You can use Google Voice without a phone, but not entirely without a phone number. When you sign up for a personal Google Voice number, Google asks you to verify an existing U.S. phone number. After that, you can make and receive calls and texts from voice.google.com on a computer or from the Google Voice app over Wi-Fi, and you can even remove the linked number later. If you need Voice for a business with no personal number involved, Google Workspace’s Voice service is the supported option.
How Google Voice uses your real phone number
- Verification at sign-up: personal Google Voice is available in the U.S. and requires you to link and verify a U.S. mobile or landline number when you claim your Voice number. This helps stop spam and abuse.
- Call forwarding (optional): calls to your Voice number can also ring your linked phones. You can turn this off.
- Not required for daily use: your Voice number works in the browser and the app over the internet without forwarding to any linked phone.
Step 1: Set up your Google Voice number
- Go to voice.google.com and sign in with your Google account.
- Choose to get a Voice number and search by city or area code.
- Select a number you like.
- Enter your existing U.S. phone number when asked, then enter the verification code Google sends by text or call.
Use a phone number you control long-term. A number can only be linked to one Google Voice account at a time.
Step 2: Use Voice on a computer with no phone
- Open voice.google.com in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari.
- Allow microphone access and notifications when the browser asks.
- Use the Calls tab to dial out, Messages to text, and Voicemail to listen to messages.
- Keep the tab open (in Chrome, right-click the tab and choose Pin) so you hear incoming calls.
A headset with a microphone gives the clearest calls. On a tablet or a phone without cellular service, install the Google Voice app and use it over Wi-Fi.
Step 3: Stop forwarding calls to your real number
- In Google Voice, select Settings (the gear icon).
- Select Calls on the left.
- Under Call forwarding, turn off the linked numbers you don’t want calls sent to. Under My devices, keep the web or app enabled.
Step 4 (optional): Remove the linked number
- Open Settings > Account.
- Next to the linked number, select Remove and confirm.
Your Google Voice number keeps working in the browser and app. Google’s help page on linked numbers explains these settings in more detail.
Keep your Voice number active
Google can reclaim personal Voice numbers that go unused for a long period. Make a call or send a text from your Voice number now and then, and respond to any email from Google about inactivity, so you don’t lose it.
Options for businesses
Google Workspace offers Google Voice as a paid add-on. An administrator assigns Voice numbers to users, so employees don’t link personal phone numbers to get one. This is the right route if you need Voice numbers for a team.
A note on “free SMS verification” sites
Some guides suggest using temporary online numbers to get past verification. Google typically rejects these, they can expose your account to whoever else uses that number, and they may break Google’s terms of service. Using a phone number you own, such as a family member’s with their permission, is safer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I text from Google Voice without a phone?
Yes. Texting works in the browser and the app.
Where do I find my Voice number?
See how to see your Google Voice number. For an overview of features, read how to use Google Voice.
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.