How do I stop my phone calling from Google Voice?
What is Google Voice?
Google Voice is a free phone service from Google that provides a phone number for calling, text messaging, and voicemail. The Google Voice service integrates with the existing phone number and carrier by forwarding calls to the Google Voice number. It includes features such as:
- Free phone number for calls and texts
- Voicemail transcription
- Call screening and blocking
- Text messaging
- Online account management
Google Voice is available on iOS and Android mobile devices through the Google Voice app. It can also be used through the Google Voice website. The service provides low cost international calling and free calling within the U.S. and Canada. Overall, Google Voice gives users enhanced phone call management and features without requiring a new phone number.
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How does phone calling work in Google Voice?
Google Voice routes incoming calls to phone numbers you have linked to your Google Voice account. When someone calls your Google Voice number, the call rings all of the linked phone numbers simultaneously by default.
You can customize how calls are forwarded using call forwarding rules in your Google Voice settings. Call forwarding allows you to forward calls to different linked numbers based on criteria like time of day, caller ID, and more. For example, you could set up a rule to only ring your mobile phone during business hours, and forward calls to your landline after hours.
Another option is to enable “Do Not Disturb” which will send all calls directly to voicemail. You can also selectively ring just one device if you only want your mobile phone or desk phone to ring from your Google Voice number.
The flexibility of Google Voice’s call forwarding system allows you to route incoming calls to multiple linked devices at the same time or selectively forward to just one device. This allows you to manage how and when your Google Voice phone number reaches you. https://support.google.com/voice/answer/11420769?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop
Why stop Google Voice phone calls?
There are several reasons why someone may want to disable phone calls in Google Voice:
- Don’t want personal number ringing – Some users only want to use Google Voice for voicemail, and prefer calls to not actually ring their personal phone number. This allows them to screen calls and only listen to voicemails they want to return.
- Too many spam or robocalls – Google Voice numbers can receive spam calls just like regular numbers. Disabling ringing stops these unwanted calls from interrupting you.
- Only want Google Voice for voicemail – For users who ported their existing number to Google Voice, disabling calls allows them to keep the number just for voicemail while using a new phone number for actual calls.
In summary, the desire to stop Google Voice calls usually stems from only wanting voicemail functionality or avoiding excessive spam calls. People don’t necessarily want to disable Google Voice entirely, but prevent their phone from ringing each time the Google Voice number is called.
Temporarily disabling Google Voice calls
There are a couple ways to temporarily stop Google Voice from forwarding calls to your linked phone numbers:
Using Do Not Disturb
You can enable Do Not Disturb in the Google Voice app or website settings. This will send all calls directly to voicemail during the enabled time period. To turn it on:
- Open the Google Voice app and go to Settings > Do Not Disturb
- Toggle on “Turn on Do Not Disturb” and set a time period
Do Not Disturb will remain active for the set duration, then calls will resume normally. You can turn it off early by going back to the DND settings. [1]
Turning off call forwarding
You can temporarily disable call forwarding to your linked phone numbers:
- Go to Google Voice settings on the web or mobile app
- Under “Phones” or “Linked numbers,” click the phone to edit
- Toggle off call forwarding for that number
This will stop Google Voice calls from ringing your cellphone or landline. Incoming calls will only ring on Google Voice. Remember to re-enable call forwarding when you want calls on your regular phone again. [2]
Permanently disabling Google Voice calls
If you want to permanently stop receiving calls through Google Voice, you’ll need to unlink all phone numbers connected to your Google Voice account and remove the Google Voice app from your devices.
To unlink your phone numbers from Google Voice:
- Go to the Google Voice website and log into your account.
- Click on the menu icon in the top left and select “Settings”.
- Under “Phones” click “Edit” next to the phone number you want to unlink.
- Click “Unlink this number”. Confirm by clicking “Unlink” again.
Repeat this process for every phone number linked to your Google Voice account. According to Google’s support page, once a number is unlinked from your account [1], you’ll no longer receive calls or texts on that number through Google Voice.
