Change your Google Voice number in three steps
You can change your Google Voice number through the Google Voice app or website. The process takes about five minutes and costs $3 USD. After you change it, your old number stops working immediately, and calls to it will not reach you — so tell anyone who needs to contact you about the switch beforehand.
Google Voice lets you change your number once every 30 days. If you change it and then want to go back to a previous number, you cannot — the old number goes back into Google's pool and someone else may claim it later. This is permanent, so make sure you want the new number before you confirm the change.
Key Takeaways
- Changing your Google Voice number costs $3 and takes effect immediately, so your old number stops receiving calls right away.
- You can change your number once every 30 days, and you cannot get a previous number back after you change away from it.
- The change happens in the Google Voice settings under "Phone number," and you can pick a new number from available options in your area.
- Tell your contacts about the new number before you change it, since calls and texts to the old number will not reach you.
How to change your number on the Google Voice website
Open Google Voice in a web browser and sign in with your Google account. Click the Settings icon (gear symbol) in the top right corner, then select "Settings" from the menu.
In the left sidebar, click "Phone number." You will see your current number displayed. Click the "Change/Port" button next to it. Google Voice will show you a list of available numbers in your area code or a code you choose. Browse the options — you can search by area code if you want a number from a specific region. Once you find one you want, click it to select it.
Google Voice will ask you to confirm the $3 charge. Click "Change number" to complete the purchase. Your new number is active immediately. The old number stops working right away, so make sure you have already notified anyone who needs to reach you.
How to change your number in the Google Voice app
Open the Google Voice app on your phone and tap the profile icon in the top right corner. Select "Settings." Scroll down and tap "Phone number."
Tap "Change number" or "Change/Port," depending on your app version. Google Voice will show available numbers in your area. Tap on a number to see it highlighted, then tap "Change number" to confirm. You will be asked to approve the $3 charge. Once you confirm, your new number is live and your old one stops working.
What happens to your old number
Your old Google Voice number becomes inactive the moment you change it. Any calls or text messages sent to the old number will not reach you — they will either go unanswered or, if the caller leaves a voicemail, it will not be stored in your Google Voice account.
The old number goes back into Google's available pool after a waiting period. This means someone else could eventually claim it. You cannot reserve it or get it back later, so if you think you might want to use it again, do not change your number yet.
Picking a new number in a different area code
When you click "Change number," Google Voice defaults to showing numbers in your current area code. If you want a number from a different area code, look for a search or filter option in the number selection screen. Type in the area code you want — for example, 415 for San Francisco or 212 for New York — and Google Voice will show available numbers from that region.
You can change to any area code in the United States that Google Voice serves. There is no extra charge for picking a different area code; the $3 fee is the same regardless of which region you choose. Keep in mind that if you pick an area code far from where you live, people calling you might assume you are in that location.
Troubleshooting: why you cannot change your number
If the "Change number" button is grayed out or missing, you likely changed your number within the last 30 days. Google Voice enforces a 30-day waiting period between changes. Check the Settings page — it should tell you when you will be able to change again.
If you see an error message when you try to purchase a new number, make sure your payment method is current and has available funds. The $3 charge must go through for the change to complete. If your payment fails, try a different card or payment method, or contact Google Support for help with your account.
If you cannot find numbers available in your desired area code, that code may be temporarily out of stock. Try searching a nearby area code, or wait a few days and check again. Google Voice adds new numbers to its inventory regularly.
What to do before you change your number
Before you change your Google Voice number, send a message to everyone who contacts you regularly. Include your new number and let them know when you are making the switch. This gives them time to update their contacts.
If your Google Voice number is listed on a website, business card, social media profile, or anywhere else public, update those places before you change it. Once the old number is gone, people who find it online will not be able to reach you.
If you use your Google Voice number for two-factor authentication on other accounts (banking, email, social media), change those settings to use your new number before you switch. Some services let you update this in your account settings; others may require you to contact support. Do this first so you do not get locked out of your accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Google Voice number more than once a month?
No. Google Voice enforces a 30-day waiting period between number changes. You can change once per month at most. The Settings page shows you the exact date when you will be able to change again.
Will my voicemails transfer to my new number?
No. Voicemails attached to your old number stay in your Google Voice account, but they are not forwarded to your new number. You can still listen to them in your Google Voice history, but new callers will reach your new number.
What if I change my number by mistake?
You cannot undo a number change immediately. However, you can change to a different number after 30 days have passed. You cannot get your old number back — it goes into Google's pool and may be claimed by someone else.
Do I have to pay $3 every time I change my number?
Yes. Each number change costs $3 USD. This is a one-time fee per change, not a recurring charge. The fee is the same no matter which area code you choose.
Can I change my Google Voice number if I ported it from another carrier?
Yes. Whether your number came from Google Voice originally or you ported it in from another service, you can change it the same way. The $3 fee and 30-day waiting period apply either way.