Can you use Google Voice with WiFi calling?

Google Voice is a popular phone service from Google that provides phone numbers, voicemail, text messaging, call forwarding, and more. It essentially acts as a second phone number that can be used for calling and texting over the internet.

WiFi calling allows you to make and receive phone calls over a WiFi network instead of using your mobile network. When WiFi calling is enabled and connected to a WiFi network, your phone will route calls through the WiFi network rather than the mobile network.

Using Google Voice with WiFi calling combines the benefits of both services. It allows you to use your Google Voice number for calling and texting, but routes the calls over WiFi rather than mobile data. This can help improve call quality and save on mobile data usage.

What is Google Voice?

Google Voice is a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) service offered by Google that provides free call forwarding, voicemail transcription, SMS, and other calling features. It was launched in 2009 as part of Google’s communication services.

Google Voice allows users to get a free phone number that can ring multiple phones simultaneously. When someone calls a Google Voice number, it will ring all linked phones and devices until someone answers. Users can choose which devices ring when their Google Voice number is called.

Some key features of Google Voice include:

Free voicemail transcription – Voicemails are automatically transcribed and sent to the user’s email or Google Voice app
SMS capabilities – Users can send/receive texts from their Google Voice number on phones and computers
Call screening – Users can screen calls and listen in before answering

Call blocking – Specific numbers can be blocked
Call recording – Users can record calls for reference

Overall, Google Voice provides a unified phone management system across devices and platforms using internet calling. It gives users additional phone features beyond what typical carriers provide. For more details, check out this overview of how Google Voice works.

What is WiFi Calling?

WiFi calling allows you to make and receive phone calls and text messages over a WiFi network instead of the cellular network. When enabled, your phone will use available WiFi networks for calls and texts whenever you have a poor cellular connection. This allows you to stay connected even in areas with poor cellular reception like basements, elevators or buildings with thick walls.1

Essentially, WiFi calling uses VoIP technology to route phone calls over the internet. As long as you have access to a strong WiFi connection, you can make calls and send texts even if there’s no cellular signal. Your phone automatically switches between WiFi and cellular connections without dropping the call.2

WiFi calling is built into most modern smartphones, and many carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon offer it as a standard feature on cellular plans. When enabled, it allows you to make calls over WiFi connections at home, work or public hotspots.

Can Google Voice Work with WiFi Calling?

Yes, Google Voice can work with WiFi calling. Google Voice allows you to make calls over the internet using WiFi when WiFi calling is enabled on your device. This allows you to place calls through your Google Voice number even when you don’t have cellular coverage.

Google Voice’s WiFi calling feature is compatible with Android smartphones and iPhones. On Android, WiFi calling must be enabled in your phone’s settings first before it can be activated in the Google Voice app. For iPhones, WiFi calling needs to already be turned on for your carrier service first before enabling it in Google Voice.

Once WiFi calling is enabled in both your device settings and Google Voice, the Google Voice app will automatically route calls over WiFi whenever you have an internet connection available. The main benefits of using Google Voice with WiFi calling are being able to place calls through your Google Voice number regardless of cell coverage, and being able to make international calls over WiFi for free.

There are a few limitations to note. Call quality over WiFi can vary depending on your internet connection strength. And on Android, incoming calls will still go to your carrier number when you don’t have WiFi. But overall, WiFi calling capability makes Google Voice much more flexible and useful.

Benefits of Using Google Voice with WiFi Calling

There are several advantages to using Google Voice with WiFi calling:

Better connectivity – WiFi calling allows you to make and receive calls over a stable WiFi connection when you have poor cellular reception. This leads to fewer dropped calls and improved call quality.

Lower costs – WiFi calling routes calls over WiFi networks instead of your carrier’s voice network. This allows you to reduce cellular voice minute usage which saves money, especially for international calls.

Multiple devices – You can use Google Voice across all your WiFi-enabled devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers. Your Google Voice number rings on all linked devices.

Enhanced features – Google Voice offers features like voicemail transcription, call screening, do not disturb mode, call blocking, and more. Using WiFi enhances reliability.

Travel benefits – WiFi calling allows you to make calls anywhere you have a WiFi connection, which is useful when traveling internationally.

As per Google Voice Help, WiFi calling provides better connectivity and lower costs when using Google Voice.

