Why can’t my number be ported to Google Voice?
What is number porting?
Number porting is the process of transferring an existing phone number from one telecommunications carrier to another (source). It allows customers to keep their phone number when they change service providers, whether landline or mobile.
With number porting, you can switch phone companies but keep the same phone number. The number is “ported” or transferred from your old provider to your new provider. This makes switching carriers easier, since you don’t have to notify everyone of a new phone number.
Number porting gives customers more choice and flexibility when selecting service providers, without the hassle of changing phone numbers. It is enabled by telecom regulations in many countries, requiring carriers to allow customers to take their numbers with them when switching companies (source).
Why Google Voice does not support number porting
The main reason Google Voice does not support full number porting from all carriers is that Google Voice itself is not a mobile carrier or phone service provider. As explained on Google’s support site, “Google Voice is an app that gives you a free phone number for calling, text messaging, and voicemail” (source).
Since Google Voice is an internet-based app and not an actual cellular carrier, it does not have the infrastructure or partnerships required to fully port phone numbers from all providers. Phone number porting requires coordination between carriers at the network level. As a virtual phone number provider, Google Voice lacks the back-end telecommunications technology needed to initiate ports from many carriers.
This technical limitation is why Google Voice cannot provide full number porting from every carrier. Without the necessary telecom networks and relationships, Google Voice relies on users maintaining an existing mobile number with a provider like Verizon or AT&T. This existing mobile number serves as an anchor that connects your Google Voice number behind the scenes (source).
Carriers that allow porting to Google Voice
Google Voice allows you to port your existing mobile number from most major wireless carriers in the United States. Here are some of the major carriers and their policies for porting to Google Voice:
AT&T – Numbers can be ported from AT&T wireless and most AT&T landline accounts. The account must be active and in good standing to port the number (1).
Verizon – Cell phone numbers can be ported from Verizon wireless accounts. The account must not have any past-due balances (1).
T-Mobile – Numbers can be ported from T-Mobile wireless accounts, including prepaid accounts. There is a $35 port-out fee that may apply (1).
Sprint – Most Sprint wireless numbers can be ported to Google Voice. Sprint accounts must be active with no outstanding balances (1).
In general, major carriers allow porting to Google Voice as long as the account is in good standing. However, some smaller regional carriers and MVNOs may not support porting to Google Voice (1).
Requirements for porting your number
In order to port your phone number to Google Voice, there are a few requirements that must be met:
Your account with your current carrier must be in good standing. This means you cannot have any outstanding balances or be in a contract period with your carrier. According to the FCC, “Companies may charge you to port your number, but you can ask whether any fees can be waived or negotiated.”1
You cannot port a prepaid or VOIP phone number to Google Voice. Your current number must be a standard wireless or landline number associated with one of the major carriers that allow porting to Google Voice.
Your phone number cannot already be ported from another carrier. If you previously ported your number from one carrier to another, you cannot port again directly to Google Voice.
How to Port Your Number to Google Voice
Here are the step-by-step instructions for porting your existing phone number to Google Voice:
1. Go to the Google Voice website and sign into your account. Click on the menu icon in the top left and select “Legacy Google Voice”.
2. In the left sidebar, click on “Phones” and then click the button to “Port existing number”. This will start the porting process.
3. Enter your existing 10-digit phone number you want to port along with your account number and pin code for your current carrier. This information can be found on your phone bill.
4. Google will verify your information with your carrier. This usually takes 1-3 business days. Your current phone service will not be interrupted during this time.
5. Once verified, you will get a confirmation from Google. At this point, you can cancel phone service with your old carrier.
6. Within 24 hours after cancelling your old service, the number port to Google Voice will complete. You will receive a confirmation when finished.
Most carriers charge a small port out fee around $15-30. The entire process typically takes 3-5 business days from start to finish. Make sure to not cancel your current phone service until the port is complete to avoid any disruption.
Benefits of porting to Google Voice
There are several advantages to porting your existing phone number to Google Voice:
Single number for all devices – Google Voice gives you one number that rings multiple devices. You can have it ring your cell phone, landline, and computer simultaneously so you never miss an important call. This also makes it easy to screen calls and choose which device to answer on.
