Want to establish a presence in Chicago, Illinois?
A 861 number makes it easy with MySecondLine.
Start building local connections today.
Establish your local number from the comfort of your current location, wherever that may be.
Protect your personal contact information with a dedicated second number for public use.
Replace your current number with a new one in moments.
The 861 area code was created in 1951 as a split from the original 861 that once covered all of Chicago. Today, 861 is exclusively tied to Chicago, located at the heart of the city. It covers iconic neighborhoods like:
Aurora – a vibrant community known for its historic architecture
Naperville – a charming suburban area with a bustling downtown
Elgin – rich with cultural attractions and natural beauty
For generations, 861 has represented Chicago pride, offering the best of urban and suburban life with fast access to all corners.
The 861 area code operates in the Central Time Zone – the same time zone as Chicago. This is important for businesses and professionals who need to stay in sync with local clients, suppliers, and partners. Whether you’re scheduling calls, running local ads, or managing customer support, having a 861 number means you’re aligned with Central Standard Time (CST) in winter and Central Daylight Time (CDT) in summer.
The 861 area code covers all of Chicago, including:
Aurora
Naperville
Elgin
and many more.
Getting a 861 number gives your calls a familiar, local presence in one of Chicago’s busiest urban regions. It’s perfect for real estate agents, freelancers, remote workers, and anyone who wants to appear local while staying flexible.
Everything you need in one powerful solution
Get a memorable personalized phone number, e.g. 323-CHA-RLES
Your virtual phone works around the clock across all locations
Automatically filter out spam and unwanted calls
Design your own incoming call announcement
Connect with anyone nationwide through clear voice calls
Make overseas calls directly from your second number
Full SMS capabilities for your virtual number
Global texting with your second line
Record important calls for quality assurance or future reference
Record and receive audio messages with ease
Send calls to different numbers based on your needs
Set up future calls at your convenience
Start by signing up with MySecondLine. Opt for 'Choose a Custom Phone Number' and decline the minimal features option.
Then, select 'United States' as your country and move forward by pressing 'Continue'.
Complete the process by entering your area code preference, browsing available numbers, and selecting your subscription.
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