Does Google Voice give you a phone number?
What is Google Voice?
Google Voice is a telephony service offered by Google that provides users with a phone number for making and receiving calls over the internet. According to Crazy Egg, Google Voice allows users to manage business calls, personal calls, and landlines all in one place.
Some of the key features of Google Voice include:
- Voicemail and transcription
- Call screening
- Text messaging
- Call forwarding and routing
With Google Voice, users get a virtual phone number that can be used for calling, texting, and voicemail. Calls to the Google Voice number ring all linked devices so they can be answered from any phone. Overall, Google Voice centralizes communication tools and provides added functionality compared to a traditional phone number.
Getting a Google Voice Number
When you sign up for Google Voice, you get a free phone number. This number can be used to make and receive calls and texts. The number is tied to your Google account.
As the Google Voice support page explains, “When you sign up for Google Voice, you’ll choose a Google Voice phone number. This will be your Google Voice number that people can use to call or text you.”
The number you get will have a local area code based on the address you provide when signing up. However, the Google Voice number does not have any relation to your actual geographic location.
According to an article from Crazy Egg, “The Google Voice number that you’re provided when you sign up allows you to consolidate your communication. It essentially acts as your home phone number that you can use to make calls, receive calls, send texts, and check voicemail.”
Linking Your Existing Number
You can link your existing cell phone or landline number to Google Voice – this allows you to receive calls and texts on that number through the service.
To link your number, first go to your Google Voice account settings and look for the “Linked numbers” section. Here you can enter your existing number to link it. Google will verify the number belongs to you, usually by calling the number or sending a text with a verification code.
Once linked, your regular phone number will act as an extension of your Google Voice account. Calls to your number will ring on your phone as usual, but also in the Google Voice app and any other linked devices. You can make outgoing calls from your phone or the app, both showing the Google Voice number on caller ID.
Linking your current number allows you to try Google Voice while keeping your existing phone identity. It lets you take advantage of Google Voice voicemail, call screening, and other features without having to change your number. If you choose to get a separate Google Voice number later, you can unlink your main number and just use the Google Voice one instead.
According to Google’s support site: “You can link most phone numbers, including mobile numbers and landlines, to your Google Voice account so you can make and receive calls on those phones from your Google Voice number.” (https://support.google.com/voice/answer/165221?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop)
Using Your Google Voice Number
The Google Voice number works like any other phone number. You can give out your Google Voice number to friends, family, businesses, etc. to receive calls and texts on it just like a regular number.
According to Google’s support page, your Google Voice number lets you make and receive calls and texts at voice.google.com or on the Google Voice app. The number functions as your virtual phone number.
Your Google Voice number has all the standard features you’d expect from a phone number. You get voicemail transcription, the ability to block numbers, call screening, call forwarding, and more. As Crazy Egg’s overview of Google Voice states, “Your Google Voice number allows you to forward your calls to other numbers. This comes in handy when it comes time to get a new phone or switch carriers.”
In summary, the Google Voice number gives you a fully functioning phone number to use for calling, texting, voicemail, and everything else you’d do with a standard phone number.
Making Outgoing Calls
One of the key features of Google Voice is the ability to make outgoing calls from your Google Voice number. You can make calls directly from the Google Voice mobile app or website to both domestic and international phone numbers.
To make a call from the Google Voice mobile app on Android, simply open the app, select the “Calls” tab, and tap the number or contact you want to call. The app will connect the call using your Google Voice number. As noted in the Google Support article Make a call with Google Voice – Android, you can also tap the dial pad icon to manually enter a phone number.
On the Google Voice website, you can make calls by going to the “Calls” menu, finding the contact you want to call, and clicking the “Call” icon next to their name. As explained in this Google Support article, your Google Voice number will be used to connect the call.
The Google Voice app and website allow calling within the US and Canada for free. International calling is subject to Google Voice calling rates. So with your Google Voice number, you can make affordable calls worldwide.
Receiving Incoming Calls
Incoming calls to your Google Voice number will ring linked devices. You can choose to receive calls on mobile, landline, or VoIP apps like the Google Voice app itself.
According to Google’s support article, you can manage incoming call settings by opening the Voice app, tapping Menu > Settings > Calls > Incoming calls. Here you can turn on/off ringing for different linked devices.
Users on Reddit confirm the Google Voice app works independently to receive calls over WiFi or mobile data. You just need to enable those settings.
Texting with Google Voice
Google Voice allows you to send and receive text messages for free from your Google Voice number. You can send and receive texts through the Google Voice mobile app or by accessing your account on the Google Voice website. Texts are limited to standard SMS character limits.
With Google Voice, you can have group message conversations by texting multiple recipients in a single message. Group messaging can be done through both the mobile app and web interface. This makes it easy to keep in touch with groups of family, friends or coworkers.
Overall, Google Voice provides a full-featured text messaging experience comparable to your carrier’s standard texting service. With the ability to text for free through an internet connection, it can serve as an alternative to standard texting plans from wireless carriers.
Voicemail and Other Features
One of the most useful features of Google Voice is its voicemail transcription. When someone leaves you a voicemail, Google Voice will automatically transcribe it and send you an email with the written transcription. This makes it easy to quickly see who called and what they said without having to listen to the actual audio recording. However, you can still listen to the voicemail if you prefer.
Google Voice also has call screening and blocking features. You can choose to screen calls by hearing the caller’s name and city before deciding whether to answer. Unwanted calls can be blocked entirely. There are options to always block specified numbers or send particular contacts directly to voicemail.
Other key features include call recording, conference calling, call forwarding, and more. You can record any call for reference or share it with others. Multiple people can join conference calls, making Google Voice helpful for business use. And call forwarding allows you to send calls to different numbers like your cell phone, based on factors like time of day or caller ID.
Overall, Google Voice packs in many additional capabilities beyond just providing a phone number. The transcription and screening options help manage incoming calls. And business users benefit from conference calling, call tracking, and recording. See Google Voice for more details on all the features.
Using Google Voice Internationally
Google Voice has international availability, but it is limited compared to the United States. According to Google’s support page, Google Voice is officially available in the following countries: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden (https://support.google.com/a/answer/12743190?hl=en).
However, Google Voice features and calling rates can vary depending on which country you are located in. For example, certain features like call forwarding may not be available internationally. International call rates are typically higher than domestic calls. According to Google’s website, calls to landlines in select countries range from 1¢ to 15¢ per minute, while calls to mobile phones range from 7¢ to $1.00 per minute (https://www.quora.com/Is-Google-Voice-available-in-all-countries).
In summary, Google Voice does have international availability across Europe and North America, but the features and rates are not consistent worldwide. Users should check with Google’s support documentation to understand what to expect when using Google Voice outside of the United States.
Summary
Google Voice provides users with a free phone number that can be used to make and receive calls, send texts, access voicemail, and more. Here’s a recap of some of the key features of Google Voice:
- Getting a Google Voice number is free and easy to set up.
- You can choose to link your existing number to Google Voice or get a new number.
- The Google Voice number can be used to make outgoing calls using your mobile, landline, or computer.
- Incoming calls ring all your linked numbers simultaneously.
- Voicemail for the Google Voice number is managed through the app or website.
- Texting is available through the Google Voice app or web interface.
- Extra features like call screening, blocking, and call recording are included.
- Google Voice works internationally so you can use your number while traveling.
In summary, Google Voice provides a fully functional phone number with call and text capabilities. The service is free and works on your existing devices. With its advanced features for call management, voicemail, and more, Google Voice is a versatile option for your communication needs.