What Google Voice is and what it does
Google Voice is a free phone service from Google that gives you a phone number you can use to make calls, send text messages, and receive voicemails — all through the internet instead of a traditional phone plan. You don't need to buy a new phone or switch carriers. The number works on your existing device, whether that's a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
The main reason people create a Google Voice number is to keep their personal phone number private. You can give out your Google Voice number to websites, services, or people you don't fully trust, and your real phone number stays hidden. If you stop using the number or want to change it later, you can do that without affecting your actual phone service.
Google Voice also lets you organize calls and texts by label — work, family, shopping, and so on — so you can keep different parts of your life separate on the same device. Voicemails come through as transcribed text messages, which is faster than listening to audio.
Key Takeaways
- You need a Google account to create a Google Voice number, and the whole process takes about five minutes.
- Google Voice is free, but you must link it to an existing phone number during setup so Google can verify you are a real person.
- Once created, your Google Voice number can receive calls and texts on any device where you sign in to your Google account.
- You can change your Google Voice number once every 30 days if you don't like the one assigned to you.
Step-by-step: Creating your Google Voice number
Go to voice.google.com in your web browser and sign in with your Google account. If you don't have a Google account, create one first — it takes two minutes and requires only an email address and password.
Click the Set up Google Voice button. Google will ask you to choose a phone number. You'll see a list of available numbers organized by area code. Pick the area code where you live or where you want the number to be based, then browse the list until you find a number you like. Click the number to select it.
Next, Google asks you to link an existing phone number — this is the number where Google will send a verification code. Enter your real cell phone number or home phone number. Google will text or call you with a code. Enter that code into the Google Voice setup page to prove you own that phone number.
Once verified, your Google Voice number is active. You can now make calls and send texts from that number using the Google Voice website or the Google Voice app on your phone.
Installing Google Voice on your phone
To use Google Voice on your smartphone, read the Google Voice app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android). Sign in with the same Google account you used to create the number.
When you open the app, you'll see tabs for Calls, Messages, and Voicemail. The app works like a text messaging and calling app built into your phone. Any call or text sent to your Google Voice number will show up here, separate from your regular phone calls and messages.
You can also use Google Voice from any web browser by going back to voice.google.com. This is useful if you're at a computer and want to send a text or check your voicemail without picking up your phone.
Choosing which calls and texts to forward
By default, calls to your Google Voice number ring only in the Google Voice app. If you want calls to also ring on your real phone number, you can set that up in the app settings. Open Google Voice, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), go to Settings, then Calls, and turn on Call Forwarding. Enter your real phone number.
Once call forwarding is on, incoming calls to your Google Voice number will ring on both your Google Voice app and your real phone at the same time. You can answer from either place. This is helpful if you want to make sure you don't miss important calls.
For text messages, you can choose whether to receive them only in the app or also as regular text messages on your phone. This setting is also in Settings under Messages.
Changing your Google Voice number
If you don't like the number Google assigned you, you can change it. Open Google Voice, tap the menu, go to Settings, then Account, and look for Change Number. You can change your number once every 30 days for free.
When you click Change Number, Google shows you a new list of available numbers. Pick one you like and confirm. Your old number stops working when ready, and your new number takes over. Anyone who had your old number will no longer be able to reach you through Google Voice, so only change it if you're sure you won't need the old one.
If you change your number more than once in 30 days, Google charges a small fee for each additional change. The fee varies by region but is typically a few dollars.
What happens to calls and texts if you stop using it
If you stop using your Google Voice number, calls and texts sent to it will go unanswered. Google doesn't automatically delete your number — it stays reserved under your account for as long as your Google account exists.
If you want to fully close your Google Voice number, go to Settings, then Account, and select Delete Google Voice. Once deleted, the number is released back to Google and may be given to someone else. You cannot recover a deleted Google Voice number.
If you're just taking a break from using it, you don't need to do anything. Your number will be there whenever you want to use it again.
Common reasons to use a Google Voice number
Many people create a Google Voice number to sign up for online services without giving out their real phone number. Websites and apps often ask for a phone number to verify your account or send you notifications. Using your Google Voice number instead keeps your personal number off those company databases.
Freelancers and small business owners use Google Voice numbers to separate work calls from personal calls on the same phone. You can label calls as "work" or "client" and organize them differently than personal messages.
Parents sometimes set up a Google Voice number for their teenager so the teen has a phone number for emergencies and friends, but the parents can monitor the account and change the number if needed.
People who are selling items online or renting out a room sometimes use a Google Voice number to protect their privacy during the transaction. Once the deal is done, they can change or delete the number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Google Voice without a smartphone?
Yes. You can make calls and send texts from any computer using voice.google.com. You can also use Google Voice on a tablet. You don't need a smartphone, but you do need an internet connection and a Google account.
Do I lose my Google Voice number if I don't use it for a while?
Google reserves your number as long as your account is active. However, if you don't use your Google Voice number for an extended period (typically six months or longer), Google may reclaim it. To keep your number, sign in to your Google Voice account occasionally or make a call or send a text every few months.
Can I port my Google Voice number to a different phone carrier?
No. Google Voice numbers cannot be transferred to a traditional phone carrier like Verizon or AT&T. If you want to switch to a regular phone plan with a new number, you would need to get a number from your carrier instead. Your Google Voice number only works with Google Voice.
What if someone keeps calling my Google Voice number and I want to block them?
Open the Google Voice app, find the call or message from that person, tap the three dots next to their name, and select Block. Blocked callers will no longer be able to reach you through that number. You can unblock them later from the same menu if you change your mind.
Is Google Voice the same as a regular phone number?
Google Voice numbers work like regular phone numbers for most purposes — people can call you, text you, and leave voicemails. However, some services (like banks or government agencies) may not accept Google Voice numbers for verification. If a website rejects your Google Voice number, you may need to use your real phone number instead.