This guide provides step-by-step instructions for setting up your Surfshark Alternative Number. This feature allows you to generate a new, private phone number to protect your personal information.
To use Alt Number, you will need an active Surfshark subscription and the Alternative Number add-on.
- For new users: If you do not have a Surfshark subscription yet, you can purchase it together with the Alternative Number add-on on our pricing page.
- For existing subscribers: If you already have an active Surfshark subscription, you can purchase the add-on on the Surfshark web app or through the Surfshark application.
Please note the following before you proceed:
- You can use your Alternative Number without having an Alternative ID.
- The Alternative Number feature currently provides US-based numbers only.
Setting up Alt number on the Surfshark mobile app
NOTE: The steps shown below were performed on an iOS device.
- Launch the Surfshark application.
-
Tap the Antiscam tab located in the bottom navigation menu:
-
Select Generate Alt number under Personal data masking:
NOTE: if you don't see this option, that means you don't have Alt number purchased.
-
Tap Next:
-
In order to use Alternative Number, you need to allow access of your phone's microphone, notifications, and contact list. Tap OK.
-
Tap Generate number:
-
Review the Alt number generated and tap Done:
-
You have successfully set up your Alt Number. Tap Got it:
Confirm that Alternative Number is working
Your Alternative Number setup is finished. The messages that you receive in your Alternative Number inbox will appear in the Alternative ID Number tab on Android or Antiscam tab on iOS.
When you receive a phone call to your Alternative Number, it will appear as a native phone call to your mobile device, not via the Surfshark app.
If you wish to block, delete, or report certain messages, you can read more about it in our How to use Alternative Number article.
You may be interested in: