How Google Voice Works (2024)

Google Voiceis a telephone service that can unify communication channels so that several phones can ring simultaneously via one single, free phone number that works like most other phone numbers. Upon an incoming call, you have several options to handle this communication.

At its core, Google Voice is not a VoIPservice likeSkype, but it does take advantage ofVoIP technologyover the internet in order to route some of its calls, to allow international calls at a cheap rate, to allow free local calls, and to offer the numerous features it's known for.

How Google Voice Works (1)

Google Voice provides a phone number. With it, incoming calls forward to any phone of your choosing—your house phone, smartphone, or another phone.

Another way to use Google Voice is to port your primary phone number over to this service, to use your existing number as your Google number, but this feature has a few caveats.

How Google Voice Works

Google Voice links with the PSTN—the wired landline telephone system—and the mobile network to hand over the calls. Any call initiated through it necessarily has to pass through the PSTN. However, the PSTN doesn’t do all the work. The call is then handed to Google's servers, which is where the numbers are pooled.

Say, for example, the call is directed to another Google Voice number. That number is identified within Google’s numbers, and from there, the call is sent to its final destination.

The main aim of Google Voice is to unify communication channels rather than saving on cost. As a result, you can easily switch carriers without having to change the phone number, because one number can ring any phone through any carrier. If your physical phone number changes, all you need to change is the number to which your calls are routed.

How to Get Google Voice

Google Voice apps are available for download for the major mobile platforms.

Download For:

  1. Open the Google Voice website and click Get Google Voice. Sign in to your Google account if asked.

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    Choose iOS, Android, or Web.

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    You might also see a Terms of Service and Privacy Policy screen. Accept them with the Continue button.

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  2. On the page that asks about choosing a Google Voice number, enter a city or area code to get a phone number from that region.

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  3. Review the numbers presented and then choose one to use as your Google Voice number by clicking or tapping Select.

    If you want to see more than the few that are shown by default, choose the Load More button under the numbers.

  4. Verify your existing phone number with the Verify button on the following page.

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  5. Enter the phone number that Google Voice should forward incoming calls to then select Send Code.

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  6. Check your phone for the text message from Google, and then enter that code on the Google Voice website in the text box that reads G -. So, it'll look something like G-9820.

  7. Select Verify to confirm that the code has been entered correctly.

  8. Choose Claim to confirm you want to forward Google Voice calls to that phone number.

    If Google Voice is already forwarding calls to that phone, setting up a new Google Voice number with that phone removes it from being used with the previous Google Voice number (i.e. calls that used to be forwarded to your phone from another Google Voice account stop ringing that phone). This glitch only happens if you've used the same phone with another Google Voice number from a different Google account.

  9. Use the Finish button to finish setting up Google Voice then click Finish again on the final screen to open your Google Voice account.

Learn more about how to get your own Google phone number

Ringing Multiple Phones

Your Google Voice account supports several configuration settings and preferences, among which is a feature that allows you to set which phones you want to ring when someone calls your Google number. You can enter up to six different numbers to have six different phones or devices ring upon a call. For example, you may have your mobile phone, home phone, and office phone ring.

Here's how to set up multiple phones with Google Voice:

  1. Open your Google Voice settings from the three-dotted menu button on the left side of the Google Voice website.

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  2. With the Phone numbers tab selected, locate the Linked numbers section of the settings.

  3. Click or tap New linked number under your existing phone number.

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  4. Enter the phone number that should accept Google Voice calls, and select Send Code, or Call if you chose the phone call option.

    If you chose the calling option, you have to click or tap Call once more to start the phone call.

  5. In the space provided on the Google Voice website, enter the code you received over text or heard over the phone call.

  6. Return to the Google Voice settings page from step 1 and open the Calls tab.

  7. Make sure there's a check in the box next to all the relevant phone numbers. If there isn't, put a check in the box next to each number that should ring when a call comes through your Google Voice number.

Other Features of Google Voice

Along with making and receiving phone calls, Google Voice has several options that let you customize what happens when someone tries to reach you. You can set rules for both individual contacts and groups of them that will forward their calls to another number (for example, your home phone), send them directly to voicemail, or only put them through to specific devices. Other options let you screen calls and use customized greetings for specific people.

Google Voice Cost

Google Voice is not a complete alternative to the services of cell phone carriers, unlikeSkype and the like. However, while you still have to pay your phone or wireless carrier in order to use Google Voice (since it has to connect to your phone to be used), it's still free, meaning that you don't have to pay anything extra to use Google Voice.

