Can you call a regular phone with Google Voice?

What is Google Voice?

Google Voice is a telephony service offered by Google that provides users with a phone number for calling, text messaging, and voicemail. With Google Voice, users can make and receive calls using their Google Voice number, which can ring multiple devices like a cell phone or landline phone (1).

Some key features of Google Voice include (2):

• Voicemail transcription – Voicemails are automatically transcribed and sent to your email or phone.
• Call forwarding – Forward calls to any phone number or device.
• SMS texting – Send and receive texts with your Google Voice number.
• Call screening – Screen calls and only answer ones you want.
• Conference calling – Add up to 10 people on a call.
• Call recording – Record inbound and outbound calls.

In summary, Google Voice provides a central phone number and various calling and messaging features over the internet. It can be used alongside or in place of a traditional phone service.

(1) Google Voice

(2) How Google Voice Works – The Complete Guide

Can You Call Regular Phones with Google Voice?

Yes, you can call regular landline and mobile numbers using your Google Voice number. Outbound calls are powered by your Google Voice account balance or linked phone.

According to Google Support, Google Voice users can make calls to any phone number in the US and Canada for free. You can call landlines, mobile phones, toll-free numbers, and even 911 with your Google Voice number.

To make a call, simply open the Google Voice app and dial the number on your keypad. Google Voice will connect the call and display your Google Voice number as the caller ID. The call is routed through Google’s network rather than your carrier minutes or cellular data.

Instead of using credit, Google Voice calls are billed at very low per-minute rates which are deducted from your account balance. International calls are billed at competitive rates to landlines and mobiles abroad.

How to Call a Regular Phone Number

Calling a regular phone number using Google Voice is simple and straightforward. Here are the steps:

First, open the Google Voice website (https://www.google.com/voice) or mobile app on your device. You’ll need to be logged into your Google account.

Next, locate the dialer and enter the full 10-digit phone number you want to call. Make sure to include the area code. For international calls, enter 011 followed by the country code and number.

Finally, tap the call button or press enter/return on your keyboard. Your outgoing Google Voice number will display on the recipient’s caller ID when the call connects.

Google Voice will ring your linked phones simultaneously so you can answer the incoming call. You can also configure it to ring solely your mobile device if preferred.

That’s all there is to it! Google Voice provides a quick and easy way to make calls to any phone number using your existing Google account.

Call Rates and Billing

Google Voice calls to numbers within the United States and Canada are charged at $0.01 per minute, according to Google’s calling rates page. International calls start at $0.05 per minute to many countries, with rates varying by destination. Specific international rates can be found on Google’s calling rates page.

These per-minute charges will be deducted from your Google Voice account balance if you have one, or billed to your linked mobile phone plan minutes. It’s important to keep an eye on your account balance or mobile plan minutes when making Google Voice calls to avoid unexpected overage charges.

Google does offer unlimited calling plans starting at $10/month for unlimited calling within the US. The higher-tier plans expand the unlimited calling to additional countries. Upgrading to an unlimited plan can help avoid per-minute billing for frequent callers.

Call Quality and Reliability

Call quality when using Google Voice depends heavily on your internet connection speed and stability. Since Google Voice calls are made over the internet (VoIP), any issues with your broadband connection can result in choppy audio, echoes, or dropped calls.

However, when conditions are ideal, Google Voice calls can be very high quality. Google Voice supports HD Voice, which allows for full wideband audio on compatible devices [1]. This results in crisp, clear call quality that is comparable to traditional phone services.

In general, the reliability of Google Voice is very good. Google has robust servers and network infrastructure to handle call traffic. Unless you are experiencing consistent problems with your own internet connection, Google Voice calls should be stable with few unexpected drops [2].

Users report that call quality can occasionally vary when the other caller is using an unsupported device or connection. But overall, Google Voice provides excellent call clarity that enhances communication.

Using Your Mobile Device

The Google Voice app allows you to make calls directly from your smartphone, whether on WiFi or using mobile data. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices.

On Android, the Google Voice app integrates seamlessly with the native phone app. You can set it as your default app for placing calls, allowing you to dial out using your Google Voice number without having to open the app separately. On iPhone, you need to open the Google Voice app directly to make calls.

The main benefit of using the mobile app is convenience. You can make Google Voice calls quickly and easily without having to use WiFi or log into the web browser interface. As long as you have an internet connection, you can place calls to any regular number right from your smartphone.

Calling Landlines vs Cell Phones

When calling regular phone numbers with Google Voice, there is no difference in making calls to landlines or mobile phones. Google Voice allows you to call any phone number in the US and Canada for free, whether it is a traditional landline phone or a mobile cell phone.

The process for calling a landline versus a cell phone with Google Voice is the same. You simply dial the full 10-digit phone number in the Google Voice app or using the web interface. The call will connect and function the same regardless of if it is a landline or mobile number.

Google Voice utilizes Voice over IP (VoIP) technology to route calls over the internet. So there are no distinctions on the backend between calling a landline versus calling a cell phone. Both call types will connect using the same network infrastructure.

In summary, Google Voice can call both landlines and mobile phones with no differences in making or receiving the calls. Users can seamlessly call any number they would from a regular phone line.

International Calling

Google Voice provides international calling capabilities to allow you to call most countries around the world. International rates through Google Voice start at only $0.05 per minute for calling landline numbers in numerous countries like Canada, China, France, Germany, and the UK. Calling mobile phones internationally is slightly higher around $0.10 – $0.15 per minute. However, some international destinations may be blocked or restricted by Google Voice.

When you place an international call through the Google Voice app or website, you will hear a message stating the per minute rate for that country. You can then choose to proceed with the call or hang up. International call rates may vary but generally remain low. This makes Google Voice a convenient and affordable option for staying connected with contacts around the world.

Call History and Recording

Google Voice provides a complete call history for all calls made using your Google Voice number. You can view this full call history in the Google Voice app or by logging into your Google Voice account in a web browser. The call history shows inbound, outbound, missed, and voicemail calls.

Google Voice also gives users the option to record both inbound and outbound calls. This can be enabled on a per-call basis during the call. Transcripts of voicemail messages left for your Google Voice number are also available in your call history. These transcripts allow you to quickly see the contents of a voicemail without needing to listen to the full recording.

According to Google’s support documentation, call recordings and voicemail transcripts are stored indefinitely as part of your Google Voice call history (source). This allows you to revisit previous conversations if needed. The full call history and recording options make Google Voice a useful tool for managing all your phone communications in one place.

Porting Your Phone Number

You can port an existing number over to Google Voice. This allows you to keep your current phone number when switching over to Google Voice. According to Google Support, porting a number to Google Voice requires a one-time $20 porting fee. The process of porting a number can take 1-10 business days to complete.

To get started, you will need to verify that you own the phone number you want to port. You can then submit a porting request in your Google Voice account settings. Google will work with your carrier to transfer your number. During this time you may experience brief interruptions in service. Once the port is complete, your number will work fully with Google Voice.

Porting an existing number to Google Voice allows you to keep the phone number you already know while taking advantage of Google Voice’s features. Just keep in mind the one-time $20 fee and up to 10 day porting process when switching over.