You can delete a Google Voice number through your Google Account settings, but the number becomes unavailable to everyone after 90 days
When you delete a Google Voice number, Google holds it for 90 days before releasing it back into circulation. During those 90 days, the number cannot be used by anyone — not even you. After 90 days pass, Google may reassign it to another person. You cannot recover a deleted number after those 90 days are up, so make sure you have forwarded any important contacts to a different number before you start the deletion process.
The deletion happens in your Google Account settings, not in the Google Voice app itself. You need to use a web browser to complete this task. The process takes about five minutes and requires you to confirm your choice twice.
Key Takeaways
- Deleted Google Voice numbers are held for 90 days and then released to other users, so save any important contacts before you delete.
- You must delete through the Google Voice website settings, not through the mobile app.
- Google asks you to confirm the deletion twice to prevent accidental removal.
- After deletion, incoming calls and texts to that number will not reach you or be stored anywhere.
Steps to delete your Google Voice number
Step 1: Open Google Voice in a web browser. Go to voice.google.com and sign in with the Google Account that owns the number. Do not use the mobile app — the deletion option is only available on the website.
Step 2: Click the Settings gear icon. In the top right corner of the page, you will see a gear icon. Click it and select "Settings" from the menu that appears.
Step 3: Find the "Delete Google Voice account" section. Scroll down to the bottom of the Settings page. You will see a red section labeled "Delete Google Voice account" or similar language. This is the only place where you can remove your number permanently.
Step 4: Click the delete button. Click the button that says "Delete Google Voice account" or "Delete account". Google will show you a warning that explains what happens when you delete — your number will be released after 90 days, and all voicemails and text messages will be erased.
Step 5: Confirm your choice. Google asks you to confirm a second time. You may need to enter your password or verify your identity through a security prompt. Complete this step to finish the deletion.
What happens to your number after deletion
Once you delete your Google Voice number, it stops working immediately. Any calls or texts sent to that number will not reach you. Voicemails that were stored in your account will be deleted and cannot be recovered. Text message history is also erased.
For the next 90 days, the number is inactive and unavailable. You cannot reactivate it or get it back during this window. After 90 days, Google releases the number and may assign it to another person. This means someone else could eventually use your old Google Voice number, so do not give out the number to anyone after you have deleted it.
Before you delete: what to do with your contacts
Before you start the deletion process, contact anyone who uses your Google Voice number regularly and give them your new contact information. This includes friends, family, work contacts, and any services that may send you texts or calls to that number.
Check your voicemail and text message history to see if there are any important messages you need to save. Google Voice does not provide an easy way to export these messages, so take screenshots or write down anything you need to keep. After deletion, these messages are gone permanently.
If you have set up call forwarding to another phone number, that forwarding will stop working once you delete your Google Voice account. Make sure anyone who needs to reach you knows your new number before the deletion takes effect.
If you want to keep your number but stop using it
Deletion is permanent after 90 days. If you think you might want your Google Voice number back someday, consider not deleting it. Instead, you can simply stop using it and let it sit inactive in your account. The number will remain yours as long as you keep the Google Account open.
You can also change your forwarding settings so that calls and texts no longer reach your phone. Go to Settings and turn off all forwarding numbers. This way, your Google Voice number still exists, but incoming calls and texts will not disturb you. You can reactivate forwarding later if you change your mind.
Troubleshooting: the delete button is not showing
If you cannot find the "Delete Google Voice account" button, you may be looking in the wrong place. Make sure you are on the Settings page, not the main Google Voice screen. The delete option is always at the very bottom of the Settings page, in a red section.
If you are using the Google Voice mobile app, the delete option will not appear. You must use a web browser and go to voice.google.com directly. Open the browser on your phone or computer, sign in, and navigate to Settings from there.
If you still cannot see the delete option, try signing out of your Google Account completely and signing back in. Sometimes the page does not load all options until you refresh your session. Clear your browser cache and cookies, then try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my Google Voice number back after I delete it?
No. Once the 90-day hold period ends, the number is released and you cannot recover it. If you think you might need the number later, do not delete it. Instead, stop using it and leave it inactive in your account.
What happens to my voicemails and text messages when I delete?
All voicemails, text messages, and call history are permanently erased when you delete your Google Voice account. There is no way to recover these messages after deletion, so save anything important before you proceed.
Will people still be able to call or text my old Google Voice number after I delete it?
During the 90-day hold period, calls and texts to your old number will not reach anyone. After 90 days, Google may assign the number to a new user, so calls and texts could reach that person instead. This is why you should notify your contacts before deleting.
Do I need to delete my entire Google Account to delete my Google Voice number?
No. Deleting your Google Voice number only removes that specific service from your account. Your Gmail, Google Drive, YouTube, and other Google services will remain active. Only Google Voice is affected.
Can I delete my Google Voice number from the mobile app?
No. The delete option is only available on the Google Voice website. Open a web browser, go to voice.google.com, sign in, and go to Settings to find the delete button.