Second phone number vs a second phone: do you need two phones?
You don't need a second phone to have a second number. An app-based second number gives you a separate UK line on the phone you already carry - no extra handset to buy, charge or carry. For keeping work and personal apart, or selling online safely, that usually does the job without the cost and hassle of a second device.
Why do people think they need a second phone?
Usually it's the wish for a clean line between two parts of life - work and home, a side hustle, dating, or selling to strangers - without mixing it all on one number. The instinct is "get another phone for that". But a whole second device is a lot of kit to solve what is really a number problem.
The app-based alternative
A second number in an app (like nothanumber) gives you the separate line without the separate phone. It runs over the internet on your existing handset, so you add a UK number - mobile or landline - in minutes and use it alongside your normal one. Calls, texts and voicemail for each number all live in the same app, and when you call or text from your second number the other person sees that number, not your personal mobile.
Second number vs a second phone - the trade-offs
- Hardware - second phone: another device to buy, charge and carry. App number: none, it's on the phone you already have.
- Cost - second phone: the handset plus, usually, its own plan. App number: a small monthly rental (from around £4.99 a month) plus pay-as-you-go calls and texts.
- Everyday hassle - second phone: two things in your pocket, two batteries. App number: one phone, two lines you switch between in the app.
- Privacy - both keep your real number private, because you hand out the second one.
When is a second phone actually worth it?
Being straight about it: a second handset makes sense when you need complete device separation - a work policy that mandates a separate phone, keeping company data off your personal device, or wanting a spare with its own battery that still works if your main phone dies or is lost. For most people who simply want a separate number for privacy, work or selling, an app-based line covers it without the second device.
Common questions
Do I need a second phone to have a second number?
No. An app-based second number, like nothanumber, adds a separate UK line to the phone you already carry - there's no second handset to buy, charge or carry. Both numbers live in one app.
Can I have two numbers on one phone?
Yes. With nothanumber your second number sits alongside your personal one in the same app, each with its own calls, texts and voicemail, so you keep them apart without a second device.
When is a second phone actually worth it?
When you need complete device separation - for example a work policy that requires a separate handset, or you want a spare device with its own battery that keeps working if your main phone dies. For most people who just want a separate number, an app-based line does the job.
nothanumber gives you an app-based second UK number - mobile or landline - with calls, texts and voicemail built in, on the phone you already own. It's ready, and access is invite-only for now - join the waitlist for your spot.