How do I transfer a line to Google Voice?
What is Google Voice?
Google Voice is a Voice over IP (VoIP) service provided by Google that gives users a free phone number for calling, text messaging, and voicemail. With Google Voice, users can make and receive calls, send and get text messages, and manage voicemail through one centralized phone number.
Some key features of Google Voice include:
- Obtain a dedicated phone number with a chosen area code
- Make unlimited calls within the U.S. and Canada
- Send unlimited texts to U.S. and Canada
- Transcribe voicemails into text
- Set up call forwarding to ring multiple phones
- Block unwanted calls
Google Voice is available on Android, iOS, and web browsers. It integrates with Gmail and other Google services. Overall, Google Voice gives users enhanced call and text messaging features beyond standard cell phone plans.
Benefits of Transferring Your Number to Google Voice
There are several key benefits to transferring your existing phone number to Google Voice:
You get to keep your same phone number. By porting your number to Google Voice, you don’t have to get a new phone number and update all your contacts and accounts. You can continue using your existing number as your Google Voice number. This makes the transition seamless.
You gain access to Google Voice features. Once your number is on Google Voice, you get access to useful features like voicemail transcription, call screening, call recording, online faxing, virtual numbers, and more. Google Voice will transcribe your voicemails and send them to you as text messages or emails so you don’t have to listen to voicemail.
Your number works across devices. With Google Voice, your number works on any phone, tablet, or computer by downloading the Google Voice app. You can make and receive calls on your number from any device.
You get a professional voicemail system. Google Voice provides customizable voicemail greetings, voicemail-to-text transcription, and easy voicemail management features for free. This is far superior to basic carrier voicemail.
Overall, porting to Google Voice allows you to continue using your existing number while also gaining access to improved call management and productivity features.
Requirements for Transferring Your Number
To transfer your mobile number to Google Voice, there are a few key requirements your number and account must meet:
Your mobile number must be inactive or unused with your current carrier. The number cannot be active on any other account when transferring to Google Voice 1.
Your wireless account must be in good standing. You cannot have any outstanding fees or pending changes on the account. It must be fully active and in good standing to be eligible for transfer 1.
The mobile number must not currently be associated with another Google Voice account. Each number can only be linked to one Google Voice account.
You can port mobile numbers, VoIP numbers, and landline numbers to Google Voice. However, toll-free, business, and government numbers are not eligible for transfer.
Porting vs Forwarding Your Number
Porting a phone number and call forwarding are two different processes when it comes to managing your phone number. Porting transfers the phone number to a new provider and closes your account with the old provider. Call forwarding keeps your number with the current provider and just forwards the calls made to that number to a different phone number.
When you port your number to Google Voice, you are transferring the phone number from your current carrier to Google Voice. This will close your account with the old provider. Call forwarding with Google Voice allows you to forward calls made to your Google Voice number to any phone number you choose. The key difference is that with porting, you are actually transferring the number to a new provider, while call forwarding simply forwards the calls without changing providers.
Many people choose to port their number to Google Voice to take advantage of Google Voice’s features like voicemail transcription, call screening, and making calls over wifi. Porting also allows you to use that number across any device. With call forwarding, you keep the number with your existing carrier and just forward it to Google Voice, but don’t get all the features.
##How to Port Your Number to Google Voice
Porting your existing phone number to Google Voice is a simple process that involves just a few steps. Here is an overview of how to port your number to Google Voice:
- First, sign up for a free Google Voice account at voice.google.com. You’ll need to verify your account with a mobile phone number.
- Once your Google Voice account is created, click on the menu icon in the top left and select “Settings”. Then choose “Phones” and click the “Add another phone” button.
- Enter the phone number you want to port to Google Voice and choose your current carrier. Google will verify if your number can be ported.
- Google will provide port out information to submit to your current carrier to release your number. Contact your carrier to request them to release your number.
- Once your carrier has released your number, Google will automatically detect it and finish the port in. This usually takes 24-48 hours.
- After the port completes, you can make and receive calls on your number via Google Voice.
And that’s it! Following these steps allows you to seamlessly transfer your phone number to Google Voice. Just be patient during the porting process and make sure your carrier fully releases your number for transfer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Porting
Porting your existing phone number to Google Voice is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps:
1. Go to the Google Voice website and sign in to your account. Click on the menu icon in the top left and select “Settings”.
