Virtual SMS number
A virtual SMS number is a mobile number without a physical SIM card: you send and receive SMS messages with it over the internet. Incoming messages appear in real time in your online dashboard and can be forwarded automatically to a webhook or e-mail address.
At SMSBOX you choose between a shared number (you receive via your own keyword on the shared number) or a dedicated number that belongs exclusively to your organisation. Besides Belgian numbers, Dutch and international numbers are available as well. Want to know more about all the ways to receive messages? See Receiving SMS.
What can you do with a virtual number?
Two-way communication
Send and receive on the same number: your customers simply reply to your messages.
Sender on outgoing SMS
Use the number as the sender on your outgoing SMS, so recipients can respond directly.
Forwarding to webhook or e-mail
Every incoming message is automatically forwarded to your software (HTTPS webhook) or mailbox.
Auto-responder
Have incoming messages answered automatically — ideal for confirmations and opt-ins.
For every incoming message, the webhook forwards a payload containing msgid, timestamp, sender, message and keyword to your own software — ready for automatic processing.
Keyword, dedicated number, SIM hosting or shortcode?
| Feature | Keyword on shared number | Dedicated virtual number | SIM hosting | Shortcode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Your own number? | No, shared with other users | Yes, exclusive to your organisation | Yes, your own SIM card hosted by us | No, shared short number |
| Keyword required? | Yes, it identifies your account | No | No | Yes, per campaign or action |
| Send and receive? | Mainly receiving (0.25 credit per incoming message) | Yes, fully two-way | Yes, on your existing number | Receiving and replying automatically |
| Ideal for | Starting with inbound SMS at low cost | Professional two-way communication and verifications | Connecting your existing mobile number online | Competitions, voting campaigns and registrations |
Looking for a free (06) number?
The honest answer: completely free virtual numbers are almost always public disposable numbers. They are shared with thousands of others, which means anyone can read along with your messages — including verification codes. For accounts and verifications that is plainly unsafe.
At SMSBOX a free account is enough to receive privately via your own keyword on the shared number, from 0.25 credit per incoming message. Would you like a number that is genuinely your own? Besides Belgian numbers we also offer Dutch (06) and international virtual numbers — ask about current availability and rates per country.
A number for account verifications
With your own virtual number you receive verification codes (OTP) online, without giving away your private number. Because the number is yours alone, this is safe — unlike public disposable-number sites. Do bear in mind that some services block certain number ranges for verification.
Activating a virtual number in 3 steps
- Create an account — create a free SMSBOX account, without a subscription or setup costs.
- Choose a number or channel — in the customer portal, choose a keyword on the shared number or request a dedicated virtual number.
- Set up receiving and forwarding — decide how incoming messages are processed: in real time in your dashboard, forwarded to a webhook or e-mail address, or answered automatically.
