Is a Google Voice number a real phone number?
What is Google Voice?
Google Voice is a phone service from Google that provides users with a phone number for calling, texting, and voicemail services. Users can get a free Google Voice number that works with the Google Voice app on smartphones and computers (1). With a Google Voice number, users can make and receive calls, send and receive texts, access voicemail, and set up advanced call forwarding and screening features (2). The Google Voice number acts as the main phone number, which can then ring multiple linked phone numbers simultaneously or in a set sequence.
Google Voice is available for free for consumer use in the U.S. and select other countries. There are also paid Google Voice plans for business use, integrated with Google Workspace (formerly GSuite) (3). Overall, Google Voice gives users enhanced phone capabilities while using just one virtual phone number.
How Google Voice Numbers Work
Google Voice numbers work by allowing users to choose a single virtual phone number that can ring multiple devices. When someone calls or texts a Google Voice number, the service routes the communication to whatever linked devices the user has specified [1]. This could include cell phones, landlines, computers, and tablets.
After a user signs up for Google Voice, they select a phone number with their desired area code to use as their main Google Voice number. The user then links other phone numbers and devices they want associated with that Google Voice number. These linked numbers will all ring when someone contacts the Google Voice number.
The user can specify unique ringtones and text tones for each linked device. They can also configure specific devices to ring for certain contacts only. This gives users flexibility in how they receive Google Voice calls and texts across multiple devices.
Overall, the main appeal of Google Voice numbers is having a single virtual number that intelligently routes communications to all of a user’s various phones and devices [2]. This unified messaging platform consolidates notifications and makes it easy to coordinate across multiple numbers.
Receiving Calls and Texts
Incoming calls and texts to a Google Voice number will ring all the linked devices, such as smartphones and computers, where the user is signed into their Google Voice account. This allows you to receive calls and texts to your Google Voice number on multiple devices simultaneously.
For example, if you link your cell phone, landline, and computer to your Google Voice number, an incoming call will ring all 3 devices at the same time. You can choose to answer the call on whichever device is most convenient.
To enable this functionality, you need to install the Google Voice app on your mobile devices and/or enable calling in Gmail on your computer. On your Android phone, make sure to enable “Incoming phone calls” in the Google Voice app settings. On an iPhone, enable the Google Voice app to access calls in your device settings. The app uses Wi-Fi or mobile data to route calls and texts [1].
With this setup, it doesn’t matter what device you actually give out as your phone number. You will be able to receive calls and texts to your Google Voice number on any linked device.
Making Outgoing Calls
To make outgoing calls using your Google Voice number, you need to use the Google Voice mobile app or make calls directly from the Google Voice website. When making calls from the native Phone or Contacts app on your mobile device, your mobile carrier’s phone number will be displayed to the recipient by default.
To display your Google Voice number on outgoing calls, you need to initiate the call using the Google Voice app. On Android, you can enable a setting to “Use Google Voice to make all calls” which will route all calls placed from your native dialer through your Google Voice number automatically [1]. On iOS, you can only use your Google Voice number by placing calls directly from the Voice app.
You can also place calls from your Google Voice number by using the call feature on the Google Voice website. Simply click on the “Call” icon next to any contact and it will place a call using your Google Voice number as the caller ID.
So in summary, Google Voice gives you options to make outgoing calls from your Voice number as long as you use the official Voice mobile app or web interface. Calling directly from your regular smartphone dialer will use your mobile number unless special settings are enabled.
Texting from Google Voice Number
One of the handy features of Google Voice is the ability to send and receive text messages using your Google Voice number, even when you don’t have cell service or are connected to Wi-Fi. This allows you to access your texts across all your devices.
If you have the Google Voice app installed on your smartphone, you can send and receive texts directly from your Google Voice number. The app supports SMS texting capabilities through your Google Voice number on both Android and iOS devices.
On Android phones, you can also integrate your Google Voice number with the native messaging app to seamlessly send texts from your Google Voice number. For iPhone users, the Google Voice app offers the best texting experience.
Overall, Google Voice provides a convenient way to send texts from your Google Voice number on mobile, with full support across Android and iOS devices.
Voicemail and Other Features
Google Voice provides several useful features beyond just making and receiving calls and texts. One key feature is voicemail. Any missed calls to your Google Voice number will go to voicemail where callers can leave a message.
