Can I use Android messages with Google Voice?

Introducing Google Voice and Android Messages

Google Voice is a telephony service offered by Google that provides users with a phone number for calling, text messaging, and voicemail. With Google Voice, users can make and receive calls, send and get text messages, and access voicemail all through one central phone number provided by Google (https://support.google.com/voice/thread/9711356/can-we-set-up-android-messages-to-show-my-google-voice-number-on-outgoing-messages?hl=en).

Key features of Google Voice include:

Free phone number for calling and texting

Voicemail transcription and storage
Call forwarding and screening
Accessible across devices like mobile, tablet, computer

Android Messages is the default messaging app on Android devices. It provides SMS and MMS messaging capabilities directly linked to a phone’s cellular plan. Android Messages also has features like group messaging, photo sharing, read receipts, and more (https://www.wikihow.com/Text-with-Google-Voice).

Key features of Android Messages include:

SMS and MMS messaging

Group chats
Photo and video sharing
Read receipts and typing indicators

Native Android app

Using Android Messages as Your Default SMS App

To use Android Messages with Google Voice, you first need to set it as your default SMS app on your Android phone. Here are the steps to make Android Messages your default texting app:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android phone.

2. Tap on “Apps” or “Applications.”

3. Tap on “Default apps” or “Advanced” and then “Default apps.”

4. Tap on “SMS app” or “Messaging app.”

5. Select “Messages” or “Android Messages” from the list.

This will set Android Messages as your phone’s default SMS app. Now when you receive a new text message, it will come through in Android Messages instead of your previous default messaging app. You can also open Android Messages and start a new conversation to send SMS texts.

If your Android phone does not give you the option to change the default SMS app, you may need to download Android Messages from the Google Play Store first. Once downloaded, follow the steps above to set it as the default.

Sources:
https://support.google.com/messages/answer/6089066?hl=en
https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00090222/

Linking Android Messages to Your Google Voice Number

Here are the steps to link Android Messages to your Google Voice number:

Open the Android Messages app on your phone.

Tap the three dots in the top right corner to open the menu.
Select “Settings” from the menu.
Tap on “Google Voice.”

Toggle on “Enable Google Voice integration.”
Follow the prompts to sign in to your Google Voice account.
Once signed in, confirm that you want to link your Google Voice number to Android Messages.

Android Messages will now send and receive texts through your Google Voice number rather than your carrier number.

When linked, you can access all your Google Voice texts and features directly within Android Messages. Calls will still go through the Google Voice app.

Sending SMS Texts Through Google Voice with Android Messages

Once you have linked your Google Voice number to Android Messages, sending SMS texts using your Google Voice number is straightforward. Here is the process:

1. Open the Android Messages app on your phone.

2. Start a new message thread or open an existing thread.

3. Type out your message as you normally would.

4. Tap the send button when ready to send your message.

5. The message will be sent from your Google Voice number rather than your regular mobile number.

The recipient will see your messages as coming from your Google Voice number. The process is the same as sending a regular SMS text, with Android Messages automatically routing messages through your Google Voice account behind the scenes after linking.

One benefit of using Android Messages for Google Voice texts is that you can continue to use Android Messages features like text scheduling, searching messages, creating reminders and more. It provides a seamless Google Voice texting experience without having to use a separate app.

Overall, sending Google Voice SMS messages via Android Messages is simple and intuitive once set up. It makes texting from your Google Voice number easy and convenient on Android phones.

Sources:
https://www.wikihow.com/Text-with-Google-Voice
https://support.google.com/messages/answer/6080324?hl=en

Receiving SMS Texts Through Google Voice in Android Messages

Once you have linked your Google Voice number to Android Messages, any incoming SMS texts sent to your Google Voice number will automatically appear in the Android Messages app. This allows you to conveniently receive all your texts in one place.

When someone sends an SMS text message to your Google Voice number, Google’s servers receive the message and forward it to your linked Android Messages app. The message will then show up just like any other text – with the name and number of the sender.

Receiving texts works seamlessly, so you don’t have to take any additional steps once your accounts are linked. All your incoming SMS conversations will be visible in Android Messages for viewing, answering, etc. This integration makes Google Voice feel like your primary SMS app.

One limitation to note is that MMS picture and group messages may not come through reliably to Android Messages via Google Voice. SMS texts will work fine, but multimedia messages have inconsistencies. For best results, advise contacts to send plain SMS texts to your Google Voice number.

Using Android Messages Features with Google Voice

Many of the popular features in Android Messages work seamlessly with Google Voice integration. This includes RCS chat, backup, and more. RCS (Rich Communication Services) provides upgraded messaging features like read receipts, typing indicators, high-quality photo sharing, video calls, and more. According to Google’s blog, RCS chat features will work normally when using Android Messages as your SMS app linked to Google Voice.

