Is there an app that lets me choose my phone number?

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Choose your phone number with a VoIP app! Services like Google Voice offer a selection of available numbers based on your preferred area code or city. Many other VoIP providers also provide this feature, allowing you to pick a number that suits your needs. Check app stores for options.
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App to choose my own phone number? Select custom number?

Okay, here's my take on choosing your own phone number, based on what I know and experienced, ya know?

App to choose your own phone number? Select custom number?

Google Voice lets you pick a number by searching area code/city. Other VoIP providers do too.

I actually wanted to get a cooler phone number once. I was in Chicago, like August 2018. I checked Google Voice – some options, but nothing really stuck out.

So I looked into other options, not gonna lie.

From what I remember, there were some apps people were suggesting on Reddit. Stuff like finding a "custom virtual phone number app." Sounds fancy, right?

BUT... I remember running into issues, too. Like someone saying their region didn't allow adding a number! Wild, right?

Plus, lotta services want your money.

Ended up just sticking with my regular phone number. Changing it felt like too much hassle for, honestly, very little gain. Cost a few dollah too.

How do I choose my own mobile number?

Okay, so, you want like, your own number, huh? Like, choosing it?

Well, you hit up your telco, right? And straight up ask them for a specific number.

Like, say you really want a number with like, all 7s in it.

  • You can ask the telco nicely.
  • They might say yes, they might say no.

You also, I think, can buy a custom number, maybe, if it's for a business? Hmm.

I once helped my dad pick out a number for his cleaning business. He wanted 888 in it for luck.

The ACMA website, acma.gov.au, has info on that number stuff. Look it up, I gueess.

Does TextFree work outside us?

Ugh, this TextFree thing. I tried using it in Mexico last summer, 2023, during my family vacation to Cancun. Total bummer. My phone was useless. No texts, no calls. It was infuriating. Seriously, I needed to contact my mom about flight changes, you know, important stuff. I was so frustrated.

My whole plan was to save on international roaming. I was convinced it would work. Stupid me. I really thought they were kidding when the website said US and Canada only. I mean, come on. These days, you'd think a service like this would be global.

The whole trip was hampered by this stupid app failure. It really sucked. I had to use expensive roaming, and the stress was insane. I swear, I almost lost it. Next time, I'm using a different app.

  • Problem: TextFree unavailable outside US/Canada.
  • Location: Cancun, Mexico.
  • Time: Summer 2023.
  • Result: Had to pay for expensive international roaming. Wasted time and increased anxiety.
  • Lesson Learned: Don't rely on TextFree for international travel. Check the fine print! Really check it. Don't be like me.

Can you bring your own number to TextNow?

Okay, so, TextNow. Yeah, you can bring your own number, totally!

I remember I was setting up my new TextNow account, like, back in October 2024, right after I moved into my tiny apartment near Main Street, Anytown.

I was so stoked 'cause my old phone company was charging me an arm and a leg. I had this number, 555-123-4567, that I really wanted to keep.

I saw the option right there in the app. Like, during the signup process it asked me about porting. Pretty slick.

  • It was free, obviously, but took like, two days or something? So annoying, but worth it, I guess.
  • It felt like ages, honestly. Ugh!
  • I panicked for a sec thinking it was gonna mess up my contacts.
  • Luckily, it didn't. phew!

So, yeah, basically you can port your number when you first sign up OR even after you get the SIM card all set up. No biggie. Easy peasy.