October 30, 2025

What Is an Alternate Phone Number and Why Use One

Whether you're overwhelmed by calls or just want to separate business from personal, an alternate phone number (especially one powered by AI) can make your day a lot smoother.

Your Phone’s Overloaded (And So Are You)

If you're running your own business, consulting, showing properties, coaching clients, or freelancing, chances are your phone never stops buzzing. You’re juggling calls and texts, voicemails, follow-ups, and trying not to forget that one super important message from a new lead.

You’ve probably tried a few hacks. Forwarding calls to your cell, grabbing a Google Voice number, or using free VoIP services like TextNow. But let’s be honest: they’re either clunky, incomplete, or just another app to manage.

You need something smarter, simpler, and actually built for how you work.

That’s where an alternate phone number with an AI assistant comes in. M1 is the perfect choice.

 

What Is an Alternate Phone Number?

An alternate phone number, often called a second phone number or virtual number, is a separate number that works alongside your existing one. It doesn’t require a new sim card, and you don’t need to carry a second cell phone. It runs through an app, allowing you to send text messages, make calls, and receive voicemail. Without giving out your personal digits.

These virtual phone numbers are especially useful for:

  • Separating business and personal life
  • Screening spam calls
  • Managing client communications
  • Keeping your area code consistent when traveling or expanding
  • Having a clean and professional business phone system

 

Why Professionals Are Using Alternate Phone Numbers

You Can’t Keep Mixing Business With Personal

That one missed call at 9 p.m.? Turns out it was a lead. But you didn’t answer because your phone was on Do Not Disturb. Or maybe you did answer, and now you’re replying to texts while trying to wind down with your family.

An alternate phone number gives you breathing room. It helps set boundaries without hurting your business.

 

Your Voicemail Box Is a Mess

Do you even check your voicemail anymore? Or are you the type who lets voicemail greetings pile up until someone texts “Hey, did you get my message?”

You’re not alone. But missing or mismanaging voicemails can cost you money, or your reputation.

 

Meet M1: Your Second Phone Number With a Built-In AI Assistant

While other options like Google Voice or OpenPhone offer basic virtual numbers, M1 is the only second phone number app built for iOS that comes with an AI assistant to handle the calls, texts, voicemails, and follow-ups for you.

Whether you're managing incoming calls, taking voice memos, or trying to stay on top of client texting, M1 is designed to do the heavy lifting.

Pricing is simple and transparent: $19.99/month or $199/year, with a 7-day free trial so you can try it risk-free.

 

Business Phone: One App, Everything Organized

With M1’s Business Phone feature, you get a full phone number app that handles calls and texts, contacts, and voicemail, all in one place.

You don’t need a second device, no need to swap sim cards, and no complicated VoIP service setup. It just works.

 

M1 Assistant: Never Forget a Call Again

The M1 Assistant is what sets it apart. Think of it as a smart teammate that listens to your calls, writes summaries, takes notes, and even reminds you to follow up.

That means less mental load, fewer things slipping through the cracks, and more time to do the work that actually earns you money.

 

How M1 Beats the Usual Tools

Better Than Basic VoIP and Virtual Phone Numbers

Google voice, TextNow, and other virtual phone number services give you a free phone number, sure—but they’re missing real support for busy professionals. Most don’t have:

M1 is a phone system designed to save you hours a day.

 

Real Use Cases from Real Professionals

  • A real estate agent uses M1 to keep personal and client calls separate while having voicemail transcriptions sent to her inbox. No more guessing what was said during a showing.
  • A consultant uses voice memos with AI summaries to dictate ideas between client meetings, and M1 turns them into clear notes.
  • A solopreneur sets up call forwarding so missed calls and texts don’t slip by—M1 catches them and keeps things moving.

 

Bonus Features That Make M1 the Smarter Choice

  • Voicemail Receptionist: Get a virtual receptionist that takes messages when you’re unavailable.
  • Call Summaries & Transcriptions: M1 listens to your calls and creates detailed, AI-powered summaries so you never forget a detail.
  • Voice Memos with AI Summaries: Say it once, and let M1 do the writing.
  • Integrations: Sync with your favorite tools to keep your business communications flowing.

All of this, inside one app.

 

Stop Wasting Time on Your Phone — Let M1 Help

An alternate phone number is about staying organized and protecting your time, your mental energy, and your professional reputation.

Whether you’re tired of juggling calls and texts, or just want to actually enjoy your evening without thinking about your voicemail, M1 gives you the tools to handle it all in one place. With AI doing the heavy lifting.

$19.99/month or $199/year, with a 7-day free trial. No risk. Just relief.

Try M1 Free for 7 Days

 

FAQ

What’s the difference between M1 and Google Voice?

Google voice gives you a basic virtual number. M1 gives you a full business phone system with an AI assistant that summarizes calls, takes notes, and handles follow-ups.

Learn more about M1 Assistant.

Can I use M1 for international calling?

Right now, M1 is designed primarily for U.S. use. International calling features may vary depending on your plan, but support is growing.

Check the latest details here.

Do I need a new SIM card?

Nope! M1 works through an app on your iPhone—no sim card, no new hardware. Just install and start using your second number immediately.

Get started.

Can I forward calls from my main number to M1?

Yes, call forwarding is supported. You can route incoming calls to your M1 second number to keep things organized.

Does M1 offer voicemail transcription?

Absolutely. Every voicemail gets automatically transcribed with the Call Summaries feature, so you can read instead of listen—and never miss key details.

Can I use M1 as a phone number app for texting and calling?

Yes, M1 supports calling and texting, including text messages, voice memos, and AI-enhanced follow-ups.

Explore the Business Phone.

Does M1 support toll free numbers or different area codes?

M1 offers options for various area codes, but does not currently support toll free numbers. It’s ideal for professionals looking for a local, credible presence.

See available options.

Can I port my current business number into M1?

M1 does not yet support number porting, but you can easily get a new number that fits your area or branding. Many users find it simpler to keep their old number private and use M1 as their public business line.

What happens if I miss a call? Will the caller know?

M1's voicemail receptionist answers calls when you can’t and captures the message clearly. Your caller is greeted professionally, and you’ll get a voicemail transcription and summary so nothing falls through the cracks.

Is M1 better than using apps like TextNow or OpenPhone?

Yes—M1 is designed specifically for iOS users who want a second number plus AI tools like summaries, call notes, voicemail handling, and voice memo capture. It's more than a basic free phone number—it’s a full productivity tool built for solo professionals.

Compare features here.

Can M1 help reduce spam calls and protect my personal phone number?

Yes, M1 gives you a second phone number that you can use for business or public use, keeping your personal phone number private. It also helps filter spam calls by screening unknown callers and providing smart voicemail handling, so you're not interrupted by every ring.

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