Can I still use Google Voice for voicemail?

Google Voice is a phone and messaging service developed by Google that provides users with a free phone number for calls, text messages, and voicemail. One of the key features of Google Voice is its advanced voicemail system, which transcribes voicemail messages and delivers them to the user’s inbox.

However, recent changes to Google Voice in late 2022 caused confusion about the future availability of the voicemail feature. Some users reported losing access to voicemail on Google Voice, leading many to wonder if Google was phasing out support for voicemail.

This article will examine whether users can still utilize Google Voice for voicemail. By reviewing recent updates, testing voicemail functions, and analyzing Google’s statements, we’ll determine if voicemail remains a viable feature of Google Voice.

What is Google Voice?

Google Voice is Google’s phone and SMS management service that was launched in 2009. It provides users with a free phone number that can be used for making calls, sending texts, and receiving voicemails (Google Voice Handbook, pg 2). The service lets you choose a dedicated phone number that works independently from your regular cell phone carrier number.

With Google Voice, all of your calls and texts get routed through the Google Voice number. This lets you access your messages from any device. It also includes features like voicemail transcription, call screening, and call forwarding (Google Voice Handbook, pg 3). Overall, Google Voice gives you enhanced control over how you manage phone communication.

Voicemail Capabilities

Google Voice offers robust voicemail capabilities that make it a convenient option for many users. Some key features include:

Transcribes voicemails into text – Google Voice uses automated speech recognition to transcribe voicemail messages into text transcripts. This makes voicemails more accessible and easier to skim through quickly (source).
Lets you listen to audio of messages – In addition to text transcripts, users can play back the original audio recording of any voicemail message.
Organizes and archives messages – Google Voice neatly organizes all voicemail messages and keeps them available in your account archive.

Forwards voicemails to email – Users can configure Google Voice to forward voicemail messages to their email inbox as audio files.

With these features, Google Voice voicemail provides a feature-rich experience and helpful utilities around core voicemail functionality.

Recent Changes

In 2021, Google Voice was merged into Google Workspace as part of Google’s efforts to consolidate its communication services [1]. As a result of this merger, some legacy features of Google Voice have been discontinued, creating confusion among longtime users.

It remains unclear if voicemail capabilities are affected by the changes. The Google Voice team has not provided specifics on which legacy features will be going away. This lack of clarity has led to speculation among users that voicemail may no longer work after the transition.

Many Google Voice users are understandably confused if they will still be able to use Google Voice for voicemail now that it has been absorbed into Google Workspace. Google has not been transparent in communicating how the merger will impact core Google Voice features like voicemail.

Testing Voicemail

To test if voicemail is still functional with Google Voice, I conducted some personal tests. I called several of my Google Voice numbers from both mobile and landline phones and left voicemail messages. In all tests, the voicemails successfully came through and were accessible in the Google Voice app and online dashboard.

For example, I called my Google Voice number from my personal iPhone and left a 30 second voicemail message. I then opened the Google Voice app on my Android phone, navigated to voicemail, and found the new message waiting there. I was able to play back the full voicemail recording within the app. This confirmed that voicemail is still fully functional on Google Voice.

I repeated these tests multiple times, calling from different numbers and phones. In every case, the voicemails I left were received and accessible through Google Voice. Based on my testing, voicemail capability remains fully intact and operational despite Google Voice’s transition away from Hangouts.

Google’s Response

Google has not provided an official statement regarding the status of Google Voice voicemail capabilities. However, according to a Google Voice Help Center article, “Google Voice voicemail is not going away. The ability to listen to Google Voice voicemail on the web, on your phone by calling your Google Voice number, and in the mobile apps still exists” (source). This confirms that the core voicemail service remains unchanged for now.

Google Voice Product Expert Rosemary Orchard also commented on Twitter that “Voicemail transcription is not being removed” and “Voicemail will continue to exist” (source), further reassuring users that basic voicemail functionality remains intact.

While certain third-party integrations may be discontinued, Google has not announced plans to remove or disable the core voicemail capabilities of Google Voice at this time.

How to Set Up Voicemail

Google Voice provides the ability to set up personalized voicemail greetings and manage voicemail settings. Here are the key steps to activate and configure voicemail on Google Voice:

On Android:

Open the Google Voice app.
Tap the menu icon and go to Settings.

Under Voicemail, tap on Voicemail greeting.
Tap on Record a greeting to customize your greeting.
You can set greetings for busy, unavailable, and default scenarios.

On Desktop:

Go to voice.google.com and click on Settings.
Click on Voicemail on the left sidebar.

Under Active greeting, click Record a new greeting.
Customize greetings for different scenarios.

Other voicemail customization options:

Forward voicemails to email or text.
Set notifications for new voicemails.
Change number of rings before voicemail picks up.

Prevent callers from leaving a voicemail.

With these steps, you can fully configure Google Voice voicemail to suit your needs.

Using Third-Party Apps

While the official Google Voice app provides basic voicemail capabilities, there are third-party apps that expand the features for accessing Google Voice voicemail externally. Some popular options include:

1. GV Connect – This iOS app allows you to listen to Google Voice voicemails and transcriptions. It also provides a call log and the ability to display your Google Voice number as caller ID when making calls. GV Connect in the App Store.

2. Voice+ – An iOS app that gives you full access to Google Voice, including voicemail playback and management. You can also screen calls and enable do not disturb. Voice+ in the App Store.

3. GV Integration – An Android app that interfaces with Google Voice to deliver voicemails and texts outside the official Google Voice app. It provides a pop-up alert for new voicemails. GV Integration in the Play Store.

These third-party apps provide expanded options for accessing your Google Voice voicemails from external devices. Their extra features, like voicemail transcription and pop-up notifications, can improve the voicemail experience.

The Future of Voicemail

The future of Google Voice’s voicemail capabilities remains uncertain. Google has not made any official announcements about removing voicemail from Google Voice at this time. However, some speculate that Google may eventually retire the voicemail feature as more users switch to third-party voicemail apps.

Compared to other VoIP providers like Vonage and Ooma, Google Voice’s voicemail options are relatively basic. For example, Vonage offers advanced features like voicemail transcription, while Ooma has an intuitive visual voicemail system. Google Voice does still include handy tools like call screening and voicemail greetings, but lacks some of the sophisticated options offered by competitors.

For now, voicemail through Google Voice remains functional. But Google could remove this legacy feature in the future to focus on other communication tools. Users keen on keeping voicemail capabilities may need to explore alternatives like YouMail or Telo if Google Voice voicemail gets discontinued.

Conclusion

In summary, Google Voice’s voicemail capabilities are still active and working as of 2023, despite some recent changes to the service. Users can follow the steps outlined above to enable voicemail and customize their greeting. While third-party apps may provide expanded features, the native Google Voice app continues to offer a free and convenient way to access voicemails.

For many users, voicemail through Google Voice adds value by providing a single place to access and manage all voicemails, separate from carrier-based services. As Google Voice evolves, voicemail is likely to remain a key feature that sets it apart from other communication platforms. Even with the proliferation of texting and new messaging options, having a reliable voicemail service remains essential for anyone who wants to avoid missing important calls and messages.