How to change your Google Voice number
You can change your Google Voice number through the Google Voice settings on any device with internet access. The process takes about five minutes and requires you to confirm the change before it takes effect. Google allows you to change your number once every 30 days, and the old number becomes unavailable to you when ready after the switch completes.
The number you choose must be available in your region, and you cannot transfer a Google Voice number to a different carrier or use it outside the Google Voice system. If you need a number in a specific area code, Google shows you available options before you commit to the change.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Google Voice number once every 30 days through the settings menu on any web browser or the mobile app.
- Your old number stops working when ready and becomes available for others to claim, so notify your contacts of the new number beforehand.
- Google shows you available numbers in your preferred area code before you confirm the change, and you can preview the number before it becomes active.
- Changing your number does not affect your voicemail, call history, or text message threads — those stay attached to your Google Voice account.
- If you change your number by mistake, you must wait 30 days before changing it again, so double-check before confirming.
Change your number on a computer
Open Google Voice in a web browser and sign in with the Google account connected to your Voice number. Click the Settings gear icon in the top right corner, then select Settings from the dropdown menu.
In the left sidebar, click Account. Under the section labeled "Google Voice number," you will see your current number displayed. Click the button labeled Change / Port next to your number. A window will open showing available numbers in your region.
Type in the area code you want, or leave it blank to see all available numbers. Google displays a list of phone numbers you can choose from. Click on any number to preview it, then click Select next to the number you want. Review the confirmation screen carefully — your old number will stop working once you click Change number.
Change your number on the Google Voice app
Open the Google Voice app on your phone and tap the profile icon in the top right corner. Select Settings from the menu. Tap Account, then tap your current Google Voice number at the top of the screen.
Tap Change number. The app will show you available numbers in your area. You can search by area code or browse the list. Tap the number you want to use, review the details, then tap Change number to confirm. The change takes effect when ready.
What happens to your old number
Your old Google Voice number stops working the moment you confirm the change. Any calls or texts sent to that number will not reach you. The number becomes available for someone else to claim, usually within a few hours.
You should contact anyone who regularly calls or texts you and provide your new number before you make the change. If you use your Google Voice number for work, online accounts, or services that send verification codes, update those contacts with your new number as soon as possible.
Your voicemail and message history stay with your account
Changing your number does not delete your voicemail messages, call history, or text conversations. All of those remain in your Google Voice account under the same email address. When someone calls your new number, they will reach the same voicemail greeting and call screening settings you had before.
If you want to record a new voicemail greeting that mentions your new number, you can do that in Settings under Voicemail. Your text message threads stay organized the same way, though the old number will no longer appear as an active contact option.
The 30-day waiting period between changes
Google enforces a 30-day cooldown between number changes. If you change your number and then realize you made a mistake, you cannot change it again for 30 days. This rule exists to prevent abuse and to give you time to notify your contacts.
Before you confirm a number change, take a moment to verify you have selected the correct number. Check the area code and the full digits. If you are unsure, click back and review the available options again. Once you click the final confirmation button, the change is permanent until the 30-day period passes.
When you cannot change your number
If you see a message saying you cannot change your number, the most common reason is that you have already changed it within the last 30 days. You must wait until the full 30-day period has passed since your last change.
In rare cases, Google may temporarily restrict number changes if there is unusual account activity or if your account has been flagged for security reasons. If you believe your account has been compromised, change your Google password first and then try the number change again. If the problem persists, contact Google Voice support through the Help section in Settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my old Google Voice number if I change it?
No. Once you change your number, the old one is released and you lose access to it permanently. Google does not allow you to reclaim a number you previously owned. If you think you might need the old number later, wait before making the change.
Do I lose my voicemail when I change my number?
No. Your voicemail messages, call history, and text threads all stay in your account. They are tied to your Google account, not to the phone number itself. Your new number will use the same voicemail box and settings.
What if I change my number by mistake?
You must wait 30 days before you can change it again. During that time, you cannot undo the change or go back to your old number. Contact anyone who needs your number and provide the new one. After 30 days, you can select a different number if you want.
Will my contacts automatically know my new number?
No. Google Voice does not send notifications to your contacts when you change your number. You must tell them yourself through text, email, or phone call. Update your number in any online accounts or services that use it for verification or contact purposes.
Can I choose any number I want?
You can only choose from numbers that Google Voice shows as available in your region. You cannot request a specific number that is already taken, and you cannot port a Google Voice number to a different phone carrier. The available numbers change frequently as people claim and release them.