Can I make my Google Voice number my cell number?

What is Google Voice?

Google Voice is a telephone service that provides users with a free phone number for calling, texting, and voicemail. The service was launched by Google in 2009 and is available for Google Account customers in the United States and Google Workspace customers in Canada. Google Voice works by linking the free phone number provided to your existing mobile phone number and/or landline number. This allows features like call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and text messaging through the Google Voice number (1).

Some key features of Google Voice include (2):

Free phone number for calls and texts

Voicemail transcription
Call screening and blocking
Call forwarding to linked numbers

Voicemail accessible via app or website
Text messaging

In summary, Google Voice gives users an additional phone number with various enhanced telephony features through an online dashboard or mobile app. It works alongside your existing cell phone service.

(1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Voice

(2) https://www.tomsguide.com/news/how-does-google-voice-work

Benefits of Using Google Voice

Google Voice offers a variety of useful features and benefits over traditional cell phone plans and landlines, including:

Voicemail transcription: Google Voice will automatically transcribe your voicemails to text so you can easily read them instead of having to listen to each one.
Call screening: You can screen incoming calls and only answer those you want to. A transcript of the caller’s message is shown in real-time on your smartphone.
Multiple numbers: You get a free phone number with Google Voice. You can add and route calls to additional Google Voice numbers or your cell phone.

No roaming charges: Since Google Voice is Internet-based, there are no extra charges for calls made outside your area code or while traveling abroad.
Free messaging: Send free SMS texts to numbers in the U.S. and Canada through the Google Voice app or webapp.
Call forwarding: Automatically forward your calls to any device or phone number based on your settings.

Visual voicemail: View, playback and delete voicemails in any order instead of having to listen to them sequentially.

With its powerful call management and advanced features, Google Voice can enhance productivity and organization for everyday cell phone users.

Can You Port Your Cell Number to Google Voice?

Yes, you can port an existing cell phone number to Google Voice. The process allows you to transfer your current cell number over so that it can work with the Google Voice service. This lets you keep your existing number while taking advantage of Google Voice features like voicemail transcripts, call forwarding, and more.

To port your number, first ensure it’s eligible by checking Google’s number porting requirements. Typically mobile numbers can transfer over with no issue. Then, go through the porting steps in your Google Voice account settings on desktop or in the mobile app. There is a $20 one-time porting fee.

Once complete, calls and texts to your cell number will ring in your Google Voice account. You can then use the Google Voice app to place calls, check voicemail, send texts, and set up features like do not disturb. Your existing mobile carrier service is not impacted.

How to Port Your Number to Google Voice

To port your existing cell phone number to Google Voice, follow these steps:

1. Log into your Google Voice account and go to Settings.

2. Click on “Port a number to Google Voice” under the Account section.

3. You will be asked to enter your cell phone number and provider. Make sure you enter your 10-digit phone number exactly as it appears on your cell phone bill.

4. Next, you will need to provide a recent copy of your cell phone bill. This allows Google to verify your ownership of the number. You can upload a PDF or image of the bill.

5. After uploading your bill, read through the Terms of Service. Then check the box indicating you agree, and click “Start porting.”

6. Google will send a confirmation code to your cell phone number via call or text. When prompted, enter this code to verify the account.

7. The porting process usually takes 1-3 business days. You will receive status updates by email or text.

8. Once complete, you can make and receive calls on your cell phone using your Google Voice number!

Be sure to use the exact number from your cell phone bill, confirm you agree to Google’s Terms, and enter the verification code accurately. Following these key steps will help ensure your number ports successfully.

Activate Google Voice on Your Smartphone

To activate Google Voice on your smartphone, first download the Google Voice app from the App Store (on iPhone) or Play Store (on Android).

Once installed, open the app and sign in with your Google account. Then tap “Get a Voice number” if you don’t already have one or tap “Add account” to link your existing Google Voice number.

Per Google’s instructions, you can link your smartphone to your Google Voice number by going to Settings > Devices & numbers > New linked number. Enter your actual cell phone number here.

