Updated October 2026.
To text from a different number, you send the text message through a second number, not your own. The simplest way is a virtual number: a real Australian mobile number that runs in your web browser, with no SIM and no second phone. A 160.com.au virtual number costs $20 a month, and you can send and receive texts from it in minutes. You can also use Google Voice, a second SIM, or a texting app. This guide covers each way, and which one to pick.
In this guide: why use a different phone number, what a virtual phone number is, the four ways to send a text from a different number, and answers to common questions.
Why Text From a Different Number?
A different number keeps your personal number private. People you text see the new number as the caller ID, not your own mobile. That helps in a few common cases.
- You run a side business and want one number for customers.
- You sell online and do not want buyers to keep your real mobile.
- You want a clear split between business communications and personal texts.
- You need a separate number your whole team can share.
- You want to hide your number and protect your personal information.
In each case a second phone number does the job. Your personal phone number stays yours, and the other number does the work.
What Is a Virtual Phone Number?
A virtual phone number is a real mobile number that is not tied to a SIM card or a handset. It is sometimes called a VoIP number. It allows users to send and receive texts, and often calls, over the internet from any device. You pick the number, and your messages run through it.
Because it is a cloud number, you can read and reply from a browser, forward replies to your mobile, or use call forwarding to send calls to your real phone. You get an Australian area code, so it looks local to the people you text.
Ways to Text From a Different Number
There are four main ways to send a text from a different number. Here they are in short.
- Virtual number: a new mobile number that runs in your browser. Best for business and steady use.
- Google Voice: a free secondary number for calls and texts. Limited in Australia.
- Second SIM or eSIM: a second carrier number on the same phone.
- Texting app: a burner number app for quick, one-off texts.
The rest of this guide covers each one, from the most reliable to the most basic.
Send Texts From a Different Number With a Virtual Number
A virtual number is the cleanest way to text from a different number. It is a real Australian mobile number, and it is yours. You send and receive texts from it in your web browser, and replies come back to your account. Your personal number is never shown.
160.com.au gives you a dedicated virtual SMS number for $20 a month, cancel any time. You can send one SMS or thousands. One standard SMS is 160 characters and one credit. New accounts get free trial credits, and 160 reaches 588 networks in 182 countries. Replies land in your inbox, and you can forward them to your mobile or your email address. You can also text under a business name with a Sender ID, so customers see your brand, not a number.
On the 160 send screen, the From box lets you send from your virtual number, not your own mobile.
This is the right pick for a business, a side hustle, or anyone who wants a steady second number that is truly their own. Prefer a number you use on your phone? See our second phone number guide.
How to Send a Text From Your New Number
Setup takes a few minutes. Here are the steps.
- Create a free 160.com.au account. You get free trial credits.
- Order your virtual number under Account, then Virtual Numbers.
- Open the Send screen. In the From box, choose your new number.
- Type your message and press send. Replies come back to your account.
You can try it free here and send your first SMS from a different number today.
Text From a Different Number With Google Voice
Google Voice gives you a free secondary number for calls and texts. It runs over data or Wi-Fi, so there is no SIM to buy. The catch is that Google Voice serves the United States. In Australia you often cannot get a local number, and texts and calls to Australian mobiles can be hit and miss. It suits people with a US number, not most Australian users.
Use a Second SIM or eSIM
If your phone takes two SIMs, you can add a second carrier number. A dual SIM phone, or an eSIM, lets you switch between two numbers for texts and calls. This gives you a real second number, but you pay for a second plan, and the number lives on that one phone.
Texting Apps and Burner Numbers
A burner app gives you a temporary number for quick texts. It is handy for a one-off, like a classified ad or a dating profile. The downside is that the number is not really yours. It can expire, it does not suit business, and your SMS messages may pass through third-party apps you do not control.
One note of caution. A virtual number is your own real number. Spoofing, which fakes someone else’s number as the sender, is a different thing and breaks the law in Australia. Stick to a number that belongs to you. The 160 platform follows ACMA rules, with built-in opt-out so your texts stay compliant.
Which Way to Send a Text Should You Pick?
Match the method to the job.
- Business or steady use: a virtual number. It is reliable, Australian, and yours.
- Quick personal privacy: a texting app for a one-off.
- Already have a dual SIM phone: add a second SIM.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I text from a different number on iPhone?
The Messages app only uses your SIM number. To text from a different number, use a virtual number service or a number app, then send from that number instead.
How do I text from a different number on Android?
It works the same as iPhone. Your built-in messages use your SIM. Use a virtual number or an app to send from a different number.
How do I text from a different number on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp ties your account to one phone number. To use a different number, register WhatsApp with a second number, such as a virtual number that can receive the signup code.
Can I divert SMS to another number?
Yes. With a 160 virtual number, you can forward replies to your personal mobile or your email, so you do not have to log in to read them.
Can I send a text message without showing my number?
Yes. Use a business name as the Sender ID, or send from a virtual number. True anonymous texting or a spoofed number breaks the rules and often the law.
Can I text from a fake number?
No. Faking someone else’s number is illegal in Australia. A virtual number is a real number that is yours to use.
Is there a free way to text from a different number?
Google Voice and some number apps can be free, with limits. A dedicated Australian virtual number costs a small monthly fee and is far more reliable.
Get Your Own Second Number Today
A virtual number is the easy way to text from a different number and keep your personal one private. You get an Australian mobile number. You send and receive texts in your browser. You forward replies to your phone. Start free with 160.com.au and text from a different number today.