You can change your Google Voice number, but only once every 30 days

Google Voice lets you change the phone number attached to your account, but the process has real limits. You can change it once every 30 days, and you have to do it through the Google Voice website or app — not through a phone call or support form. The old number becomes available for someone else to claim after a short waiting period.

The change takes effect when ready. Any calls or texts sent to your old number will no longer reach you, so you need to tell people your new number before you make the switch. If you're using Google Voice for work or important accounts, changing the number means updating those contacts too.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Google Voice number once every 30 days through the Google Voice website or mobile app.
  • The change happens right away, so your old number stops working for incoming calls and texts the moment you confirm.
  • You must have a valid phone number to receive a verification code before the new number activates.
  • If you want a number in a different area code or region, you can search for available numbers during the change process.
  • Your old number becomes available for others to claim after a waiting period, so you cannot get it back later.

How to change your number through the Google Voice website

Open Google Voice in a web browser and sign in with your Google account. Click the Settings gear icon in the top right corner, then select Settings from the menu. Go to the Account tab and look for the section labeled Google Voice number.

Click Change/Port next to your current number. Google will show you available numbers in your current area code first. You can search for numbers in a different area code by typing the code into the search box — for example, typing 415 will show available numbers in San Francisco. Select the number you want and click Verify.

Google will send a verification code to the phone number you have on file for your Google account. Enter that code to confirm the change. Your new Google Voice number becomes active when ready, and you will see it displayed in your Settings.

How to change your number through the Google Voice app

Open the Google Voice app on your phone and tap the profile icon in the top right corner. Select Settings, then tap Account. Scroll down to find your Google Voice number and tap Change number.

The app will show available numbers in your area code. You can tap the search icon to look for numbers in a different area code if you want. Once you pick a number, tap Verify and enter the code Google sends to your phone. The new number activates right away.

What happens to your old number

Your old Google Voice number stops working for incoming calls and texts as soon as you confirm the change. Google holds the number for a waiting period before making it available to other people. You cannot reclaim your old number later, so do not change your number unless you are sure you want a different one.

If you have given your Google Voice number to banks, doctors, or other important contacts, you will need to update those accounts with your new number. Text messages and voicemails sent to your old number will not reach you.

Why you might want to change your number

Some people change their Google Voice number to get a local area code in a different city, especially if they move or want a number that matches where they do business. Others change it because they have given it out too widely and want a fresh start with fewer spam calls.

If you are getting too many unwanted calls or texts on your current number, changing it can help — though you will need to notify the people who actually need to reach you. If you want to reduce spam without changing numbers, Google Voice also lets you block individual callers or turn on Do Not Disturb mode.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Google enforces a 30-day rule: you cannot change your number again until 30 days have passed since your last change. This limit applies whether you changed it on purpose or had to change it for another reason. If you try to change your number before 30 days have passed, Google Voice will show you a message saying when you can change it next.

The timer starts from the moment you confirm the change, not from when you started the process. If you change your number on March 15, you cannot change it again until April 14 at the earliest.

What you need before you can change your number

You need a phone number on file with your Google account to receive the verification code. This can be any phone number — a mobile number, a landline, or even another Google Voice number. Google will text or call this number with a code you have to enter to confirm the change.

You also need to be signed into your Google account and have access to Google Voice. If you have two-factor authentication turned on for your Google account, you may need to complete that step before you can access Settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Google Voice number more than once a month?

No. Google limits you to one change every 30 days. If you need to change it again, you have to wait until 30 days have passed since your last change. The waiting period is firm and cannot be shortened.

What if I forget to tell people my new number?

Calls and texts to your old number will not reach you. You will need to contact people separately to give them your new number. If the number is used for important accounts like banking or email recovery, update those right away so you do not lose access.

Can I get my old Google Voice number back?

No. Once you change your number, it becomes available for other people to claim after a waiting period. Google does not reserve old numbers for previous owners. If you think you made a mistake, you have to wait 30 days and then pick a different new number.

Do I lose my voicemails and text history when I change my number?

No. Your voicemail messages and text history stay in your Google Voice account. The change only affects which phone number people use to reach you going forward.

Can I choose any available number, or am I limited to my area code?

You can search for available numbers in any area code you want. Google Voice shows you numbers in your current area code first, but you can search by typing in a different area code. Availability depends on what numbers Google has in stock for that region.