What Google Voice does and how to set it up
Google Voice is a free phone service from Google that gives you a single phone number you can use to make calls, send texts, and receive voicemails — all through your computer, phone, or the web. You don't need a separate phone plan for it. The number works across devices, so a call to your Google Voice number rings on whichever device you're using at that moment.
To turn on Google Voice, you need a Google account (the same one you use for Gmail or YouTube). The setup takes about five minutes and involves choosing a phone number, confirming your existing phone number so Google can forward calls to you, and deciding which devices will receive calls and texts.
Google Voice is genuinely free — no monthly bill, no hidden charges. You pay nothing to receive calls or texts. Calls within the United States are free. International calls cost money, but Google shows you the rate before you dial.
Key Takeaways
- Google Voice requires a Google account and an existing phone number to confirm your identity before you can start using it.
- You choose your own Google Voice number from available options in your area code, or Google can assign you one.
- Calls and texts to your Google Voice number ring on any device where you have Google Voice installed and signed in.
- You can forward calls from your Google Voice number to your real phone number, your computer, or both at the same time.
Create or sign into your Google account
Open a web browser and go to voice.google.com. If you're not already signed into Google, you'll see a sign-in screen. Enter the email address and password for your Google account. If you don't have a Google account, click "Create account" and follow the steps to make one — you'll need a valid email address and a password you can remember.
Once you're signed in, Google Voice will show you a welcome screen. This is where the setup begins. Don't close this page — you'll need to stay here to finish turning on Google Voice.
Choose or accept a phone number
Google Voice will ask you to pick a phone number. You can search for a number in a specific area code (the first three digits of a phone number, like 212 for New York or 415 for San Francisco), or you can let Google assign you one. If you want a number in your home area code, type it into the search box and click the search button. Google will show you available numbers.
Click on any number you want to use. Google will show you the full number and ask you to confirm. Once you click "Select," that number is yours. You can't change it later without starting over, so take a moment to make sure it's one you're happy with.
If you don't care which number you get, you can skip the search and let Google assign you one automatically. The process is the same — Google picks a number and asks you to confirm it.
Confirm your real phone number
Google needs to know your actual phone number — the one on your phone plan — so it can forward calls and texts from your Google Voice number to you. On the next screen, enter your real phone number in the box provided. Make sure you type it correctly, including the area code.
Click "Send code." Google will send a six-digit code to your phone as a text message. Open that text and copy the code. Go back to the Google Voice setup page and paste the code into the box that says "Enter the code." Click "Verify."
If you don't receive the code within a minute or two, click "Didn't get the code?" and Google will call your phone instead. Answer the call and listen for the code, then type it in on the website.
Choose which devices receive calls and texts
Google Voice can ring on your phone, your computer, or both. On the next screen, you'll see a list of devices where you're signed into your Google account. Check the box next to each device where you want to receive calls and texts from your Google Voice number. Most people check their phone and leave their computer unchecked, but you can choose whatever works for you.
You can change this later anytime you want — just go back to voice.google.com, click the settings gear icon in the top right, and select "Devices & numbers." Uncheck any device you don't want to use, or check new ones.
Install Google Voice on your phone (optional but recommended)
If you want to use Google Voice on your phone, you need to install the Google Voice app. On an iPhone, open the App Store and search for "Google Voice." On an Android phone, open the Google Play Store and search for "Google Voice." Tap "Install" or "Get," then sign in with your Google account when the app opens.
Once the app is installed and you're signed in, calls and texts to your Google Voice number will ring in the app just like they would in a regular text or phone app. You can use Google Voice as your main texting app if you want, or keep it separate — it's up to you.
If you don't install the app, Google Voice still works. Calls will ring on your real phone number (the one you confirmed earlier), and you can send texts and check voicemails from voice.google.com on any computer.
Make your first call or send your first text
To make a call from Google Voice on your computer, go to voice.google.com, click the dial pad icon on the left side, and type the phone number you want to call. Click the call button (the phone icon) next to the number. Your computer's speaker and microphone will be used, or you can plug in headphones with a microphone.
To send a text from your computer, click the message icon on the left side, type the phone number or contact name, and type your message in the box at the bottom. Click "Send."
On your phone, open the Google Voice app, and you'll see the same dial pad and message screens. The process is identical — type the number or contact, and tap call or send.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use my Google Voice number as my main phone number?
No. You can keep your real phone number and use Google Voice only when you want to. Calls to your Google Voice number ring on your real phone (because you set up forwarding), so you don't have to switch anything. Many people use Google Voice only for specific purposes — like giving it out to services they don't fully trust, or keeping work calls separate from personal ones.
Can I use Google Voice on multiple phones?
Yes. Install the Google Voice app on as many phones as you want and sign into the same Google account on each one. Calls and texts to your Google Voice number will ring on all of them at the same time. You can answer on whichever phone is closest.
What happens to my Google Voice number if I stop using it?
Google will keep your number active as long as you use Google Voice at least once every six months — even if it's just checking your voicemail. If you don't use it for six months, Google may recycle the number and give it to someone else. You can always reactivate it if you come back within that window.
Can I forward my Google Voice number to multiple phone numbers at once?
Yes. Go to voice.google.com, click the settings gear, select "Devices & numbers," and you'll see your forwarding phone number. You can add more phone numbers below it. Calls will ring on all of them simultaneously, and you can answer on any one.
Is Google Voice the same as Google Meet or Google Duo?
No. Google Voice is a phone number and texting service. Google Meet is for video calls. Google Duo was Google's video calling app, but it's being merged into Google Meet. They're separate products that don't require each other.