Can you send texts with Google Voice?

What is Google Voice?

Google Voice is a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) phone service owned and operated by Google. It functions as an alternative phone number that can be used for making and receiving calls as well as sending and receiving texts [1]. The Google Voice number can be synced across mobile devices and computers, allowing users to place and take calls and send texts from any device where they are signed into their Google Account.

Some key features of Google Voice include:

Provides a free phone number for calling and texting

Transcribes voicemails and delivers them via text
Rings multiple phones to reach you
Blocks unwanted calls

Low international calling rates

In summary, Google Voice gives users an alternative virtual phone number that can be used seamlessly across devices. It provides features beyond standard calling and texting that aim to improve the phone communication experience.

Can You Send Texts with Google Voice?

Yes, you can send and receive texts using Google Voice. Google Voice supports SMS and MMS text messaging through either the Google Voice mobile app or the Google Voice website.

When you send a text via Google Voice, it will appear in the Voice app and sync across devices. So if you start a conversation on your phone, you can continue it on the web, or vice versa. Texts are seamlessly integrated between the Google Voice app, website, and linked phone numbers.

Google Voice can send standard texts up to 160 characters. For longer messages, it will automatically split them into multiple parts. You can have group conversations with multiple recipients. There are no limits on the number of texts you can send or receive with your Google Voice number.

Connecting Google Voice to Your Phone

To send and receive texts with Google Voice, you first need to connect your mobile phone number to your Google Voice account. This allows Google Voice to forward incoming texts to your phone’s messaging app.

To do this, go to the Google Voice website and sign into your account. Under “Phones” in the left sidebar, click “Add another phone.” Enter your mobile number and select “Text messages” for forwarding. Google will send a verification code to confirm you own the number. Once verified, your phone is connected to Google Voice for texting.

You’ll also want to download the Google Voice app on your smartphone from the App Store or Google Play. The app allows you to easily send and view texts right from your phone using your Google Voice number. When you get a new text to your Google Voice number, it will show up in both the native texting app and the Google Voice app.

So by both forwarding your number and installing the app, you can fully integrate Google Voice into your phone’s messaging capabilities to send and receive texts seamlessly using your Google Voice number. Just make sure to enable text forwarding in your Google Voice settings, and you’ll be ready to text from your Google Voice number on your smartphone (source).

Sending Texts from Google Voice

One of the main features of Google Voice is the ability to send and receive texts for free from the Google Voice app or website. Google Voice provides each user with a dedicated phone number that can be used to send SMS and MMS messages from supported devices and platforms.

On Android phones, Google Voice integrates directly with the pre-installed Android Messages app. You simply sign into your Google Voice account in Android Messages and any messages you send or receive within the app will sync through your Google Voice number. This allows you to have all your conversations in one place within Android Messages, while using your Google Voice number on the back-end.

The Google Voice app for iOS and Android also makes it easy to send and view your messages. The app syncs with the Google Voice website, so your full message history and conversations stay up to date across devices.

To send a text via Google Voice on the web, you can visit voice.google.com and click the Messages icon. From here you can view your message threads or start a new message to any number. The Google Voice website provides the full suite of messaging capabilities without needing to install any apps.

Overall, Google Voice provides free texting capabilities across phones, tablets and computers. By tying everything to your Google Voice number, you can send texts conveniently from whichever device or app you prefer.

Group Texting with Google Voice

Google Voice allows you to easily start group text conversations right from the Voice app. To start a new group conversation, open the Voice app and tap the compose icon. Then, add multiple recipients to the “To” field to message up to 7 people at once.

When group messaging, you have the option to reply privately to just one person or reply to the entire group. To reply privately, tap the name of the individual contact and send your message. To reply to everyone, simply respond to the group thread as you normally would.

Group conversations are a convenient way to plan events, coordinate schedules, or just stay in touch with a small group of family and friends. With Google Voice group texting, you don’t need a separate group messaging app to chat with multiple people at once from your main number.

According to users on Reddit, Google Voice group texts are limited to 8 participants in total, including yourself as the sender. This is an ample size for most group chats. However, for very large groups, you may want to use other group messaging apps.

Overall, Google Voice makes it simple to carry on a group conversation seamlessly alongside your 1-on-1 messaging. With the ability to start new groups or add people to existing threads, Google Voice brings convenient group texting to your phone’s messaging experience.

