What Google Voice Is and What It Does

Google Voice is a free phone service from Google that gives you a single phone number you can use to make calls, send text messages, and receive voicemails across multiple devices. You can use it on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. Calls and texts to other people in the United States and Canada are free, and you can forward calls to your existing phone number so you don't miss anything.

The service is useful if you want to keep your personal phone number private, separate work and personal calls on the same phone, or have a number that stays the same even if you change carriers or move. Google Voice stores your voicemails as audio files you can listen to anytime, and it transcribes them into text so you can read them instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a Google account to create a Google Voice number, and the process takes about five minutes through voice.google.com.
  • Google will ask you to verify your identity by sending a code to an existing phone number you already own.
  • You can choose your own number from available options in your area, or let Google assign one to you.
  • Once created, you can use your Google Voice number to call and text from any device where you are signed into your Google account.

Step 1: Sign Into Your Google Account

Go to voice.google.com in any web browser on your computer. If you are not already signed into Google, you will see a sign-in screen. Enter the email address and password for your Google account. If you do not have a Google account yet, you will need to create one first — you can do this at accounts.google.com by clicking "Create account" and following the prompts.

Once you are signed in, Google Voice will load and show you a welcome screen. You may see a message saying "Get a Google Voice number" or similar language. Click the button to continue.

Step 2: Verify Your Identity With Your Existing Phone Number

Google will ask you to enter a phone number you already own — this is usually your mobile phone, but it can be any phone number where you can receive a text message or phone call. Type the number into the field, including the area code. Make sure the number is correct, because Google will send a verification code to it.

Choose whether you want to receive the code by text message or phone call. Text is usually faster. Google will send a six-digit code to that number within a few seconds. Open the text message or answer the call, find the code, and enter it into the box on the Google Voice screen. Once Google confirms the code, you can move forward.

Step 3: Choose Your Google Voice Number

Google will show you a list of available phone numbers in the area code you requested, or in the area code where your existing phone number is located. You can browse through the list and pick any number that appeals to you. Some people look for numbers with patterns they can remember, like repeating digits. You can also search for a specific area code if you want a number from a different region.

If you do not want to choose, you can let Google assign a number to you automatically. Once you select a number or confirm the automatic assignment, Google will reserve it for you. You will see a confirmation screen with your new Google Voice number displayed.

Step 4: Link Your Existing Phone (Optional but Recommended)

Google will ask if you want to forward calls from your new Google Voice number to your existing phone. This is optional, but most people set it up so they do not miss calls. Enter the phone number where you want calls forwarded — this is usually the same number you used for verification, but it can be any number you own.

You can also skip this step and add it later. If you skip it now, you will only be able to use Google Voice on your computer or through the Google Voice app on your phone. You can change these settings anytime by going to voice.google.com, clicking the settings gear icon, and selecting "Linked numbers."

Step 5: Download the Google Voice App (Optional)

To use Google Voice on your phone, you can download the free Google Voice app from the Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iPhone). Open the app, sign in with your Google account, and your Google Voice number will appear. You can then make calls and send texts directly from the app.

You do not have to download the app if you do not want to. You can always use Google Voice through the website on your phone's web browser, or you can rely on call forwarding to your existing phone number. The app is mainly useful if you want to send text messages from your Google Voice number or see your voicemails in one place.

What You Can Do Once Your Number Is Created

Once your Google Voice number is active, you can make calls to any number in the United States or Canada for free using your computer, phone, or tablet. Text messages to other people in the US are also free. If you call or text people outside the US and Canada, Google Voice charges a small per-minute rate, which you can see before you dial.

Your voicemails are stored in Google Voice and transcribed into text automatically. You can listen to them, read them, or have Google read them aloud to you. You can also block numbers, set up custom voicemail greetings for different contacts, and see a log of all your calls and texts in one place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my Google Voice number if I stop using it?

Google will deactivate your number if you do not use it for six months. If you want to keep it, you need to make at least one call or send one text every six months. If your number is deactivated, you can reactivate it within 30 days, but after that it may be reassigned to someone else.

Can I change my Google Voice number after I create it?

Yes, but you can only change it once every 30 days. Go to voice.google.com, click the settings gear, select "Change number," and follow the steps. You will be charged a small fee (usually around $3) each time you change it.

What if the area code I want is not available?

Google shows you numbers in your requested area code first, but if none are available, you can search for numbers in other area codes. You can choose any area code in the United States, even if you do not live there. The area code does not affect where you can call or text.

Can I use Google Voice on multiple devices at the same time?

Yes. You can sign into your Google account on your computer, phone, and tablet, and your Google Voice number will work on all of them. If someone calls your Google Voice number while you are using it on one device, the call will ring on all your devices at once, and you can answer on whichever one is closest.

Do I need to pay for Google Voice?

The basic service is free. Calls and texts within the US and Canada are free. International calls cost money, but you can see the rate before you dial. You can also buy a subscription for a small monthly fee if you want additional features like call recording or a custom voicemail greeting.