Purchasing a phone number lets you start making and receiving calls worldwide (based on regional rules). CallHippo offers a wide range of numbers across multiple countries to match your business needs. This guide walks you through why you need a number, the important checks to make before buying, the difference between number types, and the exact steps to purchase and activate one.
Why you need to add a phone number
- You can start using CallHippo services only after adding an active number.
- Without a number, calling and SMS will not work.
- The number you add is the one displayed to your clients when you reach out.
Important information before adding a number
- Most numbers require address or document verification before activation.
- Please review the required documents before purchase to avoid delays or additional replacement charges.
- If you don’t have the required documents (especially local address documents for some countries), please do not proceed — these rules are set by telecom regulators and no exceptions can be made.
- Verification timelines vary based on the country and number type.
- We offer three types of numbers: Local, Mobile, and Toll-Free.
Difference between local and mobile numbers
Local Numbers
- Have region-specific prefixes tied to specific cities or states.
- Require country-specific documents (for example, UK local numbers need UK-issued documents).
- Not tied to SMS functionality — they usually do not support SMS.
- Offer the same calling features as mobile numbers.
Mobile Numbers
- Have unique prefixes not linked to any location.
- Often accept global documents (not always country-specific).
- Usually support SMS (send and receive).
- Offer the same calling features as local numbers.
Step-by-step guide to purchasing a number
- Log in to your CallHippo account.
- Go to the Numbers section on the left side of the dashboard.
- Click Add Number on the right side, as shown in the screenshot below.
- Select the desired country. If it’s not listed on the homepage, use the search bar.
- You will be redirected to the country-specific number selection page. Use the available filters (Number Type, Prefix, Number, or Location) to find your desired number.
- Optional: Check whether the number supports SMS functionality — this is displayed alongside the number details.
- Click a number to view its pricing (if any) and the document requirements for number verification.
- Upload the required documents (if applicable) — this is a mandatory step. If you forget to upload the documents on this page, or you have any confusion regarding them, contact support via live chat or email at [email protected].
- Proceed to payment. If a card is already added, charges will be deducted automatically.
- The number verification timeline may vary based on the country and number type. Updates will be sent to your registered email address.
Important: If the number for the country you are trying to add shows as available on request (as shown in the screenshot below), you can contact [email protected] for more details on the number availability, procurement process, documentation required, and timeline to procure that number.
Important note about receiving OTP via SMS on virtual numbers
Some third-party applications and service providers may not recognize virtual phone numbers for their SMS-based verification or OTP (One-Time Password) processes. Whether or not a virtual number is accepted depends entirely on the policies of the third-party provider.
Examples of services that may not accept virtual numbers for OTP delivery include:
- Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram
- Online banking or financial services
- Social media platforms
- E-commerce or delivery apps
- Government or utility services
Because of these limitations, CallHippo cannot guarantee the successful delivery of OTP or verification SMS messages sent by such external services to your virtual number.
Additional information
- For most numbers, the verification process typically takes between 24 and 48 business hours.
- Any updates regarding the status of your number verification will be proactively communicated to you via email at your registered CallHippo email address.
This completes the process of purchasing a number. For more information about other country number charges, please visit the Global Number Charges page.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Why am I charged for adding a number if I am eligible to get one free number per user?
A: There is a chance that you have already added and deleted a number in the same billing cycle, for which the “1 free standard number per user” benefit has already been utilized.
Q: Why is the system asking me to upgrade to a paid plan when I have not fully used the free trial?
A: You might have already added and deleted a number in the free trial, for which the “1 free standard number” free-trial benefit has already been utilized.
Q: Why am I unable to add a number to my account?
A: Please check the error message shown on the dashboard while adding the number for the exact reason. For more clarification, reach out to the support team.
Q: The specific country’s number I want to add is not available in the dashboard.
A: You can directly reach out to the support team to check the availability of the number via live chat or email at [email protected].
Q: What is the difference between a standard number and a premium number?
A: This categorization is made by CallHippo as per the internal number procurement process and its complexity; it does not imply any difference in the calling services or number series procured for you. Another difference is that a premium number is chargeable in every case, even if you have an extra user with the “1 free standard number per user” benefit available.
Q: I want to replace the currently added number in my account within the ongoing billing cycle. How do I do that?
A: Please note that number replacements are chargeable. To do this, delete the currently added number in your account and then add a new number following the steps in this article — you will be charged instantly on a pro-rata basis.
Q: Are there any numbers I can add and activate without submitting any documentation?
A: Yes. The US local number and Australia mobile numbers are the only two numbers you can add and activate without submitting documentation. For all other country numbers and number types, documentation is required.
Q: Is it possible to get an OTP for / activate WhatsApp, Telegram, banking services, etc., using a CallHippo number?
A: No. CallHippo numbers are virtual in nature, so we cannot guarantee the receipt of OTPs from third-party applications such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and others. These applications may or may not recognize virtual numbers as valid, which can impact OTP delivery.
Q: I want to replace the number I added in the free trial. How do I do that?
A: You cannot change the number added during the free trial, as we offer only 1 free standard number in the free trial. You will need to delete the number, upgrade to a paid plan, and then add a new number to your account.
Q: What is my CallHippo number, and how do I check it?
A: Your CallHippo number is the virtual number you purchased and added to your account. You can view it by logging into your CallHippo dashboard and going to the Numbers section.
Q: Can I add a number to my account before entering card details?
A: Yes. If your account is eligible for a free trial, you can add one free standard number without entering card details.
Q: When I try to add a number, it asks to request a number and does not add it.
A: This means the number is available only on request. Please contact the CallHippo support team via live chat or email at [email protected] for further assistance.
Q: Can I use my personal number via CallHippo?
A: If it’s a virtual number, yes — you can port it into CallHippo, which usually takes around 3 to 4 weeks. If it’s a physical SIM number, it cannot be used with CallHippo.
Q: I am procuring a country number but do not live in that country. For example, I live in Pakistan but want a UK number. Will it work?
A: Yes, it will work. CallHippo numbers can be used globally, and your physical location does not affect their usage.
Q: How long does it take to activate a number after purchase?
A: Most numbers are activated within 24 to 48 business hours after document verification. The timeline may vary depending on the country and number type.
Q: Can I use my CallHippo virtual number to receive OTPs from apps like WhatsApp or Telegram?
A: It depends on the app’s verification policy. Many messaging apps do not accept virtual numbers for OTP delivery, so we recommend using a personal mobile number instead.
Q: Why am I not receiving verification codes from my bank on my CallHippo number?
A: Banks and other financial institutions often block virtual numbers for security reasons. Since CallHippo provides virtual phone numbers, OTP messages from such services may not be delivered.
We hope this helps. If you still have questions, feel free to reach out at [email protected].