2. In the Settings page, go to the “Account” section and click on “Port a number to Google Voice” under the “Porting” header.
3. Enter your existing 10-digit phone number that you want to port along with your account number and PIN for that number. These details can be found on your phone bill. Click “Continue”.
4. Google Voice will verify your account details with your carrier. If verified successfully, you will see a confirmation message.
5. Review the Terms of Service and click “Agree”. Google Voice will then send the porting request to your carrier.
6. The entire porting process usually takes 1-10 business days to complete. You will receive text messages from Google Voice updating you on the status.
7. Once the port is completed, your existing phone number will now work with Google Voice. You can start making calls, sending texts, and using other Google Voice features.
For step-by-step instructions from Google, refer to this support article.
What Happens After Porting
Once the porting process is complete, your number will be fully functional with Google Voice.[1] You’ll be able to make and receive calls, send and get text messages, and use all of Google Voice’s features with your ported number.
At the same time, your wireless account with your previous carrier will be closed since that number is no longer active on their network.[2] Your old carrier may send you a final bill for any remaining charges on your account.
Some things to keep in mind after porting your number to Google Voice:
- You won’t have mobile service anymore unless you sign up with a new carrier and get a new number.
- You can still get text messages through the Google Voice app and calls through forwarding to another number.
- Your old voicemail will be canceled but Google Voice provides voicemail.
- You may need to update your number with contacts, businesses, etc.
Overall, porting your number to Google Voice disconnects you from your previous carrier but gives you full control over the number with Google Voice’s features.
[1] https://support.google.com/voice/answer/1065667?hl=en
[2] https://support.google.com/voice/thread/25696837/so-what-happens-after-i-port-my-personal-phone-to-google-voice-can-i-still-make-calls?hl=en
Tips for Porting Your Number Successfully
To ensure your number ports to Google Voice smoothly, here are some tips to follow:
First, double check your carrier account is eligible for porting. Log into your account and verify the number can be transferred out. Some carriers may have restrictions on porting based on your account status.
Next, choose the optimal timing. Avoid porting during peak hours on weekdays or holidays when carrier porting departments are busiest. The best times are often evenings and weekends. Give yourself a few days buffer too in case issues arise.
You’ll also want to port when you have access to both your old carrier number and the Google Voice app, in case you need to receive confirmation texts or calls. Have both phones handy during the process.
Finally, follow all the proper port out steps with your carrier first before starting the Google Voice transfer. Confirm the port out is fully complete before moving to Google Voice. Rushing the carrier portion may lead to problems.
Taking the time to prepare and setting yourself up for success will help ensure your number ports smoothly to Google Voice.
Troubleshooting Porting Problems
Sometimes issues can arise when porting your phone number to Google Voice. Here are some common problems and solutions:
If your number fails to activate properly on Google Voice, first double check that you completed the porting process correctly on the Google Voice website. Be sure you entered the account number and pin from your carrier properly.
If it still doesn’t work, you may need to contact your carrier and have them retry the port request from their end. Your carrier can monitor the status of the port and reinitiate it if needed (source).
Another problem is port reversals. Occasionally a number can get accidentally ported back to the original carrier. If this happens, repeat the Google Voice porting process. You will need to obtain a new account number and PIN from your carrier to submit the new request.
For other issues, check the Google Voice help forums, as they often provide solutions for common porting problems (source). With some patience, you should be able to successfully port your number.
Alternatives to Porting Your Number
If you decide not to port your existing phone number to Google Voice, there are a couple alternatives to consider:
One option is to keep your current carrier number active and simply forward calls and texts to your new Google Voice number. This allows you to test out Google Voice without fully transferring your number over. To do this, you’ll log into your carrier account and enable call forwarding and text forwarding to your new Google Voice number. Just keep in mind you’ll still receive calls and texts directly to your carrier number as well.
Another alternative is to use a different VoIP service besides Google Voice, such as Ringblaze, Skype, or Nextiva. These providers may offer features that Google Voice lacks, like unlimited calling plans, better call routing options, or integration with other business tools. The downside is porting your number to a different provider still requires cancelling your current phone service.
In the end, keeping your carrier number active and forwarding to Google Voice gives you the most flexibility if you’re unsure about fully porting your number over.