You can delete a Google Voice number through your Google Account settings, but the process is permanent and takes time to complete
To delete your Google Voice number, sign into your Google Account, go to the Google Voice settings page, and select the option to delete your number. Google will ask you to confirm the deletion, and the number becomes unavailable immediately — but it stays reserved under your account for 90 days before anyone else can claim it. During those 90 days, you cannot recover the number or reactivate it.
The deletion is one-way. Once you confirm, all your voicemails, call history, and text messages tied to that number are gone. Google does not back these up or let you retrieve them later, so download or screenshot anything you need before you start the deletion process.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting a Google Voice number is permanent and cannot be undone — the number and all associated messages disappear immediately.
- The number stays reserved under your account for 90 days, during which you cannot reactivate it or let someone else use it.
- You must sign into your Google Account and visit the Google Voice settings page to start the deletion.
- Download or save any voicemails, texts, or call logs you want to keep before you delete, because Google does not preserve them.
Step-by-step deletion process
Open a web browser and go to voice.google.com. Sign in with the Google Account that owns the number you want to delete. On the left side of the page, click the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) to open the navigation panel.
Click Settings at the bottom of the menu. In the Settings page, look for the section labeled Account or Phone Number — the exact name depends on your account type. Find the option that says Delete Google Voice number or Delete your number. Click it.
Google will show you a warning that explains the deletion is permanent. Read it carefully, then click the button to confirm. The number is deleted immediately. You will see a message confirming the deletion, and the number will no longer appear in your Google Voice account.
What happens to your number after deletion
For 90 days after deletion, your number is locked and cannot be reassigned to anyone else. You cannot reactivate it or get it back during this period. After 90 days, Google releases the number back into the pool, and someone else may eventually receive it.
All voicemails, text messages, and call history tied to that number are deleted along with it. This data is not stored separately or recoverable. If you need records of calls or messages for legal, tax, or personal reasons, take screenshots or export the information before you delete the number.
Reasons to delete instead of just stopping use
If you simply stop using your Google Voice number without deleting it, the account stays active and the number remains tied to your Google Account. This means anyone who calls or texts that number will still reach your voicemail, and you will continue to receive messages. Deleting is the only way to fully disconnect from the number.
Deleting is also useful if you want to free up the phone number slot in your Google Account. Some account types allow you to have multiple Google Voice numbers, and deletion opens up that slot for a new number if you need one later.
If you want to keep the number but stop using it
You do not have to delete your Google Voice number if you simply want to stop using it. You can leave the account active and just ignore incoming calls and messages. The number will stay yours as long as you keep your Google Account active.
If you want to prevent people from reaching you on that number, you can disable call forwarding and turn off notifications. Go to Settings, click Calls, and turn off Call Forwarding. This stops calls from ringing your phone, though voicemails will still be recorded in your Google Voice inbox.
Deleting from the Google Voice app instead of the website
The Google Voice app on Android and iPhone does not have a delete option built into the app itself. You must use the website at voice.google.com to delete your number. Open a web browser on your phone or computer, follow the steps above, and complete the deletion there.
After you delete the number through the website, the app will stop working with that number. You can uninstall the app if you no longer need it, or keep it installed if you plan to get a new Google Voice number in the future.
What to do before you delete
Before you delete, download or screenshot any voicemails, text messages, or call records you want to keep. Google Voice does not have a built-in export feature, so you will need to manually save the information. Open each conversation or voicemail and take a screenshot, or write down the details you need.
If you have set up call forwarding to a phone number, turn it off before you delete. This prevents confusion if someone tries to reach you on that Google Voice number after deletion — they will not reach your phone. Go to Settings, click Calls, and turn off Call Forwarding.
Tell anyone who regularly contacts you on that number that you are deleting it. Give them your new contact information so they can reach you another way. This is especially important for work, banking, or other services that may need to contact you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my Google Voice number back after I delete it?
No. Once you delete a Google Voice number, it is gone permanently and cannot be recovered. You cannot reactivate it or retrieve it from a backup. If you think you might need the number again, do not delete it — just stop using it instead.
What happens to my voicemails after I delete the number?
All voicemails are deleted along with the number. They are not saved anywhere else or recoverable. If you need to keep any voicemails, download or screenshot them before you delete the number.
Do I need to delete my Google Voice number before I delete my Google Account?
No. If you delete your entire Google Account, the Google Voice number is deleted automatically as part of that process. You only need to delete the number separately if you want to keep your Google Account but get rid of just the Voice number.
Can someone else use my number after I delete it?
Not for 90 days. After deletion, your number is locked for 90 days. After that period ends, Google may release it and someone else could receive it, but this is not may provide.
Will deleting my Google Voice number affect my Gmail or other Google services?
No. Deleting your Google Voice number only removes the Voice service. Your Gmail, Google Drive, Google Photos, and other Google services will continue to work normally with your Google Account.