The easiest way to get a second phone number on Android is a second-number app such as AvoCall: install it, pick a US or Canada number by area code or city, and make and receive calls and texts over Wi-Fi or mobile data next to your existing SIM. If your phone supports dual SIM or eSIM, you can add a second carrier line instead, and Google Voice is another app-based option for people who meet its requirements.
Three ways to add a second number
| Second-number app (AvoCall) | Second carrier line (dual SIM or eSIM) | Google Voice | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Needs a second carrier plan | No | Yes | No |
| Works on a single-SIM phone | Yes | No | Yes |
| Choose your area code | Yes, by area code or city | Depends on the carrier | From available numbers |
| Cost | Free, ad-supported plan or AvoCall+ | A monthly carrier plan | Free Basic plan for personal use |
| Who can get it | iPhone and Android users who verify a supported mobile number | Depends on your phone and carrier | US only; needs another phone number and ID verification |
| Works over Wi-Fi | Yes | Depends on the carrier's Wi-Fi calling | Yes |
| More detail | Pricing | Your phone maker and carrier | AvoCall vs Google Voice |
How to set up a second number on Android with AvoCall
- Install AvoCall from Google Play. It needs Android 9 or newer.
- Create your account. Sign-up includes verifying a supported mobile number with a one-time code. You can also link Google sign-in.
- Pick your number. Search by area code or city and choose an available number.
- Choose a plan. The app shows your options before you pay anything. The free plan is ad-supported with limited US and Canada minutes and texts. AvoCall+ includes unlimited US and Canada calls and texts (fair use policy applies), voicemail transcription, and no in-app ads. See current pricing.
- Let it ring when the app is closed. Allow notifications, and exclude AvoCall from battery optimization in your phone's settings (the exact menu differs by phone maker). This is the most common reason calls do not ring on Android.
- Start calling and texting. Calls and texts you place in AvoCall use your AvoCall number by default, so your personal number stays private.
The dual SIM or eSIM route
Many Android phones can hold two carrier lines, using two physical SIMs or a physical SIM plus an eSIM. Support depends on the phone model, where it was sold, and the carrier. Google's Pixel help, for example, says as of October 2026 that a Pixel 3a or later can use one physical SIM and one eSIM, that a Pixel 7 or later can run two eSIM profiles at once if the carrier allows it, and that dual SIM and eSIM "work with some mobile carriers" (Pixel dual SIM help). On other brands, check the phone maker's support pages and ask the carrier before you buy a plan.
A second carrier line makes sense when you want a number that behaves exactly like a standard mobile line everywhere, including with services that refuse virtual numbers for verification texts. The trade-off is a second monthly plan and less control over the area code.
The Google Voice route
Google Voice gives eligible people in the US a free number that works in an app. As of October 2026, Google's help pages say the free Basic plan is for personal use, is available only in the US, needs another phone number to verify the account, and that new numbers can't call or text until you complete identity verification with a government ID. Google's policy also says it may reclaim a number that is not used to call or text for 3 months. We compare the two in AvoCall vs Google Voice, and the free second phone number guide covers what free usually costs you in other ways.
Android tips for a second number
- Battery settings matter. Exclude AvoCall from battery optimization and allow it to run in the background, or calls may not ring until you open the app.
- Use Wi-Fi when you can. Calls and texts use data, and a stable Wi-Fi connection usually gives the clearest calls.
- No emergency calls. AvoCall does not support 911 or other emergency services. Use your phone's regular dialer and carrier for emergencies.
- Verification texts vary. Some services refuse virtual numbers for sign-in codes; see can a virtual number receive verification texts?.
- Keep it active. On the free plan, a number can be released after the inactivity period shown in the app. AvoCall+ keeps your number while you are subscribed.
What people use a second Android number for
- Selling on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist without posting your real number
- Dating and early conversations with matches
- Sign-up forms, loyalty programs, and contests
- Keeping a US number while living abroad
Using an iPhone instead? See how to get a second number on iPhone without a SIM. Ready to try it? Download AvoCall and pick your number.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have two numbers on one Android phone?
Yes. You can install a second-number app such as AvoCall, add a second carrier line if your phone supports dual SIM or eSIM, or use a free app-based number such as Google Voice if you are eligible.
Do I need a dual SIM phone for a second number?
No. A second-number app works on a single-SIM phone because calls and texts go over Wi-Fi or mobile data. You only need dual SIM or eSIM support for a second carrier line.
Why are calls to my second number not ringing on Android?
The most common cause is battery optimization. Exclude AvoCall from battery optimization, allow notifications, and let the app run in the background so incoming calls and texts arrive when the app is closed.
Will the people I call see my real number?
Calls and texts you place in the AvoCall app use your AvoCall number by default, so the person you contact sees that number, not your personal one.
Is a second number on Android free?
It can be. AvoCall currently offers eligible new Android accounts a free, ad-supported plan with limited US and Canada minutes and texts, and AvoCall+ for larger monthly allowances. A second carrier line usually means a second monthly plan.