Google Voice gives you a free phone number you can use to call, text and get voicemail from your phone, computer or tablet. To start, go to voice.google.com or install the Google Voice app, sign in with your Google account, choose a number by city or area code, and verify it with an existing US mobile or landline number. After that, you can make calls and send texts from the app or website, and calls to your Google Voice number can ring your linked phones.
The free personal version is available for personal Google accounts in the US. Businesses can get Google Voice as a paid add-on to Google Workspace. Below are the setup steps and how to use calls, texts, voicemail and forwarding.
Set up Google Voice
- Go to voice.google.com on a computer, or install the Google Voice app on Android or iPhone.
- Sign in with your Google account and accept the terms.
- Search for a number by city or area code and click Select next to the one you want.
- Click Verify and enter an existing US phone number. Google sends a code by text or call to confirm it.
- Enter the code. That phone is now linked, and your Google Voice number is ready.
Make a call
- Computer: On voice.google.com, click Calls, type a name or number, and click the call button. Use a headset for the best sound.
- Phone app: Open the app, tap Calls, tap the dial pad, enter a number, and tap Call.
Calls to the US and Canada are free. International calls are charged at low per-minute rates from Google Voice credit. In the app’s settings, you can choose whether calls use Wi-Fi and mobile data or your carrier’s minutes.
Send texts
- Click or tap Messages.
- Start a new message and enter one or more contacts or numbers.
- Type your message, attach a photo if you want, and send.
Texts come from your Google Voice number, not your carrier number, so the other person sees your Google Voice number.
Use voicemail and transcriptions
Missed calls go to Google Voice voicemail. Open Voicemail to listen and read a text transcription. In Settings > Voicemail, you can record a greeting and choose to get voicemails by email.
Forward calls to your phones
- Go to Settings (the gear on the website or in the app menu).
- Under Calls or Account, find Linked numbers and add or remove phones.
- Turn on Forward calls to linked numbers for each phone you want to ring.
You can also screen calls, so Google Voice asks callers to say their name before you answer, and turn on Do not disturb to send all calls to voicemail.
What Google Voice is good for
| Use | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| A second number | Keep your personal number private for online listings or work |
| Calls from a computer | Call and text without your phone nearby |
| Voicemail transcriptions | Read voicemails instead of listening |
| Ringing several phones | One number rings your mobile and other linked phones |
| Cheap international calls | Low per-minute rates from your Google Voice credit |
Limits to know about
- Personal Google Voice requires a US number to verify and is for US users.
- Emergency 911 calls should be made from your regular phone, since Google Voice may not support them reliably.
- Some services don’t accept Google Voice numbers for verification codes.
- Numbers that go unused for a long time can be reclaimed. Make a call or send a text occasionally to keep yours.
Related: find your Google Voice number.
Related: port a number to Google Voice.
Related: Change caller ID on Google Voice.
Related: Use Google Voice without a phone number.
Frequently asked questions
Is Google Voice free?
The personal version is free for US calls and texts. International calls cost money, and porting your own number into Google Voice has a one-time fee.
Can I use Google Voice without a phone?
You need a US phone number to set it up. After that, you can call and text from a computer without your phone.
Can I keep my Google Voice number if I change phones?
Yes. The number belongs to your Google account. Sign in to the app on the new phone.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.