What is a Virtual Phone Number?

A Virtual Phone Number, also known as a virtual mobile number or VoIP number, is a telephone number that does not require a physical SIM card. It uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to make and receive calls and send and receive text messages. Unlike traditional mobile numbers (which require inserting a SIM card and binding to a physical device), virtual numbers can be bound to apps, software, or web pages, support multi-device use (such as phones and computers), and can even be changed or canceled at any time.

Virtual phone numbers are mainly divided into two categories:

Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) Numbers: Such as numbers starting with 170, 171, 162, 165, 167. These are physical SIM cards, but they are operated by virtual network operators (MVNOs) and rely on the networks of the three major basic operators (China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom).

Pure Network Virtual Numbers (VoIP Sub-numbers): Such as Ali Xiaohao, Tencent Weixiaohao, etc. These are entirely internet-based, require no SIM card, and the numbers are often temporary or used for privacy protection.

Which operators run them?

In China, the operating entities for virtual phone numbers are diverse:

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs):

They rely on the networks of the three major basic operators and do not own independent infrastructure.

Exclusive number segments:

China Mobile MVNOs: 165, 1703, 1705, 1706.

China Unicom MVNOs: 167, 1704, 1707, 1708, 1709, 171.

China Telecom MVNOs: 162, 1700, 1701, 1702.

Common MVNO companies: Xiaomi Mobile, JD Communication, Alibaba Communication, Snail Mobile, D. Phone, Yuante Communication, Suning Interconnection, Gome Jixin, Share Communication, etc. (As of 2025, there are over 40 licensed MVNOs).

VoIP Virtual Sub-numbers Provided by Internet Companies:

Ali Xiaohao (Alibaba Cloud Privacy Number Protection).

Tencent Weixiaohao (WeChat Mini Program).

Operator-owned sub-number services like China Mobile's "He Duo Hao", China Unicom's "Wo Xiaohao", etc.

Other platforms: eSender, Qinxin Xiaohao, etc.

Internationally, there are also Google Voice, TextNow, Twilio, etc., providing overseas virtual numbers.

What are the uses and benefits?

Main Uses:

Privacy Protection: Use when registering for apps, websites, and social platforms to avoid leaking your real number (e.g., online shopping, ride-hailing, renting, second-hand trading, dating).

Business Applications: Enterprise customer service, outbound marketing, private calling (e.g., real estate agents, e-commerce platforms using AXN privacy numbers to protect both buyers and sellers).

Receiving Verification Codes: Used for registering on overseas services (e.g., Google, Facebook), or for temporary verification.

Second Number: One device, multiple numbers, separating work/personal calls.

International Communication: Low-cost overseas calls, or obtaining an overseas number.

Benefits:

Privacy Protection: Your real number is not exposed, reducing spam calls, spam messages, and the risk of personal information leakage.

Flexibility and Convenience: No need to change SIM cards, supports multi-device login, can be activated/canceled anytime.

Low Cost: Many are free or low-cost (e.g., Ali Xiaohao annual fee 20-36 RMB), international calls are cheaper.

Rich Features: Supports call forwarding, SMS forwarding, voicemail, etc.

Easy Management: Can switch between different numbers based on the scenario, discard after use.

What channels can you purchase them from?

Purchase channels are legitimate and diverse. It is recommended to choose official or well-known platforms to avoid black market risks:

MVNO Physical SIM Cards (170/171 etc.):

Official Website/App: Online business halls of Xiaomi Mobile, JD Communication, Snail Mobile, etc.

Physical Channels: Agent outlets, JD/Suning stores, Tmall/Taobao flagship stores.

Supports number portability, requires real-name registration.

VoIP Sub-numbers:

Ali Xiaohao: Download the app, log in with your Taobao account, purchase coupons on the Tmall Alibaba Cloud flagship store (annual fee approx. 20-36 RMB).

Tencent Weixiaohao: Search for "Weixiaohao" in the WeChat Mini Program, monthly fee around 10 RMB.

Operator Sub-numbers: Apply via China Mobile's "He Duo Hao" or China Unicom's "Wo Xiaohao" apps.

Alibaba Cloud Privacy Numbers: Alibaba Cloud official website, for enterprise bulk purchases.

Other Platforms: eSender app, Qinxin Xiaohao, etc., support Alipay/WeChat Pay.

International Virtual Numbers:

Overseas apps like TextNow, Google Voice, Twilio, etc. (may require circumventing internet restrictions).

Precautions and Risks: Although virtual numbers are convenient, they also carry risks.

Early MVNO number segments (e.g., 170/171) were once used for telecom fraud and spam calls (high proportion) due to lax regulation, leading to a poor reputation.

Regulation has strengthened in 2025 (strict real-name system, joint punishment), but vigilance is still needed:

Avoid using them for illegal activities, otherwise you may face account restrictions and credit penalties.

Some platforms do not support registration for certain apps (e.g., WeChat may require specific uplink support).

Choose legitimate channels, avoid black cards or temporary SMS receiving platforms (prone to bans, privacy leaks).

Overall, virtual phone numbers are a convenient tool for modern communication. Used legitimately, they can effectively protect privacy. For long-term stability, operator or major platform products are recommended.