What Google Voice is and how it works
Google Voice is a free phone service from Google that gives you a real phone number you can use to make calls, send texts, and receive voicemails. The number works on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. When someone calls your Google Voice number, the call can ring on whichever device you choose — or multiple devices at once.
You do not need to switch phone carriers or cancel your existing phone plan. Google Voice works alongside whatever service you already have. The number stays the same even if you change phones or move to a different carrier, which is why some people use it as a permanent contact number that does not change.
Google Voice is owned by Google and runs through your Google account. You access it by logging into Google Voice on the web, or through the Google Voice app on Android or iPhone. Calls and texts use your internet connection when you are on WiFi, or your mobile data when you are not.
Key Takeaways
- Google Voice gives you a real phone number that rings on any device you choose, and it costs nothing to set up or use for calls and texts within the United States.
- You need a Google account and an existing phone number (your current cell phone number) to create a Google Voice number.
- Calls to numbers outside the United States cost money, but calls within the US and texts to any US number are free.
- Your Google Voice number can ring on your computer, phone, or tablet at the same time, and you can choose which device actually answers.
- You can port your Google Voice number to a different carrier if you want to keep it as your main phone number, though this costs a one-time fee.
How to create a Google Voice number
Start by going to voice.google.com in any web browser and signing in with your Google account. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free at google.com. You will need an existing phone number — your current cell phone number works — to verify your identity during setup.
Once you are signed in, click the settings icon and select "Set up Google Voice". Google will ask you to choose a phone number. You can search by area code or by typing in a number you want, though popular numbers may not be available. After you pick a number, Google will send a verification code to your existing phone number by text or call. Enter that code to confirm, and your new Google Voice number is ready to use.
The whole process takes about five minutes. Your Google Voice number is when ready active for receiving calls and texts, though you may want to spend a few minutes in the settings to choose which of your devices should ring when someone calls.
Which devices can receive calls and texts
You can set up Google Voice to ring on your computer, your smartphone, your tablet, or any combination of those. When someone calls your Google Voice number, you choose in advance which devices should ring. You can have it ring on your phone only, your computer only, or on both at the same time.
To change which devices ring, go to voice.google.com, click the settings icon, and select "Devices and numbers". You will see a list of every device connected to your Google account. Check the box next to each device that should ring when you get a call. You can change this setting anytime — there is no limit to how many devices you can add or remove.
If you are away from your computer and phone, you can still listen to voicemails through the Google Voice app or website. Google Voice also transcribes voicemails to text, though the transcription is not always perfect.
What calls and texts cost
Calls and texts to any phone number within the United States are free, with no monthly fee and no limit on how many minutes you use. This includes calls to cell phones and landlines anywhere in the US, and texts to any US number.
Calls to numbers outside the United States cost money. The rate depends on the country you are calling — some countries cost a few cents per minute, while others cost more. You can see the exact rate for any country before you dial by going to voice.google.com, clicking the settings icon, and selecting "Billing". You can also set a spending limit so you never go over a certain amount per month.
Text messages to international numbers also cost money, though the rate is usually lower than calling. If you want to text someone outside the US, Google Voice will show you the cost before you send the message.
How to make calls and send texts
On your computer, go to voice.google.com and click the phone icon or message icon at the top left. Type in the phone number or contact name and click the call or message button. The call will ring on whichever devices you set up to receive calls.
On your phone or tablet, open the Google Voice app, tap the phone or message icon at the bottom, and enter the number or contact. Your call or text will go through your Google Voice number, not your regular phone number. This means the person you are calling will see your Google Voice number on their end, not your cell phone number.
You can also receive texts and calls the normal way — when someone calls or texts your Google Voice number, it arrives just like any other call or text. You do not have to open an app or go to a website to receive messages.
Keeping your Google Voice number or moving it elsewhere
Your Google Voice number stays active as long as you use it at least once every six months. If you do not make or receive any calls or texts for six months, Google may reclaim the number and give it to someone else. To keep your number active, you just need to use it occasionally — even a single text counts.
If you want to move your Google Voice number to a different phone carrier and make it your main phone number, you can port it out. This costs a one-time fee of $20 and takes a few business days. To start the process, go to voice.google.com, click the settings icon, select "Account", and look for the option to port your number. You will need to provide your new carrier's account information.
If you decide you no longer want your Google Voice number, you can delete it anytime. Once deleted, the number goes back into Google's pool and you cannot get it back. If you think you might want it again later, it is better to just stop using it — Google will not delete it for six months.
Common reasons people use Google Voice
Some people use Google Voice as a second number for work, so their boss and coworkers call one number while friends and family call another. Others use it to keep their personal cell phone number private when selling items online or signing up for services. Since you can see the caller's number before you answer, you can decide whether to pick up.
People who travel internationally sometimes use Google Voice to keep a US phone number that friends and family can call for free, even though they are abroad. Calls to your Google Voice number from the US are always free, no matter where you are in the world.
Some people use Google Voice as a backup number in case their main phone breaks or gets lost. Since the number is tied to your Google account and not to a specific phone, you can access it from any device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Google Voice without a smartphone?
Yes. You can make and receive calls and texts entirely through voice.google.com on your computer. You do not need a phone at all — you only need an existing phone number to verify your identity when you first set up the account.
Will my contacts see my Google Voice number or my real phone number?
They will see your Google Voice number. When you call or text someone using Google Voice, their phone shows your Google Voice number, not your cell phone number. If you want them to see your regular number instead, you would need to call or text them directly from your phone, not through Google Voice.
What happens if I do not use my Google Voice number for a while?
Google reclaims numbers that have not been used for six months. You do not need to use it often — a single call or text every six months keeps it active. If you lose the number, you cannot get it back.
Can I change my Google Voice number after I set it up?
Yes, but only once every 30 days. Go to voice.google.com, click the settings icon, select "Account", and choose "Change number". You can pick a new number with a different area code or search for a specific number you want.
Does Google Voice work if I do not have internet?
You need internet to send texts or make calls through Google Voice. However, if someone calls your Google Voice number, the call can ring on your phone even without internet, as long as your phone has a cellular connection. You can answer the call normally.