Android Messages also offers built-in backup to Google Drive, allowing you to restore your messages if you ever switch devices. Backups occur automatically when enabled, though only SMS/MMS messages are stored rather than RCS chats. Group messaging also functions normally with Google Voice and Android Messages. You can easily communicate with multiple recipients.

That said, some features like reactions and stickers may not work properly when messaging non-RCS users from your Google Voice number. Additionally, spam protection and message filtering rely on integration with your carrier by default, so these features may be limited when using Android Messages with Google Voice.

Sources:

https://blog.google/products/android/7-new-messages-features/

https://support.google.com/voice/thread/176775274/use-google-messages-with-google-voice-number?hl=en

Group Messaging with Google Voice and Android Messages

Google Voice allows you to send group MMS messages using Android Messages as your default SMS app. Group MMS through Google Voice works by sending a single SMS text to multiple recipients at once. This allows you to easily message a group of people without having to send individual texts to each person.

There are some limitations to be aware of with Google Voice group messaging. According to Google’s support site, Google Voice group MMS is limited to a maximum of 8 participants, including yourself as the sender. So you can only send a group MMS to up to 7 recipients at once.

Google Voice group messaging also works best when all participants are using smartphones that support MMS messaging. As mentioned on Reddit, users with basic phones may have issues receiving or responding to group MMS. So it’s ideal if everyone in the group is using a modern smartphone.

Overall, while group messaging through Google Voice and Android Messages does have some limitations, it provides a convenient way to reach multiple people at once without having to send individual texts. Just be aware of the 8 person limit and make sure recipients are using smartphones for the best experience.

Cross-Platform Messaging with Google Voice and Android Messages

One of the advantages of using Google Voice is the ability to send and receive SMS/MMS messages across platforms. If you switch from an Android device to an iPhone, you can continue to use your Google Voice number for messaging.

Messages sent from your Google Voice number on an Android device will seamlessly appear in the Google Voice app on iOS. Likewise, messages sent from an iPhone via the Google Voice app can be viewed and responded to from your Android device’s default SMS app linked to your Google Voice number.

According to users on Reddit and Apple support forums, the cross-platform messaging experience generally works well. Some users report a slight delay in receiving messages across platforms, with messages typically arriving within a minute or two [1]. Group messaging between Android and iOS devices also functions with Google Voice, with all recipients able to participate in the conversation.

One limitation to note is that certain Android SMS app features may not be available when messaging through Google Voice on an iPhone. For example, read receipts and typing indicators likely will not work across platforms. However, basic sending and receiving of messages works reliably.

Overall, Google Voice provides a solid messaging solution for those switching between Android and iOS, allowing you to keep the same phone number and carry conversations across devices. While advanced app features may not translate fully cross-platform, core messaging capabilities remain intact.

Limitations and Considerations

While using Android Messages with Google Voice offers convenience and seamless SMS capabilities, there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind:

Google Voice has limits on the number of SMS messages that can be sent per day. According to this article, the limit is 100 sent messages per day when using a free Google Voice number.

Group messaging is limited to a maximum of 8 participants, including the sender, as noted in this resource. For larger group chats, another messaging app may be required.

MMS media messages havesize limitations and may not always work reliably when sending through Google Voice.

SMS delivery can sometimes be delayed compared to native carrier-based messaging.

Users cannot port an existing mobile number to use with Google Voice – a new Google Voice number must be used.

Some features like read receipts, advanced emojis, message reactions, and typing indicators may not be supported.

Relying solely on data connectivity for messaging can be risky in areas with poor reception. Having a cellular signal as a backup may be preferred.

Overall, while very functional for most purposes, the Google Voice + Android Messages combination does have some constraints versus messaging directly via a cellular provider.

Conclusion

Using Android Messages as your default SMS app with Google Voice offers both advantages and disadvantages compared to using the standalone Google Voice app.

On the plus side, Android Messages provides a more modern messaging experience with features like read receipts, typing indicators, WiFi messaging, and easier group messaging. Linking Android Messages with your Google Voice number allows you to access all these features when communicating with your Google Voice contacts. It essentially upgrades your Google Voice SMS experience on Android.

However, there are some limitations to be aware of. Not all Google Voice features are supported in Android Messages, like call screening and transcribed voicemail. The integration can also be a bit buggy. You may encounter issues with delayed or missing messages. Additionally, messaging contacts outside of your Google Voice network can get confusing with two separate messaging apps and numbers.

Overall, using Android Messages with Google Voice is a worthwhile option for most Android users who want a better SMS experience. But it’s not without its flaws. Evaluate your messaging needs and weigh the pros and cons to decide if integrating the two apps makes sense for you.