This article was published on October 13, 2015

TextMe Up will let you create burner phones to divert your calls


TextMe Up will let you create burner phones to divert your calls

If you’re the type of person who regrets having your phone number in your email signature or that you didn’t get a second SIM, then TextMe Up is for you.

Dual-SIM phones aren’t the norm in Europe and aren’t enough for people who need multiple numbers to keep everything on track, without compromising on privacy or time.

From the creators of TextMe, the service that turns any connected device into a phone, TextMe Up lets you create multiple phone numbers to call and text anyone in the world, even if they are not using the app. The various numbers can be managed from one account and updated or deleted as you need them.

Numbers can be set to appear to be based in the US, UK, Canada, Germany and France. Multiple numbers are easy to recognize in the app with customizable labels and colors for each one shown at the top of the keypad. Your first number is free but you will need to purchase additional numbers, which start at $1 per month depending on the location.

Screen Shot 2015-10-13 at 14.51.23
Credit: TextMe Up

While the calls are described as being free, you do need to earn credits to make them. This can be done by watching ads (sigh) or if you’re not up for that, you can buy credit as you would for any normal ‘pay as you go’ phone. There is an option for US and Canadian users to have unlimited calls and texts locally for US$2.99 or CA$3.49 a month.

Having multiple phone numbers is one way to maintain a level of privacy and manage your contacts and also means that you can disconnect more from specific calls when needs be. So if you go on vacation, you can disable your work account and avoid getting interrupted.

There are similar services available from the likes of Swytch in the UK or Burner and Shuffle, so TextMe Up has some competition. However, with TextMe already having 35 million downloads, according to its creators, it’s got a head start.

➤ TextMe Up [iOS | Android]

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