You meet someone online, sell something on a marketplace, or start working with a new client, and the next question is always the same: "What's your number?" Here's why you might not want to share it, and how to stay in touch without it.
Your phone number is more personal than you think
A phone number feels harmless, but it's one of the most connected pieces of information about you:
- It's tied to your real identity. Your mobile account is usually registered in your name, and many apps and websites use your number to recognize you.
- Once shared, you can't take it back. It sits in the other person's contacts, may be synced to their cloud backups, and can be passed on without you knowing.
- It opens the door to spam and scams. Anyone who has your number can text or call you whenever they want.
- It's hard to change. Your bank, your doctor and your sign-in codes probably all depend on it. Getting a new number is a real hassle.
Simple rule: share your phone number with people you'd also give your home address to. For everyone else, use something you can control.
When it's smarter not to share it
- Buying or selling with strangers online
- Dating apps, before you've met someone
- New business contacts, freelance clients and customers
- People you meet while traveling
- Online communities, gaming groups and clubs
Your options
How to do it with GSTNet
GSTNet Secure is a private messaging and calling app. Instead of a phone number, you get a GST-ID, an 8-digit number that you can share with the people you choose. Here's how to start:
- Download GSTNet. Get it from the App Store on iPhone or iPad (iOS 26.5 or later), or download it for Windows 10 or 11 from our Download page.
- Create your account with an email address. On iPhone or iPad, tap New to GSTNet? Create a free account. No phone number and no real name needed.
- Get your GST-ID. The app shows your 8-digit GST-ID. Write it down. This is what you share instead of your number.
- Add contacts by their GST-ID. Open Contacts, tap Add Contact and enter their ID. Then chat, call, video call and send files.
Your messages, calls and files are end-to-end encrypted: they're locked on your device before they're sent, and we don't have the keys to read them. GSTNet also never reads your phone's address book.
Bonus: chat across languages
Talking to someone who speaks another language? On iPhone and iPad, GSTNet can translate incoming messages automatically into about 20 languages. The translation happens on your device, after the message is decrypted, so nothing is sent anywhere to be translated. Turn it on in Settings → Language & Translation.
5 tips to stay private
- Use an email address that doesn't show your full name when you sign up.
- Share your GST-ID only with people you choose. Messages from people who aren't in your contacts are clearly marked.
- Block anyone who bothers you in Settings → Privacy & Safety → Blocked Users.
- Lock your phone with a passcode. Anyone who can unlock your phone can read your conversations.
- Never share your password, not even with support. We will never ask for it.
Questions
Do I need a phone number to use GSTNet?
No. You sign up with an email address and a password, and you receive an 8-digit GST-ID. No phone number or real name is needed.
Can Global Space Technology read my messages?
No. Messages, calls and files are encrypted on your device before they are sent, and we do not have the keys to decrypt them.
Is it free?
New users get every feature free for 90 days. After that, Free Access lets you send and receive messages and answer calls at no cost. Full Access, which adds starting calls, group calls and sending files, is $79.99 per year. See Pricing.
Which devices does it work on?
iPhone and iPad with iOS 26.5 or later, and Windows 10 and 11 PCs.
Keep your number to yourself.
Get your GST-ID in under a minute. No phone number, no credit card.