Can You Have Two Phones With the Same Number?

Ever miss an important call or message because your phone was out of reach or dead? It can be frustrating when your primary device becomes unavailable, as the only other option is to switch SIM cards or use an entirely different number.

So, can you have two phones with the same number? Yes, you can use a single phone number across multiple devices, making communication seamless and convenient. 

In this blog, we’ll explore several ways to stay connected without constantly managing multiple numbers, whether it’s through a carrier’s multi-line plan, a VoIP service, or more.

How can a single phone number work on two phones at the same time? 

There are different ways to use one phone number on two mobile phones. You can either utilize your mobile carrier’s multi-SIM plan or rely on a VoIP service provider. These options let you make/receive phone calls and text messages on multiple devices simultaneously.

1. Carrier multi-SIM plans

Many major mobile carrier services or telecom service providers (TSPs) offer the multi-SIM service that allows users to use a phone number on multiple devices simultaneously. For example, T-Mobile’s DIGIT service or Verizon’s One Talk feature.

Here, the carrier services link multiple SIM cards (eSIMs or physical, with different identifiers) to the same number. When you receive an incoming call, all devices associated with that phone number will ring simultaneously. This allows you to stay connected even when you don’t have your primarily mobile device.

🔥 Note: To have 2 phones with the same number, ensure both your device supports number sharing. Moreover, contact your mobile service provider to learn more about the availability, geographical coverage, and other limitations.

2. VoIP services

A great alternative to using the same number on different phones is to use virtual phone numbers from VoIP service providers. Rather than using a physical or eSIM that’s tied to TSPs, a virtual number uses your internet connection to make and receive phone calls. This ensures your calls are reliable and free.

Here, your virtual number is directly linked to your VoIP account. So, when someone calls that number, the call is automatically routed to every device where you’re signed in with your VoIP account, such as smartphones, computers, or tablets.

There are multiple benefits of using VoIP services. You can get as many virtual numbers as you need or even share one with multiple users. This is handy for small teams, family members who wish to use a shared phone number across multiple phones.

Moreover, with VoIP services, you also gain access to modern telephony tools and features. For instance, features such as call routing, a Unified Callbox, SMS marketing, and call transcriptions can help businesses improve interaction efficiency and operational workflows.

Some of the best VoIP providers among the numerous options available on the market include KrispCall, Google Voice, RingCentral, and Nextiva.

How to set up two phones with the same number on KrispCall?

Here’s how to connect two phones to one number in KrispCall. But before we begin, ensure that you have already registered with KrispCall and purchased at least one virtual phone number.

1. Log in to KrispCall to open the dashboard.
2. Click the Settings option on the left-side panel. 
3. Next, click on VOIP Numbers.
4. Hit the + Add User option.
5. Enter the user that you wish to share with and click the Share button. Repeat this process to add more devices.

🔥 Note: You can also check out our guide here if you need help purchasing a virtual phone number.

3. Messaging apps

Despite not getting the full carrier-level or VoIP-level service (where your SIM number rings on multiple devices simultaneously via the cellular network), many messaging apps provide a convenient way to use the same account across several devices.

Apps such as WhatsApp, Signal, and Google Messages let you link additional devices alongside your primary phone. This allows you to send and receive text messages (sometimes, phone calls) on those linked devices.

While this method doesn’t work for apps that rely entirely on cellular networks, since they don’t support sharing a SIM number, it’s still a viable workaround for using a common number on multiple devices.

4. Call and SMS forwarding

Another simple workaround for using a single number on multiple phones is via conditional call forwarding. This feature works by automatically redirecting incoming phone calls to secondary phones when your primary phone is unavailable.

While call forwarding doesn’t technically share your number between phones, it lets you share or route all calls from your main number to a secondary mobile device. So, this way you’re using one number on two devices.

Some carrier services may charge additional fees for call forwarding features or support. So, you may need to contact them for additional info regarding this feature.

Advantages of having the same number on two or multiple phones

Now that you know how to connect two phones to one number, let’s talk about its advantages. Sharing a common number on multiple devices ensures flexibility and consistent connectivity anywhere, regardless of which device you use. It eliminates miscommunication and the need to buy separate numbers.

Let’s briefly take a look at some of the benefits of having the same number on two or multiple phones:

1. Better accessibility and convenience

With a shared line on different devices, you don’t have to rely on just using your primary phone. You can answer phone calls and respond to text messages from whichever device is most convenient, e.g., a second smartphone, tablet, laptop, or smartwatch.

This ensures you stay connected without needing to carry your main phone everywhere or switch SIM cards.

2. Reduced communication gaps

A single phone number shared across multiple devices helps to eliminate the risk of communication gaps. All calls, text messages you receive are automatically synced between the two devices in real-time. This ensures you’re always updated on all customer communications without needing separate business numbers.

3. More cost efficiency

With an active number on multiple devices, you don’t need separate or additional business phone numbers. This not only simplifies your communication setup but also helps reduce costs associated with phone plans, SIM cards, and additional devices.

4. Improved productivity

Using the same number across multiple devices can also help to streamline workflows. You can answer phone calls and respond to messages much quicker. Thus, minimizing delays and improving the response time.

By removing the hassle of managing multiple phone numbers, you can make your team organized, focused, and productive.

5. Business continuity

Having multiple cell phones or devices with the same phone number helps to ensure business continuity during times of disruptions. So, when your primary device communication gets damaged or stops functioning, you can instantly switch to the secondary device without facing disruption.

Which one works better for sharing a phone number: TSP or VoIP?

So, to answer your question, can you have two phones with the same number? Yes, you can; there are multiple ways to do so. But when it comes to sharing a phone number between multiple devices, VoIP is typically better than traditional telecom service providers (TSP). VoIP services are more flexible, cost-effective, and accessible compared to legacy telecom services.

Traditional mobile carriers often work by offering a single unique phone number assigned to a SIM card (physical/eSIM) or physical line. Sharing this number with other devices often involves complicated carrier-specific processes or a call forwarding service that costs extra.

On the other hand, VoIP numbers aren’t tied to a specific SIM card or telephone lines. The numbers are relatively affordable, which means you can get multiple numbers or use the same virtual number easily on different devices (like smartphones, laptops, or tablets). The overall process of getting virtual numbers and using them is hassle-free and doesn’t require extra add-on services.

By removing the limitations and difficulties tied to traditional networks, TSP, VoIP services offer a much better, convenient, and future-proof solution for sharing phone numbers.

Stay connected with KrispCall: Use one number across multiple phones 

Need a reliable VoIP service to get your shareable number? Give KrispCall a try! With its modern cloud-based phone system, you can easily share a single number with multiple people and devices. Whether it’s your second phone, a computer, or a tablet, KrispCall makes sure that you stay connected and never miss an important call or message.

Running a large business? KrispCall has got you covered. Get as many virtual numbers as you need and assign them to different teams and departments so that everyone can use and manage their shared number effortlessly.

KrispCall makes staying connected effortless, giving you the convenience of one number, multiple devices, and seamless interactions wherever you go.

Get your virtual number today! Or if you’re interested in learning more about what VoIP phone numbers are, how they work, or see how number sharing works, book a demo today.