Receive and send SMS messages.
With a virtual number from inMobile, your customers can easily and freely reply to your messages – perfect for support, booking, service, and 2-way communication.
What is a virtual number?
A virtual number is a phone number that allows you to send and receive SMS messages via an SMS gateway. The number generally functions like a regular mobile number but is linked to a software solution instead of a physical SIM card or a phone.
When you send SMS messages from an 8-digit virtual number, the recipient can reply directly to the message. This makes virtual numbers ideal for customer service, booking, support, and other two-way communication.
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What can you use a virtual number for?
2FA and One-Time Codes
Some companies use virtual numbers to receive 2FA codes and other one-time codes from external systems. This could be, for example, logins for internal systems, software solutions, or other tools where multiple employees require access.
Instead of linking the codes to a single employee's mobile phone, they can be received on a virtual number. The messages can then be automatically forwarded to an internal email address, ensuring relevant employees always have access to the codes.
This provides greater flexibility and makes it easier to manage shared accounts across the organization.
Customer service and support
You can use a virtual number for customer service and support, allowing customers to reply directly to an SMS message. This could be, for example, for following up on a case, changes to a booking, service notifications, or questions.
With a virtual number, you can also send an SMS after a missed call or as part of your support flow. This makes it easy for the customer to see who the call came from, and at the same time makes it easier to get in touch with you afterwards without the need for long email conversations.
Booking and appointments
Virtual numbers are ideal for those who work with bookings, reservations, or appointments where customers need to be able to reply to your SMS. This could be, for example, for booking confirmations, changes to an appointment, or reminders before a reservation.
Many businesses also use virtual numbers to handle cancellations, confirmations, and quick questions from customers. This makes communication more flexible and gives your customers an easy way to get in touch with you directly from their mobile.
Another option is to use RCS, where you can work with automatic reply options, buttons, and live chats directly within the message thread.
SMS abroad
With a virtual number, you can send and receive SMS messages via local phone numbers in several different countries. This way, you can create a more local and trustworthy experience for your customers if you operate internationally or communicate across markets.
Local numbers can also increase recognition and build greater trust with the recipient. Furthermore, some countries require local numbers or special registrations to send and receive SMS messages.
The options vary from country to country, and at inMobile, we help you find the solution that best suits the markets you wish to communicate in.
Virtual number, keyword, or sender name?
There are different ways for businesses to send SMS messages. The best solution depends on how you want to communicate with your customers.
A virtual number is typically an 8-digit phone number that recipients can freely reply to. Keywords, on the other hand, are used with a 4-digit number – also known as a shortcode – where the recipient must send a specific word to start a dialogue or subscribe to your service.
If you don't need to receive replies, you can instead use a sender name, which allows you to display your company's name as the sender of the SMS message.
Why choose inMobile for virtual numbers?
99.998% uptime
24/7 emergency phone
+300 million SMS messages
GDPR-Compliant
Hosting in the EU
+35,000 users
The price of a virtual number
The price of a virtual number depends on the country where the number is to be set up.
Some companies only need one virtual number, while others work with multiple numbers across departments and markets.
At inMobile, you pay a fixed monthly subscription fee for access to the entire platform, including all features. In addition, you pay for your virtual numbers and the number of SMS messages you send.
- SMS to +200 countries
- Access to all features
- Unlimited contacts and users
- Free email, phone, and chat support
- On-call phone 24/7/365
FAQ: Virtual number for SMS
A virtual number is a phone number that allows sending and receiving SMS messages via an SMS gateway. The number is linked to a software solution instead of a physical phone or a SIM card.
A virtual number typically resembles a regular phone number and generally functions as one. Here, the recipient can freely reply to your SMS messages.
Keywords, on the other hand, are used with a shortcode, where the recipient sends a specific word to a 4- or 5-digit number, for example, to sign up for an event.
A sender name is a text name, such as "inMobile", that appears as the sender of the SMS message. The recipient cannot reply to the message. With a virtual number, you instead send your SMS message from a phone number, to which the recipient can then reply.
Yes and no. It is possible to create virtual numbers in many countries, but not all countries support virtual numbers, and the options vary from country to country.
In some countries, local registration, documentation, or a registered business is required before a virtual number can be created.
Feel free to contact us, if you wish to send or receive SMS messages in a specific market, we will help you find the right solution.
The price depends on the country where the number is to be set up. At inMobile, you pay a fixed monthly subscription for access to the entire platform. In addition, you pay for the SMS messages you send.
No. Virtual numbers can only be used to send and receive SMS messages. Therefore, it is not possible to send or receive MMS messages via a virtual number.
Virtual numbers are designed for SMS communication and generally cannot receive calls. However, it is possible to set up call forwarding on the number so that incoming calls are automatically forwarded to another phone number within the company.
This could, for example, be your main number, customer service, or a specific department.
Mobile network operators do not guarantee that it will work if an international mobile user sends an SMS to a local virtual phone number in another country.
If you wish to send and receive SMS messages in a specific country, we therefore recommend using a local virtual number for that market. This ensures the best user experience and the highest delivery reliability.