You can change your Google Voice number, but only once every 30 days

Google Voice lets you change the phone number attached to your account, but the process has a hard limit: you can only do it once per 30-day period. When you change your number, your old one becomes unavailable to you, though Google may reassign it to someone else after a waiting period. The change takes effect immediately after you confirm it.

You'll need to be signed into your Google account and have access to a recovery phone number or email address on file. The entire process takes about five minutes, but you should plan ahead because you won't be able to change it again for a month.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Google Voice number once every 30 days by going to Settings and selecting "Change/Port" under your phone number.
  • Your old number stops working immediately and may be reassigned to someone else after several months.
  • You'll need to confirm the change using a recovery phone number or email address linked to your Google account.
  • Contacts who have your old Google Voice number will no longer be able to reach you unless you give them the new one.

How to access the change number option

Start by opening Google Voice in your web browser and signing in with your Google account. Click the Settings gear icon in the top right corner, then select "Settings" from the dropdown menu. You'll land on the Account tab by default.

Look for your phone number near the top of the page. Next to it, you should see a link that says "Change/Port" or just "Change." Click that link to start the process. If you don't see this option, your account may not be may be able to access yet — Google sometimes restricts this feature for new accounts during their first few months.

What happens when you confirm the change

After you click "Change," Google will show you a new phone number and ask you to confirm. Read the number carefully before proceeding, because once you confirm, the change is permanent and immediate. You cannot undo it.

Google will then send a verification code to your recovery phone number or email address. Enter that code to complete the change. Your old Google Voice number stops working right away, and calls or texts to it will no longer reach you. Contacts who saved your old number will need the new one to reach you going forward.

What to know about your old number

When you change your Google Voice number, your old number doesn't stay reserved for you. Google typically waits several months before making it available to other users, but you have no claim to it after the change. If you change your mind within a few minutes, contact Google Support, though they may not be able to restore it.

Anyone who calls or texts your old number after the change will either reach a disconnected number message or, eventually, reach whoever Google assigns that number to next. This is why it's important to notify your contacts of your new number before making the switch.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Google enforces a strict 30-day cooldown after each number change. If you try to change your number again before 30 days have passed, the system will tell you when you're may be able to access to change it next. This limit applies to your account, not your device, so signing in on a different phone or computer won't bypass it.

Plan your number change carefully if you think you might need a different one soon. If you've already changed your number recently and need to change it again, you'll have to wait until the 30-day window closes.

Changing your number on mobile apps

The Google Voice app for iPhone and Android doesn't have a built-in option to change your number. You'll need to use the web version at voice.google.com on a computer or mobile browser. Open the browser on your phone, go to voice.google.com, and follow the same steps as you would on a desktop — the Settings menu and Change option work the same way.

Some users find it easier to use a computer for this task because the Settings page layout is clearer on a larger screen, but either method works.

What to do before you change your number

Before you make the change, send a message to everyone who uses your Google Voice number regularly. Include your new number and let them know when you're switching so they don't try to reach you at the old one. Update your number in any online accounts, business listings, or forms where you've listed it.

If you use Google Voice for work or business purposes, changing your number can disrupt communication, so consider whether the change is necessary. If you're changing because you're getting unwanted calls, you can also block numbers or turn on Do Not Disturb instead of changing your entire number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my old Google Voice number back?

No. Once you change your number, your old one is gone permanently. Google may reassign it to someone else after several months. If you changed your number by mistake, contact Google Support immediately — they may be able to help within a very short window, but there's no may provide.

What if I can't see the Change option in Settings?

New Google Voice accounts sometimes don't have access to the change number feature for the first few months. If you've had your account for less than 30 days or the option is grayed out, wait a few weeks and check again. You can also contact Google Support to ask when the feature will be available on your account.

Will my contacts automatically know my new number?

No. Google Voice doesn't notify your contacts when you change your number. You'll need to tell them yourself through text, email, or phone call. If you don't notify them, they'll keep trying to reach you at your old number, which won't work.

Can I change my number more than once a month?

No. Google limits number changes to once every 30 days per account. If you need to change it again, you'll have to wait until the 30-day period ends. This limit is firm and applies regardless of how many devices you use or how many times you try.

What happens to voicemails and text messages when I change my number?

Your voicemails and text message history stay in your Google Voice account and remain accessible after you change your number. The new number doesn't have access to messages sent to your old number, but you can still read old messages in your Google Voice inbox.