How to disconnect a Google Voice number
To disconnect your Google Voice number, sign into your Google Voice account, go to Settings, select the phone number you want to remove, and click "Delete this number." Google will ask you to confirm, and the number becomes inactive immediately. You cannot reactivate a deleted number, so make sure you have forwarded any important contacts to a different phone number first.
The process takes less than a minute, but the consequences are permanent. Once deleted, that Google Voice number is gone forever — Google does not reassign it or hold it for you. If you think you might need the number again later, consider pausing call forwarding instead of deleting it outright.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting a Google Voice number is permanent and cannot be undone, so inform your contacts of your new number before you proceed.
- You can pause call forwarding to your Google Voice number without deleting it, which keeps the number reserved for you.
- If you are switching to a new phone carrier, you may be able to port your existing phone number instead of using Google Voice.
- Google Voice numbers tied to a Google Workspace account have different deletion rules than personal accounts.
Step-by-step process to delete your number
Open a web browser and go to voice.google.com. Sign in with the Google account that owns the Google Voice number. Click the Settings gear icon in the top right corner and select "Settings" from the menu.
In the left sidebar, click "Phone numbers." You will see a list of all phone numbers connected to your account. Find the Google Voice number you want to remove and click on it. A panel will open showing details about that number. Scroll down until you see the "Delete this number" option and click it. Google will display a warning that the deletion is permanent. Click "Delete" again to confirm.
The number disappears from your account immediately. Any calls or texts sent to that number will no longer reach you. If someone tries to call it, they will hear a message that the number is no longer in service.
What happens to your voicemails and messages
When you delete a Google Voice number, all voicemails, text messages, and call history tied to that number are deleted as well. Google does not back these up separately, so if you need to save any conversations, take screenshots or export them before you delete the number.
To save your data before deletion, open each conversation in Google Voice and screenshot or copy the text. There is no built-in export tool, so manual saving is your only option. Once the number is deleted, this data is gone permanently.
Pausing instead of deleting
If you are not sure whether you want to keep the number long-term, you can pause call forwarding instead of deleting it. This keeps the number reserved under your account without actively using it. Go to Settings, select your phone number, and toggle off "Call forwarding." The number stays yours, but calls will not ring through to your phone.
You can turn call forwarding back on at any time without losing the number. This option works well if you are taking a break from Google Voice or testing whether you actually need the number before making a permanent decision.
Porting your number to a different carrier
If you want to keep your phone number but move it away from Google Voice, you can port it to a traditional phone carrier like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile. Not all Google Voice numbers are portable — numbers that Google assigned to you (rather than numbers you brought to Google Voice) cannot be ported out.
To check if your number is portable, contact the carrier you want to switch to and ask them to verify the number. If it is portable, they will give you instructions and may charge a porting fee, usually between $15 and $30. The process typically takes one to three business days. Do not delete your Google Voice number until the port is complete and your new carrier confirms the number is active.
Google Workspace accounts and deletion
If your Google Voice number is tied to a Google Workspace account (a business account), the deletion process is similar but the number may be managed by your workspace administrator. Check with your IT department or administrator before deleting, because they may have policies about how business phone numbers are handled.
Workspace administrators can also delete numbers on behalf of users, so if you no longer have access to your account, contact your administrator to request the deletion. Some organizations require approval before a business phone number can be removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my Google Voice number back after I delete it?
No. Google does not restore deleted numbers or hold them for you. Once deleted, the number is permanently removed from your account and cannot be recovered. If you think you might need the number later, pause call forwarding instead of deleting it.
What if I delete my number by accident?
Contact Google Support through your Google account, but be aware that Google rarely restores deleted numbers. The sooner you contact them, the better your chances, but there is no may provide. This is why taking time to confirm the deletion is important.
Do I lose my voicemails when I delete the number?
Yes. All voicemails, text messages, and call history are deleted along with the number. There is no separate backup, so save any important messages before you proceed with deletion.
Can I delete a Google Voice number if I still owe money on it?
Google Voice numbers are free, so there are no charges or balances owed. You can delete your number at any time without owing anything to Google.
How long does it take for the number to stop working after I delete it?
The number stops working immediately after you confirm the deletion. Calls and texts sent to that number will not reach you, and callers will hear a message that the number is no longer in service.