How To Use Google Voice As Your Primary Phone Number

Google Voice used to be available on an invitation basis back in 2009 but was later accessible for anyone to sign up. Google Voice generally provides you with a single phone number to use on all of your devices so that you no longer need different numbers for your home, office and mobile phone. The service allows users to port in an existing phone number from their mobile carriers. 

Though Google Voice serves users with no monthly fees, people also can make unlimited calls and texts to phone numbers in the US and Canada at affordable rates for calls to international destinations. This article will instruct you on how to use Google Voice as your primary phone number so that you can take advantage of its beautiful features. 

How To Use Google Voice

Here is the step-by-step guideline for setting up a Google Voice account as your primary number: 

Set Up a Google Voice account

1. Go to google.com/voice from your device and sign in with your Google Account. You will find an interface quite similar to Gmail’s and a software wizard.

2. Select ‘I want a new number’ rather than- I want to use my mobile number if you are planning to use Google Voice for your primary phone number. Otherwise, you can always link your mobile number to Google Voice later if you decide to do that.

3. Type in a forwarding number that will ring when someone calls your new Google Voice number. Google will call that number to verify you have access to it. You can add more forwarding phone numbers later. 

After verifying your Google Voice number, you will get access to the forwarding phone, and you can pick a new Google Voice number. Enter an area code or a word, phrase or number you want to include into your unique phone number. Google will search for an available number that uses it.

When you obtain a Google Voice number, you can send and receive texts for free immediately. You can use Google’s voicemail transcription and can make cheap international calls. Now you have to download the app on your smartphone.

Download the App

1. Find Google Voice in the Play Store or iTunes and open it after installing. 

2. Sign in with your Google Account. On Android, Google Voice will guide you through a setup process. It will verify your phone number, confirms a voicemail PIN and allows you to pick your Google Voice number. On the other hand, on iOS, you will need to go after the steps to add your phone number to your Google Voice account. You will then see your Google Voice inbox, where voicemails, texts and missed call notifications will arrive. 

3. Go to the Settings menu in order to enable push notifications for new voicemails and texts.

4. To start making calls in iOS, you can place calls via Google Voice. You can make calls through an intermediary number but displays your Google Voice number in the Caller ID. You can also use Click2Call, where Google Voice will call your phone number; then, when you pick up, it will contact the number you are trying to dial.

For Android users, all calls you make from your Android phone will use your Google Voice number if you choose- Use Google Voice to make all calls. You can decide on a per-call basis after selecting ‘Ask every time I make a call.’

Calling via the Google Voice app on iOS or Android will use your cell minutes where it does not count as mobile-to-mobile. Therefore, your ‘Unlimited mobile to mobile minutes’ will not apply if you call another mobile phone. 

5. Though you can send texts to more than one person like you can with most SMS clients, Google Voice does not perform well with group texts if multiple participants have an iPhone. Also, Google Voice does not support MMS. You will have to dig into your Gmail inbox if you get any text message saying, ‘MMS Received’ to find it.

Conclusion

Google Voice provides a persuading array of different features empowering users so that they can control their phone service. Besides, you do not have to worry about missing a call because you will get the ability to place calls from one single primary number and massive digital integration.