What a Google phone number is and how to get one
A Google phone number is a real phone number that Google assigns to you through Google Voice. It works on your smartphone, tablet, or computer, and people can call or text it just like any other number. The number is yours to keep as long as you use it at least once every six months — if you stop using it, Google may reclaim it.
You do not need to switch phone carriers or cancel your existing phone plan to get a Google number. Instead, Google Voice sits on top of your current setup and forwards calls and texts to whatever devices you choose. You can answer from your phone, your computer, or even a web browser, and the person calling sees only your Google number, not your personal cell phone number.
The service is free to set up and use within the United States. International calls cost money, but domestic calls and texts between you and other people in the US are included at no charge.
Key Takeaways
- You need a Google account and a current phone number to create a Google Voice number; the setup takes about five minutes.
- Google Voice forwards calls and texts to devices you choose, so you can answer from your phone, computer, or web browser without giving out your personal number.
- The number stays active only if you use it at least once every six months; if you stop using it, Google may reassign it to someone else.
- You can change which devices receive calls and texts, block callers, and set up voicemail greetings all from the Google Voice website or app.
Step-by-step setup on your phone or computer
Start by going to voice.google.com in any web browser on your phone or computer. Sign in with your Google account — if you do not have one, create it first at accounts.google.com. Once you are signed in, click the "Set up Google Voice" button or the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and look for "New number".
Google will ask you to choose a phone number. You can search by area code or by typing in a city name. Browse the available numbers and pick one you want to keep. Once you select it, Google asks you to verify a phone number where you can receive a text or call — this is usually your current cell phone number. Google sends a verification code to that number, and you type the code back into Google Voice to confirm you own it. After verification, your Google number is active and ready to use.
The entire process takes about five minutes. You do not need to download anything at this stage — Google Voice works through the web browser. However, downloading the Google Voice app on your phone (available on both iPhone and Android) makes it easier to see calls and texts in one place alongside your regular messages.
Connecting your Google number to your devices
After setup, you decide which devices receive calls and texts sent to your Google number. Go to voice.google.com, click the menu, and select "Settings". Under "Devices and numbers", you see a list of devices you can connect. Your phone number appears here, and you can toggle each device on or off.
If you toggle on your cell phone number, calls and texts to your Google number will ring through to your regular phone. If you toggle on your Gmail account, you can answer calls from your computer using the Google Voice web interface or the app. You can have multiple devices active at the same time — for example, your phone and your computer both ringing when someone calls your Google number.
You can change these settings anytime. If you want to stop receiving calls on your computer but keep them on your phone, just toggle the computer off. The changes take effect immediately.
Using your Google number for calls and texts
Once your devices are connected, using your Google number is straightforward. Open the Google Voice app on your phone or go to voice.google.com on your computer. To make a call, click the call icon, type in the phone number you want to reach, and press call. The call goes out from your Google number, so the person you are calling sees your Google number on their screen, not your personal cell phone number.
To send a text, click the message icon, select a contact or type a phone number, and type your message. Texts work the same way — they come from your Google number. You can also receive texts and calls from other people; they simply text or call your Google number like they would any other number, and the message or call appears in your Google Voice inbox.
If someone calls your Google number and you do not answer, the call goes to voicemail. You can listen to voicemail through the app or the website, and Google Voice transcribes most voicemails into text so you can read them instead of listening.
Managing voicemail, blocking, and call screening
Google Voice lets you customize how calls are handled. In Settings, you can record a custom voicemail greeting so callers hear your voice instead of a generic message. You can also set up different greetings for different contacts — for example, a professional greeting for work calls and a casual one for friends.
If you want to block a caller, open a conversation with that person in Google Voice and click the block icon. Blocked callers cannot reach you through your Google number; their calls go straight to voicemail and you do not see them in your inbox. You can unblock someone anytime by going back to Settings and finding the blocked list.
Google Voice also offers call screening, which means you can see who is calling and choose to answer, send to voicemail, or block them before you pick up. This feature is especially useful if you use your Google number for business or to keep your personal number private.
Keeping your Google number active and what happens if you stop using it
Google requires you to use your Google Voice number at least once every six months to keep it. "Using" it means making a call, sending a text, or receiving a call or text — any of these counts. If you do not use it for six months, Google sends you a warning email. If you continue not to use it for another month, Google may close the number and reassign it to someone else.
If you think you might not use your number for a while, you can still keep it by making a free call to any US number every six months. Some people set a phone reminder to call a friend or a business line once every few months just to keep the number active.
If your Google number is closed and you want a new one, you can go through the setup process again and request a different number. However, you cannot get the same number back once it has been reassigned.
Switching from your Google number or canceling it
If you decide you no longer want your Google number, you can delete it from Settings. Click the menu, go to Settings, find "Delete Google Voice account", and follow the prompts. Once deleted, the number is gone and you cannot recover it. Make sure anyone who needs to reach you has your personal phone number before you delete your Google number.
If you want to keep using Google Voice but switch to a different number, you can request a new number through the "New number" option in the menu. Google limits how often you can change numbers — typically you can get a new one every 30 days. Your old number will be recycled after a period of inactivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Google phone number for business?
Yes. Many small business owners and freelancers use Google Voice numbers to keep business calls separate from personal calls. You can set up a professional voicemail greeting, block unwanted callers, and answer from your computer during work hours. However, if you need features like call recording, advanced analytics, or the ability to have multiple team members answer the same number, you may want to explore other VoIP services designed specifically for business.
What happens if I port my Google number to a different carrier?
Google Voice numbers cannot be ported to traditional phone carriers. They exist only within Google's system. If you want to switch to a regular cell phone plan with a different carrier, you would need to get a new number from that carrier and stop using your Google number. You can, however, forward your Google number to your new carrier's number so people can still reach you.
Can I use Google Voice on multiple phones at the same time?
Yes. You can connect your Google number to multiple phone numbers and devices. When someone calls your Google number, all connected devices ring at the same time. You can answer from whichever device is closest. You can also toggle devices on and off in Settings anytime you want to change which phones receive calls.
Is there a cost to receive calls or texts on my Google number?
No. Receiving calls and texts on your Google number is free. Making calls and texts within the United States is also free. International calls do cost money, and the rates vary by country. You can see the rates for any country in the Google Voice Settings under "Calls" before you dial.
What if I lose access to the phone number I used to verify my Google account?
If you change phone carriers or lose your phone, you can update your verification number in Google Voice Settings. Go to "Devices and numbers", find your phone number, and click the edit icon. You can then enter a new phone number where Google can reach you. This does not affect your Google number itself — it only changes where Google sends verification codes and account alerts.