How do I buy a number? (Private or Shared)

Buy a phone number to receive text messages. Choose a Private number if you want a number that is only yours, or a Shared number for one service at a lower price.

Before you start

• Enough balance in your account. The pay button tells you if you are short. See How do I add balance?
• You agree to the Terms & Conditions and Usage Policy (you tick a box before paying).

Steps

1. Click Buy Number in the left menu (or Buy number at the top). On a phone, open the menu first.
2. Under 1. Number type, click Private. (See the table below to choose.)
3. Under 2. Choose a country, click the country you want. Countries are listed United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Australia first. If you choose United States you can also pick a State.
4. Under 3. Pick your number, click the number you like. The first one is already chosen for you.
5. Click Show different numbers if you want another list.
6. Under 4. Plan, click 1 Month, 3 Months, 6 Months or 12 Months. Longer plans can show a % OFF tag.
7. Tick I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Usage Policy.
8. Check Total and the balance under the button. Click Pay $ and the amount. The number is bought straight away. There is no second confirm screen.
9. For a Shared number, click Shared in step 1 instead.
10. Pick the country, then under Choose a service click the service the number is for (for example Airbnb). Each one shows a price per day.
11. Pick a number from the list.
12. Choose a plan: 1 Week, 2 Week or 1 Month.
13. Read Order summary. Shared numbers show Receive SMS only.
14. Tick the agree box and click Pay $ and the amount.

Private or Shared?

| | Private | Shared |
|---|---|---|
| Who uses it | Only you | Used by more than one customer |
| Works with | Any service | One service you choose |
| Can do | Receive SMS, send SMS and voice (see Terms) | Receive SMS only |
| Price | Set by country. Plans of 1, 3, 6 or 12 months | Price per day. Plans of 1 week, 2 weeks or 1 month |
| You choose the exact number | Yes | You choose from a list. Some digits are hidden until it is yours |
| Best for | Personal contacts and accounts | Receiving codes from one service |

When the purchase works, your new number opens in My Numbers.

Using a phone? See the same steps on a small screen

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Step 9

Step 10

Step 11

Step 12

Step 13

Step 14

Good to know

• You pay from your balance. The line under the pay button shows your balance.
• US numbers include 50 free inbound SMS. After that each inbound message costs $0.03.
• We cannot promise every app or website will accept a virtual number. This is not a reason for a refund.
• Purchases are final once supplied, except in the cases listed in the Terms of Service. Releasing a number does not return money.
• The button shows what is missing: Choose a country, Choose a service, Pick a number, Choose a plan, or Add $ to your balance.
• Want many numbers at once? See the bulk order article.

Common problems

• Add $X to your balance / Your balance is $X short for this plan. Click Top up next to the message and add balance.
• That number is no longer available — please pick another Someone else took it. Choose a number from the new list.
• Purchase failed Try again. If it happens again, email support@zedsms.com.
• No numbers available in United States right now. Try another state. Choose another state, another country, or try again shortly.
• No free Airbnb numbers in UK right now. Try another service or country. Pick a different service or country.
• No shared services are priced for this country yet. Try another country. Choose a different country.
• No plans are set up for this country yet. Choose a different country.
• Could not load countries / plans / services / Could not search numbers Click Retry.

Related articles

• How do I buy many numbers at once?
• How do I add balance?
• How do I renew a number?
• How do I read my SMS?