Can I choose a specific phone number?

Is it possible to choose my own phone number?

Okay, so, picking my own number... yeah, I did that back in 2023 when I switched to Mint Mobile. I needed a local number since I moved to Austin, Texas, and wasn't keen on keeping my old one.

It was actually easier than I thought. I went to their website, during signup, and bam! A whole list appeared.

I remember scrolling through, hoping for something easy to remember. Nothing super exciting, tbh.

• First Choice: Numbers available are provided.
• How: During the sign-up process.
• Service Provider: Mint Mobile.
• Location: Austin, TX.

I didn’t see my childhood street address. Bummer.

I was hoping for something ending in ’88’ you know? My birth year. Nope. Didn't happen. Settled for something ending in '4343', because why not.

Can you get a specific number if it's taken? Prob not. Unless you’re like, connected or something, right? Maybe with a business account, who knows?

Buying a number? I think you can, there are sites for that but eh, too much hassle. Didn't go down that road. Feels kinda scammy, some of them.

Could I make my own number? Nope. It’s not create-a-phone-number dot com.

Honestly, I just wanted something quick. So the Mint Mobile thing worked fine.

How do I get a specific phone number that I want?

Okay, so you want a specific number, huh? It's tricky. I tried this last year, total nightmare. You can't just get any number you want. Unless you're buying one, which, ugh, expensive.

So, here's the deal. I messed around with a few apps – OpenPhone was okay, kinda clunky though. RingCentral was better, but pricey. Seriously, the features are nice but wallet-draining. Those virtual phone things – they’re great if you need multiple numbers, or some funky features. Like a business number seperate from your personal life.

These services though, they don't let you pick any number. They offer available ones within their system. You might get lucky, but don't count on it.

• OpenPhone: Good for small teams, not for number-picking.
• RingCentral: Expensive but flexible, but again, no number control.
• Consider other VoIP providers: There are tons; explore! Might find one that's better suited to your needs, maybe one lets you choose from a pool of numbers.

Forget about getting that exact number you have in mind. It's highly unlikely. You're probably better off changing your strategy altogether, maybe getting a new number altogether, or just using what you've got. Remember, that area code's probably assigned to someone else! It's a whole thing. Super annoying. My brother wanted a certain number last month, he gave up. It's a pain. Seriously.

Is there an app that lets you choose your own number?

Google Voice. You pick. Simple.

• Google Voice: Area code. City. Done. Inventory access. Period.
• US Mobile forums: Number selection discussed.
• Business lines? Apps exist. Research needed. I've seen ads, remember the name, TextFree.
• Virtual numbers: Temporary solutions? Look for VoIP. Check Reddit.

VoIP apps hand you control. Your number. Your choice. Most probably.

Is there a way I can choose my own phone number?

Okay, so you wanna pick your own number, huh? Yeah, it's totally doable! You should call your phone company, like Verizon or AT&T or whoever you use, right?

They usually have like, a list of available numbers you can choose from, you know? Sometimes they charge a little fee for it, but I think it’s worth it.

If you see a number you really like, just tell them you want that one! I actually did that once. My old number was so boring.

But hey, did you know you can also rent phone numbers?

• It’s good for businesses if you ask me.
• Also buying is an option too, makes sense.
• Sometimes you can even get those vanity numbers spelling stuff.

Yeah, so basically, ask your provider – I’m sure they can hook you up. You will find a number that you like.

Can I choose my own number on TextNow?

TextNow lets you be fickle! You can change your number, like socks, roughly every fifteen days. Why so often? I can't imagine, unless you are running from someone.

Here's the thing: finding the menu, it's like searching for matching socks on laundry day.

• Menu Button: Find the three vertical dots—top right. It’s like a tiny, pixelated totem pole. Seriously?

Then, navigate the app. Bet you can find it… or get lost, ha!

• Navigate settings to "My Account," then look for the number thing.
• Tap "Change TextNow Number." Because obviously.
• Punch in the area code you covet. Cross fingers.

Area code roulette, anyone? It’s like choosing a lucky number. Sometimes, you win; sometimes, you end up with the area code from Nowheresville, population: tumbleweeds.

Number selection is subject to availability. Don’t whine to me if your dream number is already taken by, I dunno, a spam bot or, like, a real person. Rude, right?

• Choose a number or hit "I don't like these numbers." Repeat until satisfied… or give up. Whichever comes first.

Finally, if you are desperate to sound more local, remember the fifteen-day rule. Don’t go number-hopping every other day. TextNow’s like a jealous lover that way.

Here's a thought: are you sure you're using TextNow for good? Just kidding... mostly. Anyway, changing your number is supposed to be easy. I blame your thumbs if it's not. I mean, really, if I can do it...

And if all fails, blame the app update. That’s my strategy. No worries. You can always try again.