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Google Voice is a free internet phone service that integrates with all your mobile phone services and lets you forward calls to multiple devices at once.
Google Voice was released in March 2009 after Google acquired communications startup GrandCentral. Now, nearly 15 years later, Google Voice is part of Google Workspace, along with other core services like Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, and Google Meet.
This Internet phone service is free for most calls within the U.S. and Canada, but international rates vary.
To use Google Voice, you’ll need at least one existing phone line and, of course, a Google account, but there are plenty of reasons to use the service nonetheless.
This is especially true if you have multiple phone numbers, such as a mobile phone, a work number, a home landline, etc. Google Voice streamlines your calls and text messages so you never miss an important communication.
Google Voice has an interesting history: It was at the center of a major dispute between former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and the late Apple founder Steve Jobs.
Google tried to bring Google Voice to the iPhone as an app, but Apple, with its growing presence in the communications market, vetoed the move. The tensions came to a head when Schmidt resigned from Apple’s board of directors in 2009. Apple eventually relented, adding Google Voice to its App Store in 2010.
But the controversy surrounding Google Voice continues to this day: In 2024, a federal jury ordered Google to pay $12 million in damages after finding that Google Voice infringed patents on internet voice calling. This was one of several major federal lawsuits that Google faced in 2023 and 2024.
Why would you want to use a Google Voice number?
Google Voice lets you integrate all your phone services and route calls to multiple devices at once. So if you have a landline at home, a work phone and a personal smartphone, instead of juggling people between three different numbers and devices, you can give them one simple Google Voice number, and when someone calls, all three numbers will be notified at the same time.
You can also use Google Voice on your computer to make and receive phone calls. However, before you can use Google Voice’s features, you’ll first need to have a Google account. As mentioned above, you’ll also need an existing U.S.-based mobile or landline phone number. In that sense, Google Voice is not a free phone service, but rather an add-on to your existing service.
For users with too many phones and numbers to manage, Google Voice is a great resource for consolidating multiple communication channels. It’s also great for regular travelers who have to move between carriers, since Google Voice numbers can be used internationally. However, it doesn’t work in every country, and rates vary by location.
It’s also a great option for those who have changed their phone number and are paying a lot of money for international calls, or for users who want to record incoming calls for free.
What are the drawbacks of Google Voice?
Google Voice works well in most of Europe and Latin America, but it’s unavailable in many other parts of the world unless you upgrade to a Google Voice plan that gives you access to Google SIP (Session Initiated Protocol), which enables VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol).
And while the monthly plans aren’t prohibitively expensive when setting up Google Voice for your small business, domestic calls and calls to Canada aren’t free.
Unless the other person already has your Google Voice number, they won’t know you’re using Google Voice when they call or text you. Because Google Voice issues you a new number, it will appear as a separate number from any phone lines you’ve associated with your account. This is an advantage if you want to remain anonymous, but a disadvantage if you want to screen your calls so people don’t recognize you.
Also, Google Voice doesn’t work with traditional landlines, at least not completely: You can set up calls to be forwarded to a landline, but you can’t make calls from a landline using a Google Voice number.
That said, for many people, there are pros and cons to using Google Voice, so here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started with Google Voice.
How to set up Google Voice on your computer
1. go Google Voice website.
2. If you’re not already logged in to your Google Account, log in now.
3. Enter your area code or city name in the Google Voice text box.
Four. In the dropdown that appears, select your phone number.
Five. You will be asked to verify your existing phone number. Click confirm on the loaded page.
6. Enter the number you want Google to forward your calls to. This should be your primary mobile number.
7. click Send Code.
8. Once you receive the code via text or phone, enter it in the box.
9. click confirm.
Ten. To check the number to which you want to forward your calls, Claim.
11. You will be prompted to click Finish twice before it is complete.
How to link multiple numbers to your Google Voice account on your computer
1. Once you’re logged in, go to Google Voice setting menu.
2. click New Link Number It’s at the bottom.
3. Enter the number you want to link and click Send Code.
Four. Complete the verification of your new number in the same way as your original number.
Five. To see all your linked numbers, go to Google Voice setting Click on the menu and scroll down to the bottom of the page. All linked numbers are under the phone icon.
How to set up Google Voice on your mobile device
1. Download the Google Voice app on your iPhone or Android phone.
2. Once the app is open, select and tap the Google account you want to associate your Voice number with. Continue.
3. On the next page, tap search Click in the bottom-right corner and select your Google Voice number.
Four. Enter your zip code, area code or city code and we’ll load a list of numbers relevant to your area for you to choose from.
Five. Tap the blue part select Click the button next to the number you want.
6. Google Voice will confirm your selected number. Tap Next The next two screens will begin the verification process.
7. Enter the phone number you want to connect to your Google Voice number.
8. On the next screen, enter the code that was texted to your phone, then confirm.
9. Tap Claim Before selecting it, make sure you link your Google Voice number to your mobile phone Finishing touches.
How to use Google Voice
Google Voice can be treated just like a regular phone app, but it offers a lot more flexibility.
To make a call using Google Voice, CallsClick , press the dial pad icon, and enter the number. In the settings menu, you can set up and listen to voicemail, block numbers, and customize other settings.
You can also send and receive text messages with Google Voice using WiFi or mobile data. Certain RestrictionsIf you’re sending a message to someone in the US or Canada, texts are free, but if you’re outside the US and not using WiFi, you may incur additional roaming charges.
For PC, Google Voice While signed in to your Google Account, open the page and use the keypad at the bottom right of the screen or your computer’s number keys to enter the number you want to call, then press the phone icon near the top right corner of the screen. Google Voice will make the call and you’ll be able to talk and listen using your computer’s speakers and microphone.