What Google Voice is and how to set one up
A Google Voice number is a phone number that Google assigns to you for free. It rings to whatever phone you choose — your cell phone, home phone, or computer — and you can make calls and send texts from it. The number stays with you even if you change phones or carriers, which is why people use it to keep their personal number private or to have a separate line for work.
To get one, you need a Google account (free to create), a real phone number where Google can send you a verification code, and about five minutes. Google assigns you a number from a pool of available numbers, usually in an area code you choose. You cannot pick a specific number, but you can choose your area code and sometimes refuse a number and get a different one.
The whole process happens on Google's website or in the Google Voice app. You do not need to install anything on your phone first — the app comes after you have your number.
Key Takeaways
- You need a Google account and a real phone number to receive a verification code before you can create a Google Voice number.
- Google assigns you a free number in an area code you choose, but you cannot pick the exact number.
- The number works on any phone, computer, or tablet where you sign into your Google account.
- You can make calls and send texts from your Google Voice number at no cost within the United States and Canada.
- International calls from Google Voice cost money, with rates that vary by country.
Step-by-step: Creating your Google Voice account
Start by going to voice.google.com in any web browser. If you are not already signed into a Google account, sign in now. If you do not have a Google account, create one first — it takes two minutes and requires only an email address and password.
Once you are signed in, click the phone icon on the left side of the page and select "Get a Google Voice number". Google will ask you to choose an area code. Type in the area code you want (or the city name), and Google will show you available numbers. You can see a few options and either pick one or click the refresh button to see different numbers. Once you choose, click "Select".
Google will then ask for a real phone number — a cell phone, home phone, or work phone where you can receive a text message or phone call. This is how Google verifies you are a real person. Type in that number and choose whether you want to receive the verification code by text or call. Google will send the code within seconds.
Enter the code you received, and your Google Voice number is now active. You will see it displayed on the screen. Write it down or take a screenshot, because you will need it to give to people who want to reach you.
Where your Google Voice number rings and how to change it
By default, your Google Voice number rings to the phone number you used for verification. If you want it to ring to a different phone — say, your work phone instead of your personal cell — you can add more phones in the settings.
Go to voice.google.com, click the gear icon in the top right, and select "Settings". Click "Phones" on the left. You will see the phone number you verified with. Click "Add another phone" to add a second, third, or fourth number. Each phone you add will ring when someone calls your Google Voice number, unless you turn it off.
You can also set different phones to ring at different times. For example, your work phone could ring during business hours and your personal phone could ring after 5 p.m. This is done in the same "Phones" section under "Forwarding options".
Making calls and sending texts from your Google Voice number
Once your number is set up, you have two ways to use it: through the website or through the Google Voice app on your phone.
On the website, go to voice.google.com, click the phone icon, and select "Make a call". Type in the phone number you want to call. The call will ring to one of your forwarding phones, and once you answer, you will be connected. The person on the other end will see your Google Voice number, not your personal phone number.
To send a text, click the message icon instead and type the phone number. Your text will be sent from your Google Voice number. The person will see your Google Voice number as the sender.
On your phone, read the Google Voice app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android). Sign in with your Google account. The app works the same way — you can make calls and send texts, and the other person will see your Google Voice number.
Costs and what is included free
Calls and texts within the United States and Canada are free. This includes calling landlines, cell phones, and businesses. You can make unlimited calls and send unlimited texts at no cost.
International calls cost money. The rate depends on which country you are calling. Before you make an international call, Google Voice will show you the per-minute rate. You can add credit to your Google account to pay for these calls, or you can choose not to make them. There is no monthly bill — you only pay for international calls you actually make.
If you stop using your Google Voice number for six months, Google may reclaim it and assign it to someone else. To keep your number, make at least one call or send one text every six months.
Switching your Google Voice number to a different phone carrier
Google Voice is not a phone carrier — it is a service that works on top of your existing phone service. If you switch from one carrier to another (say, from Verizon to T-Mobile), your Google Voice number stays the same. You do not need to do anything. The calls and texts will still ring to whichever phone numbers you have set up in Google Voice.
The only thing that changes is the phone number you use to receive verification codes or reset your password. If you get a new phone number from your new carrier, you should update that in your Google Voice settings so you can still receive those codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Google Voice on multiple phones at the same time?
Yes. You can add up to four phone numbers in your Google Voice settings, and all of them will ring when someone calls your Google Voice number. You can also use the Google Voice app on your phone and the website on your computer at the same time. Whichever device you answer on first will connect the call.
What if I want to change my Google Voice number?
You can change your number once every 30 days. Go to voice.google.com, click the gear icon, select "Settings", click "Account", and look for "Change number". You will be shown new available numbers in your area code. Pick one and confirm. Your old number will stop working when ready.
Can I port my Google Voice number to a real phone carrier?
Yes, but only if you have had the number for at least 60 days. You will need to pay a porting fee (usually around $20) to the carrier you are switching to. Once ported, it becomes a regular phone number with that carrier and is no longer a Google Voice number.
Does Google Voice work if I do not have internet?
The Google Voice app needs internet to send texts and make calls. If you are using the website, you need internet too. However, calls to your Google Voice number will still ring to your forwarding phones even if you do not have internet, because they are ringing to your regular phone service.
What happens to my Google Voice number if I delete my Google account?
Your Google Voice number will be deleted along with your account. If you want to keep the number, do not delete your Google account. If you want to stop using Google Voice but keep your account, you can straightforward remove all forwarding phones and stop using the service.