Google Voice is a free virtual phone service that gives you a local phone number that can be forwarded to a cell phone or a landline, allowing you to separate professional from personal calls. It’s also easy to get a Google Voice number. All you have to do is register for an account, pick a number, and set it up on your device.
To learn more about how to get a phone number through Voice, follow the steps below.
1. Sign Up for a Google Account
To use Google Voice features, you must first register for a Google account, which will unlock access to Google Voice along with other apps. Luckily, signing up for a Google account is free and only takes a few moments of your time. If you already have a Google account, you can skip to the next step.
Navigate to the Google Account sign-in page and fill out your information in the provided form. This is where you get to choose an email address. If you intend to use Google Voice or other Google apps for professional use, consider creating a username similar to your business name (Google will automatically inform you if an email address already exists).
Google Account sign-up page
Don’t skim past the end-user license agreement (EULA) without reading it; it’s wordy, but if you’re planning on using your Google Voice number for your business, it’s good to know the finer details. Read through all the terms and conditions so you understand what you are agreeing to. Once you’ve finished, enter your password and click “Next” to sign in with your freshly created Google account.
2. Enter Your Local Area Code
Once you’ve agreed to the terms and conditions, go to Google Voice and enter your three-digit area code. By default, it will use your location and give you the cities nearest you, so make sure that you grant Google permission to use your location when prompted. You don’t have to grant Google this permission, but part of establishing a local presence with your small business is ensuring that you have an area code that is native to the area.
Note: Some area codes may not be available. For example, you may have wanted a 212 (Manhattan) phone number, but might need to settle for something else nearby, as all 212 numbers have been used. This can be an issue for highly populated cities like New York and Seattle. However, you should have better luck finding an available area code if you live in a smaller city.
Google Voice number selection screen
3. Pick a Phone Number
Google will search records and display a list of available local numbers. Choose the one that you think works for your business. Try to find something memorable that will be easy to remember for your clients and associates. If you’re not seeing anything in the list provided, click the “show more” button. Once you see a phone number that speaks to you, click “Select.”
Pro tip: Don’t rush through this step, as your number reflects the image of your organization and how customers see you. If you need help choosing a number for your organization, check out our more comprehensive guide on business phone numbers.
4. Link Your Existing Phone Number
Virtual phone services work by forwarding calls to existing devices. Therefore, you need to have an existing phone number to complete the sign-up process. The number you link with your Google Voice account in this step should be the same phone number that you normally use to call the device you want your Google Voice number to ring on, and must be a U.S.-based number. You will be asked to verify this number before you can complete this step.
Google Voice six-digit verification
Google Voice will then send you a six-digit verification code by text message or by calling your device. It does this automatically to ensure you are not a spambot and instead are a legitimate Google customer. When you receive this verification code, enter the number in the provided form.
5. Download the Mobile App
Like other business phone systems on the market, Google Voice offers an app for iOS and Android devices. Navigate to your carrier’s app store and search for “Google Voice.”
Download the Google Voice app for iOS
Download the Google Voice app for Android
Choose the app and click “Download.” You will be prompted to sign in, so simply enter the login information for your Google account to get started. Once that’s complete, you can start making calls and messaging all you like with your newly minted Google Voice number.
Google Voice application in app store
Google Voice Costs
It costs nothing to get a Google Voice number or use the service for those located in the lower 48 of the United States and in some parts of Canada (outside of the cost to use cellular data). However, expect to pay for international calls, which are priced by the minute.
Google Voice Features
Google excels at making things user-friendly, and Google Voice is no exception. A smooth interface and clean layout are only the beginning. Google Voice features helpful tools like downloadable, transcribed voicemail, contact search, and the ability to place calls with a touch of a button. It also lets you fine-tune forwarding settings so that phone calls go to your device, but text messages get routed to Google Hangouts instead.
Check out our guide on how to use Google Voice for a more in-depth look at how to make the most of Google Voice’s features.
