How to Get a Private Phone, Number, and Cellular Data

Privacy and security have become increasingly important as personal information is more connected and accessible than ever. Maintaining privacy in our communications and data usage is essential for safeguarding our identities and sensitive information. This article will explore how to obtain a private phone, number, and cellular data to enhance your privacy and security.

This is how you can take control of your personal information and communication. We will discuss various strategies and best practices for enhancing privacy, including virtual and disposable phone numbers, private SIM cards, and secure communication apps.

Choosing a Private Phone

Making informed choices about the phone you use can help protect your personal information and enhance your overall digital privacy. The way cell phones are designed and, more importantly, their software is built around something other than keeping your data private. Cell phones are intrinsically tied to all the companies and apps on your phone. Androids are tied to Google, and iPhones to Apple. When you make your phone private, it must be with a new device. Well, used devices are great too, but it must be a device you have just purchased.

What Makes a Phone Private?

A private phone keeps all your data secure, ensuring that no companies can gather your data and, importantly, that no one knows that the phone belongs to you. It is surprisingly difficult to keep that information from the online world, as even turning your private phone on in your home can tip some people off that it belongs to you. 

So, in this article, we will give you all the information you need to get and keep your privacy on your cell phone. The three most important factors to consider are data collection and sharing, location tracking, and secure software and third-party software. A private phone should limit the amount of data it collects about the user and minimize sharing it with third parties, giving users control over app permissions and data-sharing preferences. Managing location services allows users to control when and how their location is tracked, helping to maintain privacy. 

There are also third-party operating systems and app stores that let you separate yourself from Google. We say Google here because Android devices are far more secure and have the potential for a higher maximum level of security than Apple devices. 

Apple or Android?

For privacy, it’s Android all the way. Apple devices are much more integrated into Apple as a company, which is, unfortunately, a dangerous place for your data. There have been 2.6 billion items that have been compromised through data breaches. We need better data encryption. Granted, we don’t trust Google for Android devices. 

On Android devices, however, you have much more freedom to change the phone to become more private. Let’s get into it. 

Alternate App Stores and Operating Systems

Your phone is always at risk, but there are many ways to mitigate that risk. To maximize security, you can purchase an Android device that’s compatible with the alternate operating system called Graphene OS. This is an open-source operating system that improves the privacy and security of your device. With this system, your phone becomes much more protected against the most common sources of privacy vulnerabilities. It does what it can to mitigate risks across the board, increasing the security of all the apps running on your phone. 

To the best of its ability, Graphene keeps the user experience as similar as possible as it was before you made the switch, simply including additional privacy and security features in the background. With this system, certain features are always running, but the more noticeable ones, like network permission, sensor permission, restrictions when the device is locked, and other more complex user-facing features, can be toggled on and off.

Another popular custom OS is LineageOS, an open-source operating system for smartphones and tablets that is based on the Android platform. It is a popular custom ROM (read-only memory) that provides an alternative to the stock operating system that comes pre-installed on most mobile devices. LineageOS is known for its focus on privacy, security, and customization, offering features and options that may not be available on standard Android versions.

The Aurora Store is an app store alternative that grants users access to the same applications available on the Google Play Store without needing a Google account to use them. This is a great way to get full functionality out of your device without going through Google for all your applications. Make sure to do extra research before you download and start to use this app store! There are a lot of online resources that can help you make the most out of this third-party app store! It is not available on every kind of device, namely iPhones. 

Obtaining a Private Phone Number

Obtaining a private phone number is important in keeping your data secure. Unfortunately, keeping your personal information separate from an account is difficult. These first steps are of the utmost importance because if your phone is compromised (for instance, your personal phone certainly is), you can do nothing to set it back. For a private device, it is important that no service ever ties that phone to being in your possession. To get a private phone number, look for prepaid SIM cards, anonymous payment methods, and virtual phone numbers to keep the SIM account separate from your personal information. 

Prepaid SIM Cards

Prepaid SIM cards, available at retail stores or online, often require less personal information for activation since they aren't tied to a long-term contract. Pay in cash to maintain privacy and avoid providing payment details when purchasing one.

Anonymous Payment Methods 

Using anonymous payment methods such as cash or cryptocurrency can help you maintain anonymity when purchasing a SIM card. This transaction isn't linked to your personal information. We will soon get to activating your device, where you will continue to keep it separate from your personal information. When paying for your data, it is important to keep an anonymous payment method. 

Virtual Phone Numbers 

A virtual phone number is a phone number that is not directly tied to a physical SIM card or phone line. Instead, it operates over the internet and can be used on various devices like smartphones, tablets, or computers. Virtual phone numbers enable you to make and receive calls and messages just like a regular phone number, but they offer additional flexibility and convenience.

Virtual phone numbers have several advantages, including choosing a phone number with a specific area or country code, even if you are not physically located there. They also provide an additional layer of privacy, as you can use a virtual number for communication without revealing your real phone number.

One example of a virtual phone number service is Burner. Burner is a service that allows users to create temporary, disposable phone numbers for calls and texts. The app is available on iOS and Android devices and offers a range of options for customizing your virtual number, including selecting an area code and setting an expiration date for the number. Burner is popular for its privacy features, as it allows users to keep their real phone numbers private and create new virtual numbers as needed.

Secure, Private Cellular Data

VPNs and private SIM cards are both excellent ways to privatize your cellular data, as well as switch to a deprioritized wireless (DeWi) network. These solutions provide different methods for safeguarding your online activities and communications.

VPN Services

Virtual Private Network (VPN) services offer a secure way to encrypt your data and protect your online privacy. By routing your internet traffic through a secure server, a VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your data, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activities or intercept your data. This level of encryption is especially beneficial when using public Wi-Fi or other unsecured networks.

