Can I create Google Voice number for free?

What is Google Voice?
Google Voice is a VOIP (voice over IP) phone service provided by Google. It allows users to get a free phone number that can be used to make and receive calls, send and receive text messages, and access other phone features.
Some key things to know about Google Voice:
- It provides a free phone number to users in the US and Canada.
- The number works as your virtual phone number, allowing you to place and receive calls.
- Call screening, voicemail transcription, call blocking and other features come included.
- It works as an app on your mobile device and online, rather than requiring any physical hardware.
- The service routes calls through your existing phone number and minutes.
In summary, Google Voice gives users a free additional phone line with various productivity features through an app-based VOIP service.
Why Get a Google Voice Number?
There are several key benefits to getting a Google Voice number:
Separate personal and work calls – With Google Voice, you can get a separate number for business use, keeping your personal number private. This makes it easy to screen calls based on whether it’s a work or personal matter.
According to How Google Voice Works, Google Voice allows you to toggle between your personal and work lines seamlessly.
Avoid giving out real number – Since your Google Voice number is separate from your regular number, you don’t have to give out your personal cell number to every client or lead. This helps maintain privacy and avoid spam calls to your real number.
Per How does Google Voice work, Google Voice gives you control over who can contact you directly versus going to voicemail.
Getting a Free Google Voice Number
Google Voice phone numbers are currently only available to users in the United States. To get a free Google Voice number, you first need to have a Google account. If you don’t already have one, you can easily sign up for a free Google account.
Once you are logged into your Google account, go to the Google Voice website at voice.google.com. Here you can request a new Google Voice number. You’ll be able to select the area code you want, and Google will provide you with a list of available numbers to choose from within that area code. Once you’ve selected your desired number, Google will walk you through the steps to verify and set up your new Google Voice number.
The process is quick, usually only taking a few minutes. You don’t need to provide any payment information, as the phone number itself is completely free. The only requirement is having an existing U.S. Google account.
So if you want a free secondary phone number for calling, texting, voicemail, and more, getting a Google Voice number is an easy option for any U.S. Google user to take advantage of.
Using Your Google Voice Number
Once you have set up your free Google Voice number, you can start using it to make and receive calls on both mobile and landline phones. Here are some of the key features:
Make and receive calls – You can make outgoing calls using your Google Voice number from the mobile app or web interface. Incoming calls to your Google Voice number will ring all your linked phones simultaneously.
Check voicemail and texts – Google Voice transcribes voicemails and delivers them to your email or the mobile app. You can also send and receive texts using your Google Voice number.
Call screening – Google Voice allows you to screen calls and listen in before deciding whether to pick up. You can also view information about unknown callers before answering.
Call recording – The Google Voice app allows you to record your calls for reference or sharing later on.
Free SMS – You can send free texts to any US and Canadian number using your Google Voice number.
Voicemail to text – Google Voice automatically transcribes your voicemails so you can read them instead of listening to them.
Custom greetings – You can set custom voicemail greetings for different groups of callers.
Google Voice Features
Some of the key features that make Google Voice stand out include:
- Voicemail transcription – Google Voice can transcribe your voicemails and send them to you as text messages or emails. This makes it easy to quickly scan voicemails without having to listen to each one.
- Call screening – The call screening feature allows you to see a caller’s number and hear their name before deciding whether to answer. You can reject calls or send them to voicemail with a single tap.
- Call forwarding – Google Voice lets you forward calls to any phone number, including landlines and mobile numbers. You can set unique call forwarding rules for your contacts.
- Conference calling – Google Voice supports conference calls with up to 10 participants. You can easily merge calls together to set up conference calls.
These features help make Google Voice a versatile tool for managing calls and voicemails. The transcription and screening capabilities are particularly useful for filtering unwanted calls.
Limitations of Google Voice
While Google Voice offers many useful features for free, there are some limitations to be aware of:
No emergency calling – Google Voice numbers cannot be used to make 911 or other emergency service calls. This is an important restriction, as users will need to keep alternative phone service for emergency purposes. See https://support.google.com/voice/answer/115061 for more details.
No MMS – Google Voice does not support sending or receiving picture messages (MMS). Only standard SMS text messages are supported. This can limit certain communication abilities, especially photo sharing. See https://support.google.com/voice/answer/115116 for Google’s explanation.
Number porting issues – While Google Voice allows porting an existing phone number, there are some limitations and risks. Porting can fail, temporarily disconnect your number, or even result in losing the number altogether if not done properly. See https://support.google.com/voice/answer/1065667 for Google’s warnings about porting numbers to Voice.
Google Voice Apps
Google Voice offers mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices as well as a Chrome extension, allowing you to access your Google Voice features across multiple platforms. The mobile apps allow you to make and receive calls, send and receive texts, listen to voicemail, and manage your Google Voice settings on the go from your smartphone or tablet.
The Google Voice Android app and Google Voice iOS app offer the full suite of Google Voice features, including:
- Making and receiving calls through your Google Voice number
- Sending and receiving text messages
- Listening to and managing your voicemail
- Configuring call forwarding, screening, and blocking
- Viewing your call history and texts
- Managing notifications and ringtones
The Chrome extension allows you to text, call, and manage voicemail directly from your browser. While not as full-featured as the mobile apps, it provides quick access to your Google Voice communication tools.
The apps help extend the usefulness of your Google Voice number across all your devices, enabling seamless communication no matter where you are.
Porting Your Number to Google Voice
Porting an existing phone number to Google Voice is only possible with mobile numbers, not landlines. Certain carriers may charge a one-time fee to release the number for porting, typically between $10 and $50. The number porting process with Google Voice can take a few days to complete:
- First, start the number porting process in the Google Voice settings.
- Google will verify the number can be ported and send confirmation to proceed.
- Complete the porting process with your carrier so they release the number.
- Your carrier may charge a one-time port out fee.
- After 1-4 days, Google will complete the port and you’ll be able use the number in Google Voice.
There are limits on porting – you can generally port 1 phone number at a time, up to 1,000 numbers maximum. Once complete, you’ll have all the Google Voice features enabled with your existing number.
Comparison to Other VOIP Services
While Google Voice provides a free and easy to use VOIP phone number, it has more limited features compared to paid services like Vonage and Skype for Business.
For example, Vonage offers advanced call routing, multiple phone numbers, video conferencing, and over 50 other features. Skype for Business also provides video calls, screen sharing, group chat, and integration with Office 365.
The main advantages of Google Voice are that it’s completely free, easy to set up and use, and includes basic VOIP calling and texting. For solopreneneurs and small teams, Google Voice can provide a useful second business line at no cost.
However, the functionality is fairly limited compared to feature-rich services designed specifically for business use. So companies that need advanced call handling, multiple users, or video chat will likely outgrow Google Voice over time.
Getting the Most From Google Voice
Google Voice offers useful features to enhance your calling experience. Here are some tips to maximize Google Voice:
Set up call forwarding
You can forward calls from your Google Voice number to multiple phones. This allows calls to ring simultaneously on your cell, home phone, work phone or any other number (source). Set up call forwarding under Settings in the Google Voice website or app.
Customize voicemail greetings
Personalize voicemail messages for different groups by setting up multiple greetings. You can have specific messages for friends, family, work contacts and unknown callers (source). Change greetings in Voicemail settings.
Enable transcriptions
Get automated written transcriptions of your voicemails delivered to your inbox. This makes voicemails easier to browse quickly (source). Turn on voicemail transcription in Settings.