Google Voice transcribes voicemail messages and delivers them to your email inbox or the Google Voice app. You can then listen to the audio recording or read the transcription. Google Voice voicemail includes options to save, forward, delete, and reply to messages.
Another useful feature is call screening. With call screening enabled, callers are prompted to state their name before the call rings through to you. This allows you to avoid unwanted calls. Google Voice can also screen for robocalls.
Google Voice also offers call recording, allowing you to record inbound and outbound calls for reference later. Recorded calls are accessible in your call history.
Overall, the voicemail, call screening, and recording capabilities add extra functionality beyond just making and taking calls with your Google Voice number (https://voice.google.com/). These features help manage your communications.
Porting Phone Numbers to Google Voice
One of the key features of Google Voice is the ability to port an existing mobile or landline phone number to the service. This allows you to keep your existing phone number while taking advantage of Google Voice’s features like voicemail transcription, call screening, and more. According to Google’s support page, most mobile and landline numbers in the United States and Canada can be ported to a Google Voice account.
The phone number porting process involves contacting your phone carrier and authorizing the transfer of your number to Google. Once the porting process is initiated, it usually takes between 24 hours to a few days for the number transfer to fully complete. While the port is in progress, you may experience brief interruptions in phone service. It’s important to follow Google’s instructions carefully during the porting process.
There are a few key things to keep in mind when porting a number to Google Voice:
- There is a $20 one-time fee charged by Google to port a number.
- You can only port mobile numbers you own and pay for.
- Landline numbers can be ported but may have additional requirements.
- Porting a number to Google Voice will cancel the number’s account with the previous carrier.
Overall, porting an existing phone number to Google Voice is a convenient way to gain access to Google Voice features while keeping your current mobile or landline number.
Limitations of Google Voice Numbers
While Google Voice numbers function similar to traditional phone numbers in many ways, they do have some limitations users should be aware of.
One of the biggest limitations is that some services block Google Voice numbers. This includes certain banking and financial services, ride sharing services like Uber, and some government agencies. The reason is that these services want to verify real identities and block potential fraud, which is more difficult with Google Voice numbers [1].
Google Voice numbers also cannot receive texts from short code services, like banking alerts or voting confirmations. And while SMS texting is available, there are limits to the number of texts that can be sent per day. Sources estimate this limit around somewhere between 40-40,000 texts per day, but Google does not publish an official number [2] [3].
Overall, Google Voice has limits primarily around identity verification for certain services. While the numbers work for most everyday purposes, some restrictions apply.
Are Google Voice Numbers Real Phone Numbers?
Google Voice numbers function much like real phone numbers in many ways, but they do have some limitations compared to traditional phone numbers.
When you get a Google Voice number, it is an actual phone number that can receive calls and texts like a normal cell phone number. People who call or text your Google Voice number will not be able to tell it is a Google Voice number versus a regular number [1]. You can make outgoing calls and send texts from your Google Voice number as well.
However, Google Voice numbers do have some restrictions that regular phone numbers do not. For example, you cannot port a Google Voice number to a regular carrier, and some services will not accept Google Voice numbers for verification. Google Voice numbers also rely on data connectivity through the app or website, while regular numbers can make calls and texts over cellular networks [2].
So in summary, Google Voice numbers function similarly to real phone numbers for most practical purposes like making calls and texts. But they are not identical to regular phone numbers and do have some technical differences and limitations.
Summary
To recap, Google Voice provides users with a free phone number that can make and receive calls and texts. While Google Voice numbers look and function similar to cell phone numbers on the surface, they rely on an internet connection and Google’s servers to operate.
The main benefits of using a Google Voice number include:
- Ability to make free calls within the US and Canada
- Free SMS texting
- Voicemail transcription
- Call screening and blocking
- Integration with Gmail and other Google services
However, there are some downsides to keep in mind:
- Requires a steady internet connection to make and receive calls/texts
- Limited carrier support for forwarding calls
- Occasional lag or audio quality issues
- Lack of MMS support
While Google Voice numbers function similarly to cell phone numbers in day-to-day use, under the hood they rely on an internet connection and Google’s servers. Overall, Google Voice numbers provide a free and convenient phone service option with both benefits and limitations.