It’s possible to use services like Skype or Google Voice, which I’ll go over, but there are additional business-centric options readily available. Any option I list won’t take long to set up, but not all of them are free. Most of these focus on small business, but if your business is larger in size or scope, don’t be afraid to give these a look.
Method 1: Microsoft’s Skype
It’s difficult to mention any kind of phone line system without bringing up Skype at least once. My relationship with the service has had its ups and downs over the years, and even though I don’t use it now, it still has its merits. Even without signing up for a Skype business plan, it’s easy to use Skype for conference calls still. However, if you want to get a second phone line through Skype, you can sign up for their Office 365 package, or Skype Business on its own. The package includes some Microsoft Office Essentials and Skype business functions. These plans range anywhere from $2 a month to $12.50 a month, but they all require annual plans that don’t let you just use the service month to month. This still doesn’t make it sound like an unattractive option. Getting a second phone line for $24 a year isn’t a bad deal, but unfortunately, Skype will still need your current phone number. However, you’ll still take Skype calls through the Skype app as long it’s running, unless you pay a fee to have Skype calls forwarded to your phone number instead. While Skype still needs your original number, it’s easy to register a new number for Skype to use. Once you’ve registered a new Skype number through Skype Business, you’ll have it ready to use in an hour or less. Now you can treat this new number like your second line for anything you want. Skype Download
Method 2: Google Voice
Google Voice has gone through more than a few changes over the years, but it’s still a great way to put another phone line on your Android. Whether you use this new phone line for business or your personal life is your call, but if you’ve never heard of it before, let me quickly run through it. Before I go any further, I need to mentioned that Google Voice only has free calling within the US. Call prices will vary outside of the US, and the service is only available to users within the US. You can still take calls from outside of the US, and make calls when outside of the US, but expect fees to be involved. Google Voice basically gives you another phone within your already existing phone. With the service you get a new phone number with its own voicemail and text messaging right on your Android, and any other device that’s Google Voice enabled. Once of Google Voice’s biggest perks is that all of your connected devices ring at the same time until one of them is picked up by default. So whether you’re on your laptop, tablet, or your phone, business calls and messages are always within your reach. Unlike Skype, Google Voice works off of your cell plan, which is why it doesn’t work like certain VoIP services would as a business line. If you’re taking calls within the US, Google Voice is a fantastic and free option to keep your business and personal life separate. Sign up for it on your PC, or pick up the app here: Google Voice Download
Method 3: Line2
Next is Line2, which is a service that’s about as aptly named as it gets. It, unfortunately, is only available in the US and Canada but uses Wi-Fi just as well as mobile data to get all of your calls through crystal clear. Additional rates will apply to international calls, on top of the monthly fee to use Line2. Much like Google Voice, Line2 works on your Android phone, tablet, or PC. This way you can take calls, respond to messages, and listen to voicemail practically anywhere. If you go with Line2’s monthly pro plan, you can even add and remove multiple phone lines to your devices at any time. Line2 has both a monthly and annual payment system, but committing to the annual plan means you’ll be spending a few dollars less per month. You have the choice between their standard package which is advertised for personal use, and then the pro package which is seen as the better choice for business. Personally, if you think your business will work just fine with the standard plan, go fo it. You don’t need the pro package to set up just one-second phone line, but take a look at the comparison before you make your decision. Line2 doesn’t take long to set up, the only real kicker is that it’s limited to users in the US and Canada, and the monthly fee. Visit the website to sign up, or download the app to get started: Line2 Download
Method 4: Sideline
Sideline may take second place for aptly named services, but that doesn’t mean it’s a lesser option when compared to Line2. The major difference between the two is Sideline does not use Wi-Fi, it only uses your mobile data connection for phone calls and messages. However, the best part of Sideline is that it’s free, even if because of that you lose access to calls and messages on devices other than your phone. All you need to do is download the app, register in just a few minutes, and you have a second phone line ready to use. The only catch is that you have to put up with ads in the interface unless you want to tack on an extra $4.99 a month. If you don’t need Wi-Fi calls and messages, or the same functionality on other devices like with Line2, Sideline is a better deal. International calls aren’t available in the free version of the app but are in the team version that costs $9.99 a month. International calls are an extra $15 a month per user, so keep this in mind if you plan on using Sideline for a team of people in a larger business. To start, download the app for free here: Sideline Download
Method 5: Other VoIP Calling Services
Line2 isn’t the only VoIP app or service out there, and we’ve already covered a few of them. While VoIP quality depends on the quality of your internet connection, it’s great for when you’re somewhere that your cell service won’t reach. Since we’ve already gone into detail on them before, if Line2 doesn’t work for you, take a look at one of these.
Method 6: Dual SIM Phones
Having a Dual SIM phone is the closest you can get to having two phones in one. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to just slot a second SIM card into any phone, and Dual SIM phones aren’t as ordinary as single SIM. So if you have a phone like the Huawei P8 Lite, it’s easy to maintain two different numbers and switch between them as needed. It’s possible to have one SIM for personal use, another for business, or one for international use and then the other for local. The only downside to Dual SIM over using an app or a service for a second line is that both SIM cards can’t be active at the same time. If you get a call on your first SIM card while you’re using your second, it’ll go straight to voicemail. With that said, if you have two SIM card slots, there’s no reason to not take advantage of it if you’re looking to add a second line to your Android. Using two SIM cards does negatively impact battery life in most cases, but so does any app that adds a second line to your phone. If you have the option, you should definitely take advantage of it.
Conclusion
It’s thankfully easier than ever to have more than one phone number on your Android. From temporary numbers to having a permanent one for business on your personal phone, it only takes a few minutes to set one up. If you want to help keep your business and personal life separate, it only takes one app and a few minutes of your time. If you have any problems trying to set up a business phone line, ask any questions you have in the comments below! Featured Image Credit