This links your smartphone to your Google Voice number so you can make and receive calls over data/WiFi as well as send texts using your Voice number.

Make and Receive Calls Through Google Voice

Once you have ported your cell phone number to Google Voice, you can start making and receiving calls through the Google Voice app using your Google Voice number rather than your regular carrier number.
To place calls, simply open the Google Voice app and tap on the dial pad icon to enter the phone number you want to call. The call will show as coming from your Google Voice number.

When someone calls your Google Voice number, you will see an incoming call notification on your smartphone (make sure you have enabled this in the app settings). You can choose to answer the call directly in the Voice app which will route the call through your data connection or WiFi.

Alternatively, you can set up your smartphone to route Google Voice calls to your regular smartphone number. This way you can answer them like any other call.

The main benefit of using the Google Voice app to make all calls is that you present one consistent caller ID to people you call – your Google Voice number. It also saves cellular voice minutes. The downside is potential issues with audio quality over WiFi/data.

Send Texts Through Your Google Voice Number

You can use Google Voice to send and receive SMS text messages from your Google Voice number. This is handy if you want to text people from a specific phone number rather than sharing your personal cell number. According to the Google Voice Help section, there are a few ways to send SMS texts using Google Voice:

On the Google Voice website, click on “Messages” and then the “+” icon to start a new conversation. Enter the phone number and your message to send a text.
On mobile, you can text from Google Voice using the Google Voice app for Android or iOS. Open the app and tap the message icon to start a new SMS text.

As long as you have data or WiFi coverage on your phone, you’ll be able to send and receive text messages from your Google Voice number for free. The Google Voice mobile apps sync across your devices, meaning you can start a text conversation on your phone and continue it on your desktop.

Check Voicemail and Call History

Google Voice can automatically transcribe your voicemail messages to text so you can read them instead of listening to the audio. To enable this feature:

On the Google Voice website, go to Settings and click Voicemail.
Turn on the Voicemail Transcripts feature.

After enabling this, your voicemails on the Voicemail page will display the message as text rather than play the audio recording. Transcriptions allow you to skim your voicemails faster without needing to listen to each one.

You can also view comprehensive call logs of all calls and text messages in your Google Voice account. On the website, go to History to see your complete call history including call durations, caller numbers, text transcripts, and visual voicemail messages. Use the filters at the top to refine your call history.

Set Up Call Forwarding to Google Voice

One of the most useful features of Google Voice is the ability to forward calls from your regular cell phone number to your Google Voice number. This allows you to receive all your calls through the Google Voice app and take advantage of features like voicemail transcription, call blocking, and more.

To set up call forwarding from your cell number to Google Voice, follow these steps:

Open the Google Voice app or navigate to voice.google.com in your browser
Click on Settings > Linked numbers

Click “Add another phone” and enter your cell phone number
Select “Receive calls” to enable call forwarding
On your cell phone, dial *72 followed by your Google Voice phone number

Confirm that call forwarding is enabled by calling your cell number and having it ring through Google Voice

Once call forwarding is enabled, all calls and texts to your cell number will be received through the Google Voice app. You can toggle call forwarding on or off at any time. Just keep in mind there may be limitations compared to utilizing your carrier’s call forwarding directly.

Considerations Before Porting Your Number

There are a few key things to consider before deciding to port your cell phone number to Google Voice:

Potential issues may arise if there is inaccurate account or personal information associated with your cell phone number. Carriers will reject the port request if names, addresses, account numbers, or other details don’t match up exactly [1]. Double check all information beforehand to avoid delays.

You’ll also want to make sure your current wireless contract obligations are fulfilled before initiating a port. Most carriers will not allow you to port out if you are still under an active service contract [2].

Additionally, be aware there may be a brief service interruption during the porting process. It make take a few hours for calls and texts to your number to resume normally after the port is complete. Plan the timing appropriately if you rely heavily on your cell service for business or other needs.

Lastly, make sure to get account PINs or passwords from your current carrier when starting the process. Providing incorrect details could lead to the request being rejected and delay the process [3].