.
Then you can choose a payment method and provide the necessary details depending on your method. Once the transaction is done, you are free to start sending messages using another number!
III. Burner
This is another private number service, it is a mobile application that allows you to create a temporary disposable phone number. Burner can also be accessed through your search engine.
To use Burner;
Go to your browser and open it. Start by entering your area code, then click on find numbers.
The next page will come with a list of numbers from which you can choose, Click on your choice then you will have to choose a subscription plan and go through with the transactions.
IV. Hushed
Hushed is a mobile app that also allows you to buy a fake number that you can use for texting.
You can download the app, open it, and go through the registration and account creation, and a couple of permissions before you can start sending a text with a different number.
3. Use email
You can do this by submitting an email through Gmail, Outlook, or any other email client you are using.
In most cases, phone numbers come with their corresponding gateway email address that can be used to send SMS to that number through email!
However, for safety reasons, some telecom companies in some locations block these services.
To use this method,
Determine the gateway address:
First, you need to know your recipient’s phone number and their SMS gateway address.
An SMS gateway email address has the recipient’s number and a carrier-specific handle, from a particular telecom. For Example, [email protected]
To get the gateway address, check carrier lookup sites like FreeCarrierLookup, and Data247.
With such sites, you can find a list of telecom services with their country of operation and the gateway address; or you will have to type the number to which you want to send an SMS into the search bar, and the results will come with details including the SMS and MMS gateway address of that number.
Create the email message:
After getting the SMS gateway address, open your email and compose. In the recipient (or To) field, enter the SMS gateway address, then type your message.
Send email:
When you are sure you have the correct gateway address and the right message, hit send.
This of course will allow your email to be sent. It will appear as a text message on the recipient’s phone, with your email address as the sender.
There, you have a text message delivered, but it does not show your phone number.
4. Use SMS platforms
SMS platforms allow you to keep your personal phone number private and communicate with a large group of people if you would like to.
With this method, you get a number for yourself, but you are even free to add more numbers as needed.
If you intend to send messages with another number quite regularly (like for business purposes), then you may want to consider using the SMS platforms. There are several platforms you can choose from, let’s go over some of them here:-
a. Mobile text alerts
The mobile text alerts service is an SMS platform accessible on your desktop search engine or via a mobile app.
You will need to create an account to use the service, and each account comes with a free phone number that you will use for texting.
To use this option, go to the mobile text alerts website, and register.
Upon successful registration, you will receive several options from which you can choose your preferred number.
Type your area code in the search bar to get a list of numbers with that code, tap on your preferred number, and hit select number. That will be your SMS number, and you are officially ready to start your journey.
On the welcome page, you can change the timezone on the top right corner, then move to the green rim on the left to view the menu.
Select Send message from the menu.
On the messaging page, you can select to whom (either individuals or groups) you want to send the message from the dropdown menu on the right. Then select the phone number(s) you want to send the message. Now you can type your message and click send a message. You get to view how the message will appear on the recipient’s phone on the right side.
The services are paid monthly or annually depending on how often you are going to use the platform. Hence you will need to have subscribed to send SMS’ with this platform.
b. Text magic
Text Magic is another SMS platform that allows you to reserve a number at a monthly cost. However, its availability is specific to particular locations due to mobile phone networks and other country-specific policy restrictions.
If this service works in your location, you will need to register and create an account with Text Magic, get a number, and make needed transactions before you can send your SMS. This service is accessible by mobile app, but also on your desktop browser.
5. Spoof card
Spoofcard ensures that your personal information is private and secure, as much as it gives you an enjoyable experience of using a second number. You can access spoofcards from a computer, from your mobile app, or your tablet. You can get your number with a spoof card and enjoy the texting experience.
Also Read: 5 Ways To Find Out “Who Is This Number Registered To
FAQ
Q. Can someone track your location by a text message?
A. By sending you a text message through messaging apps or SMS, yes, someone can track your location. However, it is much harder for someone to track your location based on a text you send to that person.
Your location can be tracked in different ways, including the following;
1. Live links. There are several geolocation services that allow people to track anybody at the lowest cost. Someone can send a text message to your phone using one of these services, the message will contain a disguised (a picture or a joke) link. As soon as you open the link, your device transmits your GPS.
2. Triangulation. For someone to track your location using this method, they require equipment and phone company software. Telecom companies have various towers in different areas, and to transmit messages and calls, phones must connect to these towers in their respective areas.
If someone has access to the right tools, they can send you a silent text message and then analyze the signal from your phone to the towers in your area. It is called triangulation because someone will estimate your location using three different towers, whichever picks up on your signal first, that is where you are located.
Q. How can I send text messages from a computer?
A. Typically, text messaging is done on your phone or tablet, but this can get tedious and knuckle-cracking especially if you have to send messages of several types to several people. Thanks to advances in technology, you can use the help of your computer for relief and maybe better efficiency. You can send text messages on your computer using the;
1. Online texting platforms like mobile text alerts and others as we have seen in this article.
2. You can also use Google Voice and other fake number apps to send text messages on your PC.
3. Email. As already elaborated, you can send a text using your email address
4. Also, go to your telecom company and use the wireless carrier’s website.
These and more can help you send your message on your computer.
Q. Can I send an email by SMS?
A. Yes, just like you can send a text by using email, you can also send an email using text messaging. You may find yourself in a situation where you have no access to data but you urgently need to communicate or get information formally across. Here is how you can go about it.
You can open the messaging app on your phone, just like you would to send a regular text message.
Enter the email address to which you want to send a message into the message recipient bar – this is where you would normally put the phone number to which you want to send a message.
Compose your message in the message space, then send it.
Your telecom service will convert the message into an email, and the recipient will get a regular email in their email inbox.
Conclusion
Text messaging can be quite exciting and necessary for communication either for fun, for business, for work and career, or just to keep in touch with family and friends. At one point, each person needs to send a text.
Well, you or someone you know may have been wondering if it is possible to use this medium of communication without revealing your identity. Yes, this is very possible with email texting, burner number apps, and SMS platforms as seen in this article.
However, for whatever reason you may want to send a text using a different number, and whatever method you choose to use, make sure you keep on the right side of the law for harassment or fraud, and hopefully, you do not do anything that could harm someone or gravely scare them.
