# Use a number

Once you’ve [purchased ](https://docs.bird.com/applications/channels/channels/supported-channels/numbers/quickstarts/find-and-buy-a-new-number)or ported a number, and [activated it](https://docs.bird.com/applications/channels/channels/supported-channels/quickstarts/find-and-buy-a-new-number#activate-a-number) from your dashboard, you can use that number in Flows, Campaigns, and Inbox to communicate with your customers. 

To do this, you first need to set up your new number as either an [SMS channel](https://docs.bird.com/applications/channels/channels/supported-channels/sms), or a [WhatsApp channel](https://docs.bird.com/applications/channels/channels/supported-channels/whatsapp).

Depending on the type of number that you have, you can use numbers to place and receive calls from customers, and send and receive marketing, transactional, and customer support messages.<br>