Google Voice does allow you to save money, though:

  • Make free local calls and overseas calls (inbound from outside the US) to any number within the United States and Canada.
  • Place cheap calls (at VoIP rates) to any international destination. Such calls would be many times more expensive through PTSN telephony.
  • Google Voice offers free SMS so that you can send text messages through your Google number without paying.

Google Voice is available only in the United States. Since there's no way to use it elsewhere, if you need something like Google Voice from outside the US, you have to consideran alternativeservice.

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How Google Voice Works (2024)

FAQs

How Google Voice Works? ›

Google Voice works using VoIP technology to let you make and receive both calls and texts via an internet connection. All it needs to support calling is a speaker and a microphone — that includes your cell phone, computer, or tablet. Some of the main features of Google Voice include: Call forwarding.

How does a Google Voice number work? ›

Your Google Voice number lets you make and receive calls at voice.google.com or on the Google Voice app. You can also link phone numbers you want to forward calls to if you don't want to answer with Google Voice. When call forwarding is set up, calls to your Google Voice number will ring your linked phones.

Is Google Voice actually free? ›

Cost and availability

When you call from the US, almost all Google Voice calls to the US and Canada are free. Some calls to specific phone numbers in the US and Canada cost 1 cent per minute (USD). Calls outside the US are at listed rates.

Why would someone use a Google Voice number? ›

Google Voice allows you to easily record calls and start and stop recording with a single click. You may always listen to the recordings whenever you want. This is an excellent alternative for large meetings over the phone. They can be saved and referred to whenever needed.

Does Google Voice show your real number? ›

Caller ID. If you have a Google Voice number, it will appear on the recipient's caller ID. If you haven't set up a Google Voice number, a generic number or the word "unknown" will appear to the person you're calling.

Can you trace a Google Voice number? ›

For somebody to track google voice number, they'll need to have excellent hacking skills, as Google offers complete security for your number and data. Even though a Google Voice call number isn't traceable, it doesn't mean one can use it to make spam calls.

Do I need a cell number to use Google Voice? ›

While you do have to have at least one existing phone line in order to use Google Voice — and a Google account, of course — there are still many good reasons to use the service. And that's especially true if you have more than one phone number, such as a cell number, a work number, and a home landline.

Is there a downside to Google Voice? ›

There aren't any organizational tools or foldering system for your text messages. As a business, you are getting way more messages than the average Google Voice user. With time things can become cumbersome and time-consuming to manage. This limitation will hinder your productivity as your business grows.

Does Google Voice number show up on cell bill? ›

Whether the calls will show up on your cell phone carrier's bill depend on how you have your Google Voice app set up. Under the section Making and receiving calls, you can enable the VoIP client by choosing Prefer Wi-Fi and mobile data. Any calls using the VoIP client will not show up on your phone bill.

How much is Google Voice per month? ›

Voice
Starter $10 USD per user / month SelectPremier $30 USD per user / month Select
International Locations1NoneUnlimited
PRODUCT FEATURES
Calls between Google Voice numbers includedcheckcheck
Calls to the US from any Google Voice number included2checkcheck
24 more rows

Does Google Voice use WiFi or Cell? ›

Make calls over Wi-Fi

Important: If you start a call from the phone app on your device instead of the Voice app, the call uses minutes from your mobile phone plan. To use Wi-Fi for a call, start the call from the Voice app. Learn how to make a call with Google Voice.

Can people tell I'm using Google Voice? ›

By default, your name is not displayed on caller ID when you make calls using Google Voice. However, you can choose to make your name visible to specific people or to everyone. To change your name visibility settings, go to the Google Voice website and sign in to your account.

What are the benefits of having a Google Voice number? ›

Pros of Google Voice
  • Offers free numbers.
  • Make free calls to the US.
  • Call and text internationally.
  • Share responsibility for incoming calls.
  • Porting in existing numbers.
  • Texting is for US customers only.
  • Works only with other Google apps.
  • Costs more than other VoIP providers.
Feb 28, 2023

Can people see my name with Google Voice? ›

When you call contacts from your Google Voice number, it shows up on their caller ID, but standard phone traces don't reveal your identity. If law enforcement agencies become involved, Google provides them with your account information, including the IP address from which you created the account and placed calls.

How do I know if a call is from Google Voice? ›

Tip: To help you identify calls that are forwarded from Google Voice, turn on Show my Google Voice number as caller ID when forwarding calls.

Does *67 work on Google Voice? ›

Hide your caller ID for individual calls

Enter the prefix used to block your caller ID. This prefix depends on the country or region your Google Voice number is from. For example, if your Google Voice number is from the US, your prefix is “*67.” You always use the same prefix for all numbers you call.

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