You can change your Google Voice number, but only once every 30 days
Google Voice lets you change your phone number to a different one, but the process has a hard limit: you can only make the change once per 30-day period. When you change your number, your old one becomes inactive and is released back into Google's pool. Any calls or texts sent to your old number will not reach you.
The change takes effect immediately, though it can take a few minutes for the system to fully update across Google's servers. You cannot change back to a number you previously used — once you release it, it is gone.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Google Voice number once every 30 days by going to your Google Voice settings and selecting the option to change your number.
- After you change your number, your old number becomes inactive and will not forward calls or texts to you anymore.
- Google Voice will not let you reclaim a number you previously used, so choose your new number carefully.
- The change takes effect right away, but you should update your contacts and any services linked to your old number as soon as possible.
How to change your number in Google Voice
Open Google Voice on your computer at voice.google.com. Sign in with the Google account that owns your Voice number. On the left side, click Settings.
In the Settings menu, click the Account tab. Look for the section labeled Google Voice number. Next to your current number, click Change. Google Voice will show you available numbers in your area code, or you can search for a number in a different area code by typing the area code into the search box.
Select the number you want, then click Verify. Google will ask you to confirm the change one more time. Click Change to complete it. The new number is now your Google Voice number.
What happens to your old number
Your old Google Voice number stops working immediately. Calls and text messages sent to that number will not reach you. If someone tries to call your old number, they will hear a message saying the number is no longer in service or is not available.
Google releases your old number back into its available pool, which means someone else may eventually get it. This is why you cannot reclaim a number you used before — Google does not hold old numbers for previous users.
The 30-day waiting period between changes
After you change your Google Voice number, you must wait 30 days before you can change it again. If you try to change your number before 30 days have passed, Google Voice will show you a message saying you must wait until a specific date.
This limit applies even if you regret your choice right after changing. There is no way to speed up the waiting period or request an exception. Plan your number change carefully, since you are locked in for a month.
Updating your contacts and linked services
After you change your number, you need to tell people your new number. Send a text or email to your contacts with your new Google Voice number so they know how to reach you.
Check any services or accounts that have your old Google Voice number on file. This includes your employer, banks, social media accounts, and any apps that use your number for two-factor authentication. Update these services with your new number to make sure you keep receiving notifications and security codes.
Reasons to change your Google Voice number
People change their Google Voice number for different reasons. You might want a number with a different area code if you have moved or want to appear local to a different region. You might also change your number if you are getting unwanted calls or texts and want a fresh start.
Some people change their number when they stop using Google Voice for a particular purpose and want to start over with a clean slate. Since you can only change once per month, make sure the reason is worth the inconvenience of updating all your contacts and services.
What you cannot do with Google Voice numbers
You cannot port your Google Voice number to another phone carrier or service. Google Voice numbers stay within Google Voice — they do not work with traditional phone companies. If you want to switch to a carrier-based phone number, you would need to get a new number from that carrier instead.
You also cannot hold multiple Google Voice numbers on the same account. Each Google account gets one Google Voice number. If you need a second number, you would need to create a separate Google account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Google Voice number on my phone?
You can view your Google Voice number on the mobile app, but you must change it on a computer using voice.google.com. Open the site in your phone's web browser, sign in, and follow the same steps as you would on a desktop.
What if I change my number and then change my mind?
You cannot undo a number change, but you can change to a different number after 30 days have passed. Your old number is gone and cannot be reclaimed. Plan your change carefully before you confirm it.
Will my voicemail messages transfer to my new number?
Your voicemail history stays in your Google Voice account and will be available with your new number. Callers will still reach your voicemail if you do not answer, but they will be calling your new number, not your old one.
Can I change my number if I have an active Google Voice call?
You should not change your number while you are using Google Voice or have an active call. End any calls and wait a few minutes before changing your number to avoid interruptions or errors.
Do I lose my Google Voice history when I change my number?
No. Your call history, text messages, and voicemails all stay in your Google Voice account. Only the phone number itself changes. You can still access all your past conversations and recordings with your new number.