When choosing a VPN service, look for reputable providers that offer strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and a variety of server locations. Some popular VPN services that meet these criteria include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost. These services offer user-friendly apps for various devices, allowing you to protect your cellular data on your phone, tablet, or computer.

VPN Examples

NordVPN: NordVPN is a popular VPN service known for its strong encryption and extensive server network. It offers a no-logs policy, which means it does not track or store your online activities. NordVPN provides user-friendly apps for various devices and features like Double VPN and CyberSec for added security.

ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is another well-regarded VPN service that offers fast connection speeds and robust security features. It has a wide range of server locations worldwide and a strict no-logs policy. ExpressVPN provides apps for multiple platforms, making it easy to secure your internet connection on any device.

Private SIM Cards

Private SIM cards provide additional security for your cellular data by prioritizing privacy and minimizing the amount of personal information required for activation. These SIM cards work similarly to regular SIM cards but may offer features such as encrypted communications and anonymous data plans.

Private SIM cards can often be obtained through specialty providers or services focusing on data privacy. Some providers offer prepaid SIM cards that allow you to pay with cash or anonymous payment methods, further protecting your identity. When choosing a private SIM card, ensure the provider is reputable and offers the coverage and data plans that meet your needs.

Private SIM Providers

Silent Circle: Silent Circle offers private SIM cards to protect cellular data privacy. Their SIM cards provide secure and encrypted communication, protecting your calls and texts. Silent Circle focuses on privacy and security, making it a popular choice for users seeking to maintain anonymity and secure communication.

Ting: Ting is a mobile service provider that offers flexible data plans and privacy-focused options. While not exclusively a private SIM provider, Ting allows users to control their usage and data-sharing preferences. Ting's no-contract plans allow you to adjust your plan according to your needs, and their pay-as-you-go model can help you maintain privacy and control over your cellular usage.

DeWi Networks

Blockchain technology is a fantastic way to increase privacy. When you’re looking for a private phone, number, and cellular data, consider a DeWi network, which offers numerous security advantages over centralized networks. A DeWi network is a modern approach to wireless connectivity that leverages distributed infrastructure composed of individual nodes or gateways. Often based on blockchain or distributed ledger technologies, these networks allow participants to contribute wireless coverage through personal devices. This decentralized approach empowers individuals and organizations to participate in the network's creation and maintenance process. Some of the best security features of DeWi networks include: 

• No Single Point of Failure: Decentralized networks distribute connectivity across multiple nodes, reducing the impact of any single node failure or targeted attack.
• Secure Data Transmission: Decentralized networks have secure protocols to protect data during transmission. This ensures that data remains private and secure as it moves across the network.
• Privacy and Anonymity: DeWi networks enhance users' privacy and anonymity by distributing connectivity and data management across multiple nodes. Data is less likely to be intercepted or monitored by centralized entities, giving users more control over their personal information.
• Distributed Ledger Technology: Many DeWi networks use blockchain or distributed ledger technology to secure data and transactions. This technology provides transparency and immutability, making it difficult for unauthorized parties to tamper with or manipulate data.
• Community Participation: Decentralized networks often involve community participation, with users contributing to the network's infrastructure. 

Set Up Your Private Phone

Once you have a device and a SIM card, it is time to set it up, ensuring the privacy of your device from the get-go. We recommend starting this process out of your house, where you will root and de-google your cell phone. This is a lengthy process, but certainly worthwhile. Once you bring your phone to its foundations, you can activate it with your secure SIM card. From here, it is important to keep your phone safe from data mining companies and services. The lengths to which you go to guarantee this may change from person to person. 

To make absolutely sure your phone stays secure, we recommend keeping it powered down when you are at home and refraining from streaming any media to your device at any time. You can download it in advance, but if a streaming service sees that your viewer profile is the same as another one in the same network, they can extrapolate that this private device belongs to you. 

Private phones are fantastic for anonymity, but to achieve that, you must make significant sacrifices regarding when and where you use this device. It is perfect for secure communications and having a device you can take when you are out and about, but you cannot use this like you would use a regular, un-private phone. 

Privatize Your Communication

When communicating on this device, it is essential to keep that communication secure. One of the best practices for private communication is using an app that encrypts your calls and texts, like Signal. 

End-to-End Encryption

With the dominance of digital communication, it is very important to keep as much privacy as possible when making calls and texts. The default software on most Android leaves a lot to be desired. That’s where an app like Signal comes in. Signal offers end-to-end encryption, which protects all incoming and outgoing communication from interception and unauthorized access. 

End-to-end encryption is a method of securing communication that ensures only the sender and recipient of a message can read its contents. This means that even the service provider cannot access the message, providing high privacy and security.

Many messaging and calling apps offer strong end-to-end encryption to protect user communications. Notable examples include Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram. Signal is renowned for its robust encryption and strict privacy policies, and it wrote the encryption protocol that WhatsApp uses.

Key Takeaways: How to Get a Private Phone, Number, and Cellular Data

Setting up and keeping a private phone number is difficult, but it has many benefits. Maintain control over your personal information by buying a new phone, ensuring it has no ties to Google, and keeping all of your personal information off of the device. Utilizing prepaid SIM cards, virtual phone numbers, and anonymous payment methods can help you protect your identity and maintain privacy in your phone number.

For secure, private cellular data, consider using VPN services to encrypt your data and protect your online privacy. Additionally, private SIM cards offer an extra layer of security for your cellular data by focusing on privacy and minimizing the personal information required for activation.

You can privatize your communication by using messaging and calling apps that offer strong end-to-end encryption.Join the movement towards privacy and security at Really. Take control of your communications and keep your data secure.