Google Voice setup takes about five minutes and works on any phone
Google Voice is a free phone service from Google that gives you a new phone number you can use to make calls, send texts, and check voicemail from any device — your computer, smartphone, or tablet. To turn it on, you visit Google Voice's website, choose a phone number, and link it to a phone you already own. After that, calls and texts to your new number ring through to whichever device you pick.
The service works best if you have a Google account already. If you do not, you will need to create one first — it takes a few minutes and is free. Once you have an account, the whole setup process is straightforward and does not require any special technical knowledge.
Key Takeaways
- You need a Google account and a phone number to link to Google Voice — the phone number can be a mobile phone, landline, or even a number you no longer use.
- Google Voice gives you a new phone number that forwards calls and texts to whatever device you choose, and you can change which device receives them anytime.
- The setup happens on Google's website, not in an app, and takes about five minutes from start to finish.
- Once enabled, you can make calls and send texts from your computer, phone, or tablet using your new Google Voice number.
Create or sign into your Google account
Start by going to voice.google.com in any web browser. If you are already signed into Google (Gmail, YouTube, or Google Drive), you will see your account name in the top right corner and can skip ahead. If you are not signed in, click Sign In in the top right and enter your Google email and password.
If you do not have a Google account, click Create account on the sign-in page. You will need to provide a name, create an email address (which becomes your Google account), set a password, and verify your phone number by entering a code Google texts to you. This takes about five minutes.
Choose your new Google Voice number
Once you are signed in at voice.google.com, you will see a screen asking you to set up Google Voice. Click the button that says Get a Google Voice number or Set up Google Voice. Google will show you a list of available phone numbers in your area code (or a code you choose). Each number appears with its area code and the first few digits visible.
Scroll through the list and click on any number you want to see the full digits. When you find one you like, click Select next to it. Google will ask you to confirm — click Yes, I want this number to lock it in. You now own that number and can start using it right away.
Link a phone number to receive calls and texts
After you choose your Google Voice number, Google asks you to link a phone where you want calls and texts to arrive. This is the phone number you already have — your mobile phone, home phone, or any other number where you want to be reached. Enter the full 10-digit number (including area code) and click Send code.
Google will text a verification code to that phone number. Open the text message, copy the code, and paste it into the box on the Google Voice website. Click Verify. That phone is now linked, and any calls or texts sent to your new Google Voice number will ring through to it.
You can link more than one phone if you want — for example, your mobile phone and your work phone. Calls will ring on all of them at the same time, and you can pick up on whichever one is closest. You can also change which phones are linked anytime by going back to voice.google.com and clicking Settings.
Make your first call or send a text
To make a call using your new Google Voice number, go to voice.google.com on any computer, or open the Google Voice app on your phone (available free on iPhone and Android). On the website, click the phone icon or the Calls tab, then type in the number you want to call. Click the green call button and speak — the person you call will see your new Google Voice number on their screen.
To send a text, click the Messages tab on the website or in the app, then click the plus sign or Start a conversation. Type in the phone number you want to text, write your message, and click Send. The text will come from your Google Voice number, not from your personal phone.
You can also receive calls and texts on your linked phone number the normal way — when someone calls or texts your Google Voice number, it will ring or buzz on whatever phone you linked, just like a regular call or text.
Change settings and manage your number
Once Google Voice is on, you can customize how it works by clicking Settings at voice.google.com. From there you can change which phones receive calls, turn call screening on or off (so you hear a caller's name before picking up), set up a custom voicemail greeting, and block specific numbers.
You can also choose whether calls to your Google Voice number ring on your linked phone, or only when you use the Google Voice app or website. Some people link their phone but turn off ringing so they only get calls when they open the app — this is useful if you want to keep your Google Voice number separate from your personal phone life.
If you ever want to stop using Google Voice, you can delete your number from Settings. Google will ask you to confirm, and after 90 days the number becomes available for someone else to claim. Your voicemail and message history will be deleted.
Use Google Voice on your phone or computer
On a smartphone, download the free Google Voice app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android). Sign in with your Google account, and you will see your Google Voice number, recent calls, texts, and voicemail all in one place. You can make calls and send texts directly from the app, and they will show your Google Voice number to the person receiving them.
On a computer, just go to voice.google.com anytime you want to make a call or send a text. You do not need to install anything — it works in any web browser. If you are on a Mac or Windows computer with a microphone and speakers, you can make calls right through your browser.
Your Google Voice number works the same way on all devices. If you send a text from your phone, you will see it in your message history on your computer. If someone calls your Google Voice number while you are using the app on your tablet, you can answer on the tablet. Everything syncs automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my old phone number and use Google Voice too?
Yes. Your old phone number stays exactly as it is. Google Voice gives you a separate new number that you can use for calls and texts. You can link your old phone number to Google Voice so calls to your new number ring on your old phone, or you can keep them completely separate.
What if I do not want to link a phone number?
You can use Google Voice without linking any phone. You will only be able to make calls and send texts from the Google Voice website or app, and you will not receive calls or texts on a regular phone. This works if you only want to use Google Voice on your computer.
Does Google Voice cost money?
The basic service is free — you get a phone number, can make calls within the United States and Canada, and send unlimited texts at no charge. Calling other countries costs money, but rates are shown before you dial. You only pay for what you use.
Can I change my Google Voice number later?
Yes, but not immediately. You must keep your number for at least six months before you can request a different one. After six months, you can go to Settings and request a new number. The old number will be released after 90 days.
What happens to my voicemail if I turn off Google Voice?
When you delete your Google Voice number, all voicemail messages and text history are permanently deleted. If you think you might want to keep them, save or screenshot important messages before you delete the number.