Virtual phone number?

[vernon]

I've searched for this several times and always came up short.

What I mean here is a virtual mobile phone number that's accessed entirely through the internet, so one can receive text messages and calls without having a 2nd phone. You could then manage it all from a private browser window, on phone or desktop.

These are a few services that I can find right now, but they all seem a bit dodgy or made for businesses:

External Link/Members Only
External Link/Members Only
External Link/Members Only

Of these, the first is the only one that looks interesting.

Anyone ever tried it?

[Lou2019]

Try CloudSim

[vernon]

Try CloudSim

I saw others mentioning it, but as far as I understand it has to be downloaded and there's no way to use it from their website?

[Lou2019]

I saw others mentioning it, but as far as I understand it has to be downloaded and there's no way to use it from their website?

Yes it’s an app, I used it on my iPhone for a couple of weeks, whilst I was waiting for another SIM for my work phone from my provider. I would say it’s fit for purpose and definitely worth considering.

[southcoastpunter]

also look back on the many SIM and phone threads that there have been - all options have been included in the chats.

[versace]

This is what I use: External Link/Members Only

[jimbobted]

I have a punting phone with WhatsApp that I can use through the web browser on my real phone (thanks to another punter who told me how to do this). Punting phone stays hidden and doesn't even need to be turned on to send and receive WhatsApp messages. Can't make calls though.

[shed]

I use a Xiaomi dual SIM phone. My private number is on one SIM and a cheap PAYG on the other which I top up when necessary with cash purchase voucher. This SIM I replace monthly and destroy the original. Works for me
 

[maxxblue]

I use a Xiaomi dual SIM phone. My private number is on one SIM and a cheap PAYG on the other which I top up when necessary with cash purchase voucher. This SIM I replace monthly and destroy the original. Works for me

Why do you destroy your SIM every month? 

[webpunter]

Indeed
Counter-productive on the basis of repeat sessions with an existing SP
It looks iffy when SPs change their mobile
For a punter not the best either
& lots of hassle

Why do you destroy your SIM every month? 

Shed, i wanna try & help
Rather than be hyper concerned over a PAYG paid for in cash, enuf to renew monthly etc, might be better to change other things
Like not turning up to a punt in full ManU kit, shirts shorts socks & tracksuit
Edit:  nearly forgot, & shin pads
 

[vernon]

I have a punting phone with WhatsApp that I can use through the web browser on my real phone (thanks to another punter who told me how to do this). Punting phone stays hidden and doesn't even need to be turned on to send and receive WhatsApp messages. Can't make calls though.

That is a very good idea

[southcoastpunter]

I have a punting phone with WhatsApp that I can use through the web browser on my real phone (thanks to another punter who told me how to do this). Punting phone stays hidden and doesn't even need to be turned on to send and receive WhatsApp messages. Can't make calls though.

can you please tell us (for those that might be interested) how to do it or point us in the direction of where this was posted?

cheers

[801]

This is what I use: External Link/Members Only

Versace,  this is brilliant! Thank you for putting the link up , I've had a play about with this and it works really well and completely free . No messing with new Sims or anything
 

[versace]

Versace,  this is brilliant! Thank you for putting the link up , I've had a play about with this and it works really well and completely free . No messing with new Sims or anything
 

 

[shed]

Why do you destroy your SIM every month? 

Personal choice for anonymity and privacy. No hassle for me as I have separate means of contacting regulars.

[jimbobted]

can you please tell us (for those that might be interested) how to do it or point us in the direction of where this was posted?

cheers

Go to web.whatsapp.com on your laptop or whatever (if on a phone or other small screen device force the browser to display the desktop site). Scan the QR code with your punting phone WhatsApp app (tap "Linked devices" in the menu) and scan the QR code. Voila.
I don't use it on my laptop as there's a chance wifey would stumble across it in the browser history. I regard it as safe on my civvie mobile as even if you go to the page via browser history, it just displays the generic WhatsApp web site until you force the browser to use the desktop site, and I don't think Mrs jbt would think to do that.