Using Google Voice as Your Main Number

One of the most useful features of Google Voice is the ability to port your existing mobile number to Google Voice to use it as your main phone number. This allows you to give out your Google Voice number instead of your mobile number. Here’s how to port your number to Google Voice:

First, go to the Google Voice website and sign into your account. Navigate to “Settings” and then find the section called “Port a number to Google Voice.” Click on “Port a number” and then “Get Started.” Enter your existing mobile number that you want to port over to Google Voice. Google will verify that you own that number by having you enter a verification code sent as a text message or automated phone call.¹

The number porting process can take anywhere from a few hours up to 5 business days. Once complete, your mobile calls and texts will be directed through your Google Voice account. You can then give out your Google Voice number to others. Any calls or texts they send will ring on your mobile phone through the Google Voice app.

Porting your number to Google Voice allows you to take advantage of Voice features like voicemail transcripts, call screening, blocking numbers, and more. However, there are some limitations on porting, so review those before starting the process.

International Texting with Google Voice

Google Voice provides free unlimited texting to the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This makes it easy to stay in touch with friends and family in North America without any extra fees. According to Google’s support page, “Calling and texting to US and Canadian numbers is free no matter where you are.”

For international texting beyond US, Canada, and Mexico, Google Voice charges low rates to send texts abroad. The rates vary based on the destination country. According to one Reddit user, “There’s no official way to text any international # besides Canada, not even with a fee.” While Google Voice does not advertise international texting capabilities, some users have reported success texting international numbers at reasonable rates.

Overall, Google Voice excels at free unlimited texts within North America. International texting capabilities are limited compared to other VoIP providers. If you need to regularly text internationally beyond US, Canada, and Mexico, another service may be better suited for your needs.

Blocking Texts on Google Voice

Google Voice allows you to block specific numbers from texting you. This can be useful if you are receiving unwanted texts or spam from a particular number.

To block a number on Google Voice from your Android phone:

Open the text message from the contact you want to block.
Tap the “More options” button.

Select “People & options”.
Tap “Block number”.
Select “Block” to confirm.

On the Google Voice website:

Click on the message from the number you want to block.
Click the “More” drop-down menu.

Select “Block” to block the number.

Once blocked, the number will no longer be able to send you texts on Google Voice. You can also report spam texts to Google Voice for potential blocking. On your Android phone, tap “Report spam” on the spam message. On the website, click the dropdown menu and select “Report spam”.

Texting Limitations on Google Voice

Google Voice does have some limitations when it comes to texting. One major limitation is that you cannot send MMS messages, like photos, from your Google Voice number [1]. MMS requires cellular data or a multimedia plan, which Google Voice does not provide. So any message with an image, video, or audio file will fail to send from your Google Voice number.

There are also occasional issues when trying to send or receive short code texts, such as texts to vote, donate, or enter a contest [2]. Since Google Voice acts as an intermediary service, some short code services do not recognize Google Voice numbers. Users may have to temporarily disable Google Voice texting to get short codes to go through.

Overall, while Google Voice works for most basic SMS text messaging, users should be aware of limitations around MMS and short codes due to it being a VOIP service rather than a true cellular network.

Alternatives to Google Voice

Google Voice has emerged as one of the most popular virtual phone numbers services, but it is not the only option available. Here are some alternatives to consider if you want a virtual phone number for texting or other telephony features:

Other VoIP services like Skype offer virtual phone numbers with texting capabilities that work similarly to Google Voice. Skype numbers allow unlimited texts to U.S. and Canada for a monthly fee. For international texting, per-text rates apply. Skype also provides voicemail, call forwarding, and other standard phone features.

Carrier options like Digits from T-Mobile provide another alternative. With Digits, T-Mobile customers can get a second virtual phone line that includes a dedicated number and texting. This gives many of the benefits of Google Voice without having to use a separate app or service. However, it is only available for T-Mobile customers at added cost.

Overall, while other apps may not offer an identical feature set, there are alternatives that provide comparable virtual phone numbers with texting functionality. Evaluating specific needs can help determine if a dedicated VoIP service like Skype or carrier-based option like Digits is the right alternative solution.