How do I call a Google Voice number from my Android?

What is Google Voice?

Google Voice is a free telephony service from Google that provides users with a phone number for calling, texting, and voicemail. With Google Voice, you get a free phone number that can be used to make and receive calls on any phone, as well as send and receive text messages through the Google Voice app or website (Source).

Some key features of Google Voice include (Source):

Voicemail transcription

Call screening
Text messaging
Call recording

Conference calling
Call forwarding

Google Voice aims to provide an enhanced phone calling experience by offering advanced features beyond standard phone services. It integrates with your existing phone number and service provider.

Why Call a Google Voice Number?

One of the main benefits of using Google Voice is the ability to make inexpensive international calls. Google Voice uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to route calls, allowing you to call international numbers for much cheaper rates compared to traditional international calling plans from cell phone carriers (Source). With Google Voice, international calls to many countries cost just 1 cent per minute.

In addition to cheap international calling, Google Voice provides a free phone number that can call any number in North America. Your Google Voice number works as your virtual phone number that can ring multiple devices. When someone calls your Google Voice number, you can answer on your cell phone, landline, computer, or tablet since Google Voice forwards the calls. This provides flexibility to receive calls anywhere (Source).

Before You Call

Before calling a Google Voice number from your Android device, you need to make sure you have the Google Voice app installed and that you are logged into your Google Voice account. The Google Voice app allows you to make calls using your Google Voice number. Here are the steps to take before making a call:

1. Install the Google Voice app on your Android device. You can download the app for free from the Google Play Store. See Google Voice on the Play Store.

2. Open the Google Voice app and log into your Google Voice account. If you don’t already have an account, you’ll need to sign up for one first. See Set up Google Voice for details.

3. Make sure your Android phone number is linked to your Google Voice account. You can do this in the app under Settings > Linked numbers. This allows you to make calls from your Google Voice number using your Android’s phone dialer.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be ready to start calling Google Voice numbers directly from your Android device.

Using Your Phone’s Dialer

You can call a Google Voice number directly from your Android phone’s dialer app. To do this:

1. Open the Phone app on your Android device.

2. Enter the 10-digit Google Voice number in the dialer.

3. Tap the green call button to place the call.

The call will connect through your regular cellular network, not through the Google Voice app. Your Google Voice number will show up on the recipient’s caller ID.

This method provides the most seamless calling experience and reliability. According to Google Voice Help forums, dialing directly avoids issues with the data connection needed for the Voice app.

Using the Google Voice App

One easy way to call a Google Voice number from your Android phone is by using the Google Voice app directly. The Google Voice app allows you to make calls to any number right from the app itself.

To call a Google Voice number from the Google Voice app on Android:

Open the Google Voice app on your Android phone.
Tap on the Contacts icon at the bottom.
Find the Google Voice number you want to call in your contacts list.

Tap on the number to bring up the contact profile.
Tap on the phone icon to directly call that Google Voice number.

The Google Voice app will initiate the call using your Google Voice number. The call will ring the receiving Google Voice number and connect just like a normal phone call.

Calling Google Voice numbers directly from the Google Voice app is fast and convenient. You don’t need to dial the number, it automatically uses your Google Voice account. This makes it easy to quickly call your Google Voice contacts right from your Android phone (source).

Calling from Google Voice Web

One easy way to call a Google Voice number from your Android phone is by using the Google Voice website. Here’s how:

Go to voice.google.com and log into your Google account.

Find the Google Voice number you want to call in your contacts or call history.
Click the “Call” icon next to the number.
This will open a call dialog box. Make sure your microphone and speakers are enabled.

Click “Call” to start the call.

The call will connect directly through your computer’s microphone and speakers. This allows you to call any Google Voice number for free without using your mobile minutes.

One limitation is that you need to be at your computer to place and receive the calls. But it’s a simple way to call Google Voice if you don’t want to use your mobile plan or the Google Voice app.

Using Google Assistant

One of the easiest ways to call a Google Voice number from your Android device is by using Google Assistant. Google Assistant is Google’s intelligent personal assistant that comes pre-installed on most Android devices. To call a Google Voice number using Google Assistant:

Make sure you have the latest version of the Google app and Google Assistant installed on your device. You can check for updates in the Play Store.
Wake up your Google Assistant by saying “OK Google” or “Hey Google”.

Say “Call [number] using Google Voice” – replacing [number] with the actual Google Voice number you want to call.

For example, you can say “OK Google, call 555-123-4567 using Google Voice”. Google Assistant will place the call using your linked Google Voice account. This allows you to easily make calls through your Google Voice number by speaking to your Assistant.

According to Google, Google Assistant is designed to help you get things done and save you time. Calling Google Voice numbers hands-free using your voice is just one example of how Google Assistant can streamline tasks on Android devices.

Call Quality and Reliability

The call quality when using Google Voice largely depends on your data or WiFi connection. Since Google Voice calls are made over the internet (VoIP), you need a strong and stable internet connection for the best audio quality during calls.

Call reliability can vary depending on your location and network conditions. According to some users, Google Voice calls over WiFi can sometimes result in dropped calls or poor quality ^[1]. Issues are usually temporary and resolving on their own, but weak cellular and WiFi signals can disrupt calls.

If you experience frequent call quality issues, you can try troubleshooting steps like switching between WiFi and cellular data, turning Airplane Mode on and off, or force stopping the Google Voice app ^[2]. Overall, Google Voice provides reliable high-quality calling for most users in ideal connectivity conditions.

International Calls

One of the key benefits of using Google Voice to make calls is the low rates for international calling. According to Google Voice’s calling rates page, calls to many popular international destinations are free or nearly free.

For example, calls to Canada, Mexico, China, and India are completely free when using Google Voice. Calls to the UK, France, and Germany are just $0.02 per minute. Even calls to more exotic locales like South Africa, Japan, and Australia are very affordable at $0.05 per minute.

This makes Google Voice an excellent option for keeping in touch with friends and family abroad. The low international rates allow you to call loved ones around the world frequently without worrying about expensive phone bills. With Google Voice, the world is just a quick, inexpensive phone call away.

Summary

To recap, there are several different ways to call a Google Voice number from your Android phone:

Use your phone’s default dialer app to dial the Google Voice number directly. This places the call using your carrier minutes or data.

Place the call through the Google Voice app. This routes the call through Google’s servers instead of your carrier. The Google Voice app may offer lower rates for international calls.
Initiate the call on the Google Voice website and have it ring your Android phone. This also routes through Google instead of your carrier.
Use Google Assistant voice commands to say something like “Call John Doe on Google Voice.” Google Assistant will automatically place the call via your Google account.

The call quality and reliability may vary depending on the method you choose. Calling directly through your carrier is usually the simplest and most reliable option, especially for domestic calls. But using the Google Voice app or website can potentially save money on international long distance. Test each method to see which one works best for your needs.