How does Google Voice work for phone calls?
What is Google Voice?
Google Voice is a free phone and messaging service from Google that provides users with a free phone number for calls and texts. With Google Voice, you can use your existing phones, computers, and tablets to make and receive calls and texts. According to How Google Voice Works – The Complete Guide, this service lets you forward all your numbers and calls to one single Google Voice number.
As described on the Google Voice homepage, the service allows you to forward calls to any device and have spam calls silently blocked. You can control who can reach you and when. Google Voice gives you a free phone number that works for calling, texting, and voicemail. It brings all your communication together in one app and number.
Getting a Google Voice Number
When signing up for Google Voice, users have two options for getting a Google Voice phone number:
1. Select an available local number from a list provided by Google Voice. This option is free.
2. Port an existing mobile or landline phone number to Google Voice. This option requires a one-time $20 porting fee.
Once a Google Voice number is obtained, either by selecting a new number or porting an existing one, it can be used for making calls, sending texts, and other communication through the Google Voice service. The number acts as the primary identifier for the Google Voice account.
To port a number to Google Voice, users must own the number and have the ability to authorize the transfer. The process involves contacting your carrier and providing information to verify ownership and consent for the port. Google provides instructions on how to port both mobile and landline numbers.
Google Voice has specific requirements for numbers that can be ported, such as no toll-free or virtual numbers. There are also limits on how many numbers can be ported at one time.
Making Calls with Google Voice
When you make outgoing calls through the Google Voice app or website, your chosen Google Voice number will display as the caller ID rather than your phone’s carrier number. This allows you to keep your personal cell number private if needed.
According to Google’s support site, “If you want outgoing calls to show your Google Voice number, initiate the call from within the Google Voice app. If you want outgoing calls to use your carrier number, dial directly from the Phone app.”
One useful feature of Google Voice is the ability to automatically record calls. As per a Reddit discussion, this can be enabled in the app settings. However, it’s important to first check if call recording is legal in your state.
Overall, using the Google Voice app provides full control over displaying your Google Voice number for outgoing calls. It also unlocks additional call features like recording, voicemail transcription, and call filtering.
(Source: https://support.google.com/voice/answer/3379129?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid)
Receiving Calls with Google Voice
One of the main features of Google Voice is its ability to ring multiple linked devices and numbers when receiving incoming calls. When someone calls your Google Voice number, all linked phones, tablets, and computers will ring simultaneously. This allows you to answer calls on whichever device is most convenient.
Google Voice will ring phones with the Google Voice app installed as well as any phones or landlines you have linked to your Google Voice number. You can manage which devices ring in the app’s settings (source).
Another useful feature when receiving calls is Google Voice’s voicemail transcription. Any voicemails left on your Google Voice number will be automatically transcribed into text so you can quickly read messages instead of listening to them. The transcription happens automatically using Google’s speech recognition technology.
You can find these voicemail transcriptions in the Google Voice app or by logging into your account on the website. The transcription allows you to skim voicemails quickly to get the key information (source). However, transcriptions may contain occasional errors.
Google Voice Features
Google Voice comes with several useful features that enhance the phone calling experience. Some key features include:
Visual Voicemail – Google Voice transcribes voicemails and delivers them to your inbox as text. You can read voicemails instead of listening to them. It’s easy to scan through and prioritize voicemails.[1]
Call Screening – Google Voice can screen calls and provide a transcript of the caller’s message. You can then decide whether to answer, respond by SMS, or mark as spam. This helps avoid unwanted calls.[2]
Call Blocking – You can block specific numbers, anonymous callers, and even low-quality callers detected by Google. This reduces interruptions from unwanted callers.[3]
Conference Calling – Google Voice supports conference calls with up to 10 participants. You can seamlessly merge calls for conference calls.[4]
Call Forwarding – You can forward calls to any linked device or number, including landlines and mobile phones. Call forwarding allows flexibility in how you receive calls.[5]
Linking Phones and Devices
With Google Voice, you can link multiple phones and devices to your Google Voice number so that they all ring simultaneously when someone calls your Google Voice number. This allows you to receive Google Voice calls on your mobile phone, landline, computer, and any other internet-connected devices.
To link a device:
- Open the Google Voice app or website and go to settings.
- Under “Linked numbers”, click “Add new number”.
- Enter the phone number you want to link.
Google Voice will then send a verification code to that number to confirm you own it. Once verified, all linked devices will start ringing simultaneously when you receive a Google Voice call.
For mobile phones, a WiFi or mobile data connection is required for the Google Voice app in order to receive calls. Landlines and computers linked to your Google Voice number will ring using your existing phone and internet service.
Linking multiple devices allows you to receive Google Voice calls seamlessly from anywhere. With all your phones and devices linked, you’ll never miss an important Google Voice call.
Using Google Voice Internationally
One of the benefits of Google Voice is the ability to make low-cost international calls from your Google Voice number. According to Google’s calling rates page, international calls start at just $0.01 per minute to many countries.
However, Google Voice’s international calling capabilities are limited. While over 100 countries are supported for international calls from the US, popular destinations like India, China, and Russia are notably absent from the list. This restricts the usefulness of Google Voice for keeping in touch with contacts abroad.
In addition, international texting and other Google Voice features may not work reliably when traveling overseas. So those depending on Google Voice as their primary phone number may find it doesn’t translate well abroad.
Google Voice Limitations
While Google Voice can be a useful tool, it does come with some important limitations to keep in mind:
Google Voice is only available in the United States and a handful of other countries. At this time, it is not offered in most parts of the world. This geographical restriction limits the utility of Google Voice for international users. See this support page for the list of supported countries.
Some carriers restrict the ability to forward calls to Google Voice. For example, AT&T does not allow call forwarding to Google Voice on their wireless plans. This can make it difficult or impossible to get the full benefit of Google Voice integration if your carrier places restrictions. Always check with your carrier first before porting your number to Google Voice.
Google Voice does not support emergency calling services. It cannot be used to make 911 calls or emergency services calls in your local area. This is an important safety limitation to be aware of, and means Google Voice cannot fully replace your primary cell phone service.
Comparing Google Voice to Other VoIP Services
Google Voice offers a solid balance of features and affordability compared to other popular VoIP services like Skype, Vonage, Ooma, and RingCentral.
While free options like Skype 1 provide basic calling and messaging, Google Voice includes more robust features like voicemail transcriptions, call screening, and the ability to use your Google Voice number to make calls and send texts from any device.
Paid services like Vonage and Ooma 2 offer more advanced capabilities but at a much higher monthly cost than Google Voice, which only charges a small fee for outbound calls to US numbers.
RingCentral 3 provides sophisticated PBX phone system features tailored for business use. In contrast, Google Voice is designed primarily for individual consumers’ personal phone needs.
Is Google Voice Worth Using?
Google Voice is best for those with minimal phone needs and who want a free option. The core features like a dedicated phone number, voicemail, and call forwarding are all completely free. Google Voice also provides valuable features like voicemail transcription, which isn’t common for free services. If you just need basic phone capabilities Google Voice is a great zero-cost option.
However, Google Voice is fairly limited compared to paid VoIP services. You don’t get high-quality calls, business features like call groups or IVRs, CRM integrations, or advanced analytics. For professional use, Google Voice lacks the robustness, reliability, and integration needed for most businesses. For high phone usage or more advanced needs, a paid provider like OpenPhone or Vonage is a better choice despite the monthly cost.
So in summary, Google Voice is best for minimal personal phone needs where cost is a primary factor. It provides useful functionality at no charge. But for business use or more advanced calling, a paid VoIP service will offer many more options and flexibility.