Google Voice Pros & Cons
While these features are great for starting out, the system lacks more advanced features like a toll-free number and software integrations. Google Voice will also reclaim your number if it deems that you have been inactive for too long. This is why it is important to weigh the pros and cons of any phone service before signing up for an account.
Google Voice Pros | Google Voice Cons |
---|---|
Free: Pay nothing to get started with Voice. | Customer support: Google is infamous for poor customer service and bad response times. |
User-friendly: Customers love the convenience of Google Voice and find it easy to navigate through the app. | Differentiation: There is no distinct way to tell whether you are receiving calls on your Voice number or personal number. |
Cloud-based: Access Voice through any browser by logging into the online portal, or download the Chrome extension. | Transcription: Many customers complain that the speech-to-text function is in need of improvements. |
If you find you need a more powerful virtual phone option, consider Grasshopper. The service offers multiple extensions per number, so you can share your business phone with your team members. You can also adopt a toll-free phone number for a more professional presence. Click here to start your seven-day free trial.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I take my Google phone number with me to another service?
Yes, you can. Navigate to the Google Voice unlock page and choose “Unlock my number.” Note that this process will cost you $3.
Does Google Voice use cell phone minutes?
Yes. Anytime that you use Google Voice with your cell phone, you are not getting around using your minutes in any way. Google Voice is not a service that offers a phone plan at this time.
Can only Google users with professional accounts use Google Voice?
No. Anybody can use Voice for personal or professional use.
Can I use Google Voice as my primary number?
You can, but it is not recommended. There are limitations to Voice, like international calling rates, SMS character limits, and other roadblocks that you might not anticipate ahead of time. It is recommended that you use your Voice number as your secondary telephone number.
Bottom Line
If you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or team leader of any kind, Google Voice is a great option if you’re on a budget and don’t need the extras of a voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) system. Google walks you through the entire setup process and helps you to quickly familiarize yourself with it. It is intuitive and easy to learn and use, serving as the perfect communication tool.
Stephen Goldberg
I want to get rid of my landline and replace it with a google voice number. Is there a way to make my current landline number my google voice number?
Amanda Norman
Hi Stephen,
Good question. Google Voice works by linking to an existing number, so when someone calls your Google Voice number, it rings to the devices you have connected to it. You’ll be able to choose your Google Voice number from a list of available numbers provided. Hope this helps.
I also suggest checking out our article, How to Use Google Voice as Your Business Phone Number, for a comprehensive overview of the free version of Google Voice.
Best wishes!
Mandy, Moderator
Good Doctor
This article states that Google Voice is “free,” however, when attempting to set up the service the 1st step is to choose a rate plan? That’s not free. Please help me understand.
Amanda Norman
Hi Good Doctor,
Sorry you are having trouble. Google Voice is free to those in the lower 48 states of the US and most of Canada. Are you located outside of that area?
Best wishes,
Mandy, Moderator
Debbie Burg
Besides using the google voice for business, I would also like to use my personal cell phone as a personal phone. Is there a way to toggle/switch between google voice and personal cell?
Amanda Norman
Hi Debbie,
Thanks for visiting the site. If you go to Settings and select Legacy Google Voice settings, you can set incoming calls to “Display Google Voice number”. I’ve included links to two Google support page links below that discuss the settings involving incoming and outgoing Google Voice calls for more specific instructions. Hope this helps.
Support page for making outgoing calls
Support page for incoming call settings
Best wishes,
Mandy, Moderator
Paul Lussier
Can I use a land line with google voice?
Amanda Norman
Hi Paul,
Good question! Yes, you can. The steps in this article are the same for a landline. I’ve also included a link to a Google Support page if needed.
Thanks for reading. Best wishes,
Mandy, Moderator
Shaundra Young-McDaniel
How do I delete my personal contact numbers off google voice?
Amanda Norman
Hi Shaundra,
Thanks for visiting the site! You can delete contacts by going to Google Contacts and deleting them from there. Below is a link to a support page that will walk you through the steps.
Remove contacts from Google Voice
Hope this helps. Best wishes,
Mandy, Moderator