How to get 2 numbers on 1 phone.

You may benefit from having different numbers for different parts of your life. If you’re looking to create stronger boundaries around work, you might want to reserve a number just for clients, or know for sure when you’re getting a work call. Having a second number also helps you limit when colleagues can call you, or just helps you avoid the hassle of carrying a separate phone.

You may also want a second number to function as your “landline” number. When it comes to household needs, you can dedicate this line as your contact for utility companies, contractors and more. 

On the flip side, you might reserve your second number for the most important people in your life. You can create a “VIP” line that you only share with family, close friends, or your child’s school or caregivers. It’s a great way to prioritize what calls you answer—and what calls you just let go (looking at you, spam calls).

In the age of incessant spam and scams, any extra move to safeguard your personal data and information is a good idea. With a second number, you can create a dedicated line for two-factor authentication when signing in to all kinds of apps and websites. Or, as a reverse strategy, you can make your second number a “backup” number where you expect to receive spam texts and calls after signing up for different accounts, notifications or discounts online.
A second number can also help with privacy and safety on a first date. You might not want to give someone full access to your only number while you’re just getting to know them. Having a second number on your phone is a great way to “compartmentalize” those contacts.

When you’re ready to add a second number, you can add a Verizon Second Number plan to a dual SIM phone, which includes most phones sold in the last four years. 

A dual SIM allows most smartphones to use two SIM cards simultaneously, so you can have two numbers on the same device. Your dual SIM can either be physical or digital, depending on the phone. Some phones have two physical SIM card slots. Others have one physical SIM card slot and a digital eSIM, short for “embedded SIM,” which is integrated into your phone’s software. For Verizon Second Number, an eSIM lets you activate a new number without a physical SIM card.

The best way to check if your phone is dual SIM capable is by looking up your phone’s make and model online, or checking your phone’s settings. Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you figure it out:

• Apple: Settings > General > About

• Google: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network

• Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM card manager

After you’ve confirmed that your phone is dual SIM capable, you can begin to set up Verizon Second Number on your iOS or Android phone.

Adding Verizon Second Number to your phone is really simple to do. You don’t even need to install a new app. After you sign up for the service, depending on the model of phone you use, you’ll either insert a physical SIM that we send you, or you’ll download an eSIM. Then, your new second number will automatically integrate with the native dialing and messaging apps that you’re already familiar with on your phone.

Once you’ve set up your Verizon Second Number service, using it is fast and easy.

When you make a call, you’ll see what line you’re using at the top of your phone screen. To switch numbers, just tap and select the number you want to use. You can do the same thing when you start to compose a text message—you’ll see which number you’re using and you can simply tap to change it. With Second Number, you get unlimited talk and text on your second line, while data services (other than text) can only be accessed on your primary line. 

You can also assign a line to specific contacts, so you’ll always know which line you’re using for them. And incoming calls and texts are easy to identify at a glance. Just look for an icon with the first letter of the line’s label—“P” for primary and “S” for secondary number. 

When your second number is up and running, you’ll be able to benefit from the ease and convenience of toggling between your two lines, so you can juggle your life without having to juggle devices.