You can change your Google Voice number, but only once every 30 days
Google Voice lets you change the phone number attached to your account, but the process has a hard limit: you can only do it once per 30-day period. When you change your number, your old one becomes available for someone else to claim after a short waiting period. The change takes effect immediately, and all your existing calls and texts route to your new number.
The change is permanent until you change it again. You cannot revert to an old number once you have released it, so make sure you want the new number before you confirm the swap.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Google Voice number once every 30 days by going to Settings in the Google Voice app or website and selecting "Change number" under the phone number section.
- Google Voice will show you available numbers in your area code or let you search for a different area code before you confirm the change.
- Your old number becomes available for others to claim after a waiting period, and you cannot get it back once you release it.
- The new number takes effect right away, and all your contacts should use the new number going forward since the old one will stop working for your account.
- If you have linked your Google Voice number to other services or apps, you will need to update those accounts with your new number manually.
How to change your number on desktop
Open Google Voice in a web browser and sign in to your account. Click the gear icon in the top right corner and select Settings. On the left side, click Phone numbers. You will see your current Google Voice number displayed with a Change number link next to it.
Click Change number. Google Voice will show you available numbers, starting with numbers in your current area code. You can scroll through the list or search for a different area code by typing it in the search box. Once you find a number you want, click it to select it. Google Voice will ask you to confirm the change. Click Change to finalize it. Your new number is active immediately.
How to change your number on the mobile app
Open the Google Voice app on your phone and tap the profile icon in the top right corner. Select Settings. Tap Phone numbers or Account, depending on your phone's operating system. You should see your current number with a Change number option.
Tap Change number and browse or search for a new one the same way you would on desktop. Select the number you want and confirm the change. The new number takes effect right away, and you can start using it for calls and texts immediately.
What happens to your old number
When you change your Google Voice number, your old number is released back into the pool of available numbers. Google holds it for a waiting period before making it available to other users. This waiting period varies, but it typically lasts several weeks. During this time, no one else can claim your old number.
Once the waiting period ends, someone else can request that number for their own Google Voice account. You cannot reclaim your old number after you have released it, even if it becomes available again. If you think you might need your old number in the future, do not change it.
Updating your contacts and linked accounts
Your Google Voice number change does not automatically update your contacts or any third-party services you have linked to your account. You will need to manually tell people your new number and update it in any apps or services that use it.
Check any accounts where you registered your Google Voice number — this might include banking apps, two-factor authentication settings, voicemail services, or messaging platforms. Go into each account's settings and update the phone number field with your new Google Voice number. This ensures you continue to receive calls, texts, and verification codes at the right number.
Reasons to change your Google Voice number
People change their Google Voice number for several reasons. You might want a number in a different area code if you have moved or want a local number for a new city. Some users change their number to get a vanity number or one that is easier to remember. Others change it because they have shared their old number too widely and want a fresh start with a more private number.
If you are using Google Voice for business and want to rebrand or reorganize your phone lines, changing the number can be part of that process. You can also change your number if you simply do not like the one you have and want something different.
The 30-day waiting period between changes
Google enforces a 30-day cooldown between number changes. This means once you change your number, you cannot change it again for at least 30 days. The timer starts from the moment you confirm the change, not from when you first click the option.
If you try to change your number before 30 days have passed, Google Voice will show you a message telling you when you will be able to change it next. Plan your number change carefully, since you are locked into your new number for a full month. If you realize you made a mistake, you will have to wait the full 30 days before you can change it again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my old Google Voice number back?
No. Once you change your number and release the old one, you cannot reclaim it. Google holds it for a waiting period before making it available to others, and after that, it is gone for good. Choose your new number carefully before you confirm the change.
What if I change my number by mistake?
You will have to wait 30 days before you can change it again. During that time, your new number is active and all your calls and texts use it. Contact anyone who needs your number and let them know it has changed. After 30 days, you can select a different number if you want.
Do my contacts automatically get notified when I change my number?
No. Google Voice does not send notifications to your contacts when you change your number. You will need to tell them yourself through text, email, or another method. Update any services or apps that use your Google Voice number as well.
Can I change my Google Voice number to a specific number someone else is using?
No. Google Voice only shows you numbers that are currently available. If a number is already assigned to another Google Voice account, it will not appear in your list of options. You can only choose from numbers that Google has released and made available.
Does changing my number affect my voicemail or call history?
Your call history and voicemail messages stay in your account when you change your number. You can still access old voicemails and see past calls in your Google Voice history. The new number is simply the number people use to reach you going forward.