You’ll also need to remove the Google Voice app from any mobile devices like your smartphone. On an iPhone, you can delete the app just like any other app. On Android, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Google Voice and select “Uninstall”.
With all phone numbers unlinked and the app removed, your Google Voice account will be disabled from making or receiving calls.
What happens when calls are disabled?
When you disable calls in Google Voice, it prevents your Google Voice number from receiving incoming calls or making outbound calls. However, some Google Voice features will still work when calls are disabled:
- Google Voice voicemail – You can still receive and access voicemails through the Google Voice app or website. Any voicemails left will be accessible just like normal.
- Text messaging – Sending and receiving texts via your Google Voice number is not affected. You can continue to send/receive SMS as usual.
So in summary, disabling calls in Google Voice prevents phone calls specifically, while still allowing voicemail and text messaging to function. Your Google Voice number essentially becomes inactive for calls only. Everything else like voicemail, texting, app access remains intact.
It’s a useful option if you want to temporarily pause calls due to travel, changing phone numbers, etc, but still need your Google Voice number available for other purposes.
Re-enabling Google Voice calls
If you decide later that you want to start receiving calls from Google Voice again, you can re-enable this feature. Here are the steps:
Relink your phone number:
– Go to the Google Voice website and log into your account.
– Click on Settings and then Linked numbers.
– Enter the phone number you want to relink with your Google Voice number.
Re-download the Google Voice app:
– Go to the App Store or Google Play Store and download the Google Voice app.
– Log into the app using your Google account credentials.
Turn call forwarding back on:
– Open the Google Voice app and go to Settings.
– Tap on Calls and toggle ‘Forward calls’ back on.
– Select which number you want calls forwarded to.
Once these steps are complete, your Google Voice number will once again receive calls as normal. The number is now reactivated.
Alternative call blocking options
There are several alternative ways to block unwanted calls on your phone besides disabling Google Voice:
Apps and settings for call screening
Many third party apps can screen and block robocalls and spam calls on both Android and iOS devices. Popular options include Truecaller, Hiya, and Robokiller. These apps maintain databases of known spam numbers and use advanced algorithms to identify potential nuisance calls. When enabled, they will block or flag these calls so you’re not disturbed. Both the native Phone app and Google Voice app also have built-in screening and blocking options you can enable under Settings.
Carrier call blocking services
Most major phone carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint offer free or paid call blocking services you can enable directly through your cellular account. These network-based services identify and filter out robocalls before they even reach your phone. However, they may sometimes block legitimate calls too. You can check with your carrier to see what call blocking options are available.
The FCC website has more details on enabling these services.
Pros and cons of disabling Google Voice calls
There are both advantages and disadvantages to disabling calls in Google Voice. Here are some of the key pros and cons to weigh when deciding whether to disable calling.
Pros:
Disabling calling in Google Voice gives you more control over when your phone rings. With calls disabled, your Google Voice number can’t directly call your linked phones. This prevents unwanted calls and spam calls from ringing through.
If you find Google Voice calls are disruptive or you want to reduce interruptions, disabling calls can be advantageous. You decide exactly when and how that Google Voice number can contact you.
Cons:
The main downside of disabling Google Voice calls is losing access to the Google Voice voicemail and features for your main phone number. With calls disabled, your Google Voice voicemail won’t receive any messages.
You also lose the ability to screen calls, review transcripts, and use other Google Voice phone features for your primary number. While you can still use the app, your main phone number won’t integrate directly with the full breadth of Google Voice capabilities.
Conclusion
In summary, there are a few main options for stopping incoming phone calls from Google Voice while still allowing voicemail and text messaging:
- Temporarily disable calling under Settings > Making and receiving calls
- Permanently disable your Google Voice number
- Forward calls to a phone number that rejects anonymous calls
Even with phone calling disabled, Google Voice will continue to provide features like voicemail transcription, text messaging, and voicemail storage. However, you will no longer receive incoming calls to your Google Voice number. By selectively disabling calling, you can still take advantage of Google Voice’s benefits while avoiding unwanted calls.