Limitations of Using Google Voice with WiFi Calling

While using Google Voice over WiFi calling can provide benefits like saving cellular minutes, there are some limitations to be aware of. One is that call quality over WiFi may not always be as good as a regular cellular call. Factors like a slow or unstable WiFi connection can lead to choppy audio, dropped calls, and echoing. This may make important calls frustrating.

Google Voice’s WiFi calling is also not compatible with all carriers. For example, if you have Verizon, you cannot use WiFi calling with your Google Voice number – it will default to using cellular minutes. This limits the ability to save minutes for some users. Additionally, WiFi calling may not work properly when roaming internationally, so you could still get charged roaming fees.

Other limitations are that features like conference calling, call waiting, and voicemail may work inconsistently or not at all over WiFi calling. You also may not get the full quality caller ID information. Finally, emergency calling is not supported on Google Voice WiFi calls.

In summary, while WiFi calling through Google Voice can be useful in some situations, there are definite limitations in call quality, carrier compatibility, features, and emergency calling to be aware of.

How to Set Up Google Voice with WiFi Calling

Setting up Google Voice with WiFi calling is a straightforward process on most major carriers. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

For AT&T:

Open the Google Voice app and tap the menu icon in the top left.

Go to Settings > Calls > Making and receiving calls.
Toggle on “Prefer Wi-Fi and mobile data.”

For Verizon:

Go to Settings on your Android phone.
Tap “Network & Internet” > “Advanced” > “Calling” and enable Wi-Fi Calling.
Open the Google Voice app, go to Settings > Calls and toggle on “Prefer Wi-Fi and mobile data.”

For T-Mobile:

Go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network and enable Wi-Fi Calling.
Open the Google Voice app, go to Settings > Calls and toggle on “Prefer Wi-Fi and mobile data.”

That’s it! Google Voice calls will now route over Wi-Fi whenever available. Just be sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection for the best call quality.

Troubleshooting Issues

If you run into problems using Google Voice with WiFi calling, there are some troubleshooting steps you can try. Here are some of the most common issues and potential solutions:

Calls are dropping frequently over WiFi – This is often caused by a weak WiFi signal. Try moving closer to your router or access point to improve connectivity. You can also try resetting your network settings on your phone (Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings).

No audio on calls – Make sure WiFi calling is enabled in your phone’s settings, and enabled in the Google Voice app settings. Also check that the WiFi calling preferences are properly configured in your Google Voice settings.

Calls going straight to voicemail – Check that your phone has reception and your Google Voice app is open and set as the default calling app. Reboot your phone and toggle airplane mode on/off to reestablish the cellular connection.

Calls not ringing on all devices – In your Google Voice account settings online, make sure ringing is enabled for all linked devices and numbers.

If issues persist, reach out to Google Voice customer support or your carrier for further troubleshooting.

Alternatives to Google Voice

Although Google Voice is a popular option, there are a few alternatives worth considering:

Other VoIP services like RingCentral, Nextiva, and Dialpad offer similar capabilities to Google Voice. These services allow you to get a virtual phone number, transcribe voicemails, send SMS messages from your VoIP number, and more. Some key advantages over Google Voice are better call quality, more robust business features, and integration with popular business software.

Using your carrier’s built-in WiFi calling is another alternative. Most major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer WiFi calling support on newer smartphones. This allows you to make and receive calls over WiFi without needing an additional app. An advantage is seamless integration and reliability since it’s built into your carrier’s network. A disadvantage is that you can’t separate your cell number from your WiFi calling capabilities.

Overall, VoIP services provide more advanced features compared to Google Voice, while carrier WiFi calling offers greater simplicity. The best option depends on your specific needs and priorities.

Conclusion

Google Voice and WiFi calling are useful and convenient features that can make your calls more flexible and reliable. Google Voice lets you get a free phone number to use for calls, while WiFi calling allows you to make and receive calls over a WiFi network when you have a weak cellular signal.

Overall, Google Voice and WiFi calling can generally work well together. With some setup, you can get your Google Voice number to ring through WiFi calling, letting you leverage the strengths of each service.

However, there are some limitations, such as potential call quality issues and lack of integration for texting and visual voicemail. You may need to enable some settings and tweak configurations to get everything working smoothly.

In the end, being able to use your Google Voice number for WiFi calling can provide more ways to stay connected. But there are trade-offs to evaluate. Consider your specific needs and usage to decide if linking Google Voice with WiFi calling is worthwhile or if using the standard carrier number directly for WiFi calling fits better.