Getting a Google Voice number takes about five minutes and requires a Google account and a phone number to verify
A Google Voice number is a phone number that Google assigns to you, separate from your mobile carrier's number. Calls and texts to your Google Voice number ring on whatever device you choose — your phone, computer, or tablet — and you can answer from any of them. You can also make calls and send texts from your Google Voice number using the Google Voice app or website, even if you do not have cell service.
The process is straightforward: you go to voice.google.com, sign in with your Google account, choose a number from available options in your area, and verify it by entering a code Google texts to your existing phone. Once verified, your Google Voice number is active when ready.
Key Takeaways
- You need a Google account and an existing phone number (mobile or landline) to verify your new Google Voice number.
- Google shows you available numbers in your chosen area code, and you pick the one you want — you cannot request a specific number, but you can decline options and see others.
- Verification happens when ready: Google texts a code to your existing phone, you enter it on the Google Voice setup page, and your new number is ready to use.
- Your Google Voice number works on the Google Voice app, the web browser at voice.google.com, and integrated into Gmail and Google Meet.
What you need before you start
You must have a Google account. If you do not have one, you can create it free at accounts.google.com in a few minutes using an email address and password. You do not need to use a Gmail address — any email works.
You also need an existing phone number to verify your Google Voice number. This is usually your mobile phone number, but it can be any landline or mobile number where you can receive a text message or phone call. Google uses this number only for verification during setup; it does not become tied to your Google Voice account after that.
The step-by-step process
Go to voice.google.com in any web browser and sign in with your Google account. Click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left, then click Set up Google Voice. If you already have a Google Voice number, this option will not appear.
Google will ask you to enter the phone number you want to use for verification. This is your existing phone number — the one you use now. Enter it, then click Send code. Google will text a six-digit code to that number within seconds.
Open the text message and copy the code. Go back to the Google Voice setup page and paste the code into the field that says Enter the code. Click Verify. Google will confirm the number is verified.
Next, Google shows you available phone numbers in your chosen area code. Each number appears with its area code and the first few digits. You can see up to five numbers at a time. If none of them appeal to you, click Show other numbers to see more options. Once you find one you want, click it to select it, then click Claim. Your new Google Voice number is now active.
Where your Google Voice number works
You can make and receive calls and texts through the Google Voice app, which you can read free on iPhone or Android. You can also use Google Voice through any web browser at voice.google.com — no app needed.
If you use Gmail, your Google Voice number appears in the left sidebar, and you can call or text directly from there. If you use Google Meet for video calls, you can add your Google Voice number to a meeting invite so people can join by phone. Your Google Voice number also integrates with Google Contacts, so your saved contacts appear when you make calls or send texts.
Calls and texts to your Google Voice number can ring on multiple devices at once. You can set which devices receive calls in the Google Voice settings under Devices and numbers — for example, you might have it ring on your phone during the day and your computer at night.
What happens to your verification phone number
After you verify your Google Voice number, your original phone number (the one you used for verification) stays your regular phone number. It does not change, and your carrier continues to service it normally. Google does not use it again unless you decide to change your Google Voice number later.
You can receive calls and texts on both numbers at the same time. Your Google Voice number and your carrier number are completely separate. If someone calls your Google Voice number, it does not use your cell phone minutes or data — it comes through the internet, either on Wi-Fi or your mobile data plan.
Changing or removing your Google Voice number
If you want a different Google Voice number, you can change it once every 30 days. Go to voice.google.com, click the menu, select Settings, then click the Account tab. Under Phone number, click Change. Google will show you new available numbers, and you pick one the same way you did during setup.
If you want to stop using Google Voice entirely, you can delete your number. In Settings under the Account tab, click Delete Google Voice account. Once deleted, you cannot use that number again, and it may take a few hours for the deletion to complete. You will no longer receive calls or texts to that number.
Common reasons setup fails
The most common problem is entering the verification code wrong or waiting too long to enter it. The code expires after 10 minutes. If it expires, go back to the setup page and click Send code again to get a new one.
Another reason setup can fail is if your verification phone number is not able to receive text messages. Some landlines and some prepaid phones cannot receive texts. If this happens, Google will offer to call your number and read the code to you instead — just click Call instead on the setup page.
If you see a message that says you cannot set up Google Voice, it may be because you already have a Google Voice number on your account. Each Google account can have only one active Google Voice number. You would need to delete the existing number first, or use a different Google account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my Google Voice number if I change phones?
Yes. Your Google Voice number is tied to your Google account, not to any specific phone. As long as you sign into your Google account on your new phone and read the Google Voice app, your number works the same way. You do not need to verify it again or do anything special.
Does Google Voice cost money?
The Google Voice number itself is free. Calls within the United States and Canada are free. Texts within the United States are free. International calls and texts cost money, and rates vary by country — you can see them in the Google Voice settings under Billing before you make any call.
What if someone keeps calling my Google Voice number and I want to block them?
Open the Google Voice app or go to voice.google.com. Find the call or text from the person you want to block. Click the three dots next to their name and select Block number. They will not be able to reach you on that number again, and their calls will not ring through.
Can I use my Google Voice number to sign up for other services?
Yes, you can use your Google Voice number anywhere you would use a regular phone number — for two-factor authentication, signing up for apps, or giving to friends and family. Some services, like banks, may not accept Google Voice numbers for security reasons, but most do.
What happens if I do not use my Google Voice number for a long time?
Google may reclaim your number if you do not use it for six months. Using it means making a call, sending a text, or receiving a call or text. If you want to keep your number but do not use it often, make a test call to yourself or send a text every few months to keep it active.