Advanced call handling features – Google Voice has customizable call routing, voicemail greetings based on who’s calling, call blocking, and Do Not Disturb. You can set specific rules and schedules for incoming calls.
Voicemail transcription – Google Voice provides free automated voicemail transcriptions so you can easily skim voice messages. This feature converts voicemails to text so you don’t have to listen to every recording.
According to How Google Voice Works, porting your number to Google Voice centralizes your communication and gives you more control. Key features like multiple linked devices, customizable call flow, and voicemail transcription provide value over standard carrier services.
Drawbacks of Porting to Google Voice
There are some key drawbacks to be aware of when porting your number to Google Voice:
One major drawback is the loss of iMessage if you switch from an iPhone to using Google Voice. iMessage is Apple’s proprietary messaging system that allows iPhone users to send texts over data rather than via SMS. With Google Voice on Android, you would lose the ability to continue conversations seamlessly between iMessage and SMS with other iPhone users.
Google Voice also has some limitations with MMS picture and group messaging (source). While it handles SMS text messaging well, issues can arise when trying to send or receive picture messages (MMS) or participate in group chats, especially with iPhone users. Some workarounds exist but the experience is not seamless.
There are also some potential challenges with accurate 911 location services when using Google Voice. Standard cell phone 911 calls automatically provide your location to emergency services, but navigating 911 on Google Voice can be more complicated. You need to manually set and update your 911 address and ensure location accuracy (source).
Alternatives to porting to Google Voice
While Google Voice does not allow regular number porting in most cases, there are some viable alternatives that provide similar functionality without requiring you to port your existing number. Here are three top options to consider:
Grasshopper
Grasshopper (https://grasshopper.com) is a popular virtual phone system that offers new phone numbers with custom greetings, call routing, voicemail transcriptions, and more. With Grasshopper, you don’t need to port your number – you’re simply assigned a new dedicated business phone number. Pricing starts at $26/month per number. Grasshopper also has a free 7-day trial so you can test it out.
Sideline
Sideline (https://www.sideline.com) provides cloud-based business phone numbers without requiring a phone carrier contract or existing number port. You can add local numbers in the US and Canada to enable calling, texting, call forwarding and more. Sideline starts at $15/month per number added.
Line2
Line2 (https://www.line2.com) offers a second business line on your smartphone or desktop without porting your number. Line2 provides inbound/outbound calling, SMS texting, call forwarding, voicemail-to-text, and other standard phone features starting at $9.95/month per line added.
The benefit of these services is that they don’t require you to port your existing number. You simply sign up for a new additional phone line on your device. While not the same as porting your primary number, these alternatives give you most of the same capabilities without the hassle of porting.
FAQs about Google Voice Porting
Here are some frequently asked questions about porting your phone number to Google Voice:
Can I port my mobile number to Google Voice?
Yes, you can port your existing mobile number to Google Voice as long as your mobile carrier allows porting to Google Voice. Most major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon allow porting to Google Voice [1].
Is porting to Google Voice free?
Porting your number to Google Voice is free. However, your carrier may charge a fee to release your number. Check with your carrier for any fees.
How long does it take to port a number to Google Voice?
It usually takes anywhere between 24 hours to a few business days for the porting process to complete. The exact time frame depends on your carrier [2].
Can I port my number if I’m outside the US?
Unfortunately, Google Voice currently only supports porting phone numbers from US carriers. You cannot port your number if you are outside the US [1].
What happens to my old phone number after porting?
After porting to Google Voice, your old phone number will be disconnected from your previous carrier. All calls and texts to that number will now be received through Google Voice.
Can I port my landline number to Google Voice?
Yes, you can port a landline or VoIP number to Google Voice as long as your landline provider allows porting to Google Voice.
The bottom line
Porting your existing phone number to Google Voice has some benefits, like keeping your number when changing providers or having one number ring multiple phones. However, Google Voice does not currently support porting numbers from all carriers due to technical limitations.
If your carrier does allow porting to Google Voice, like T-Mobile, Sprint, or AT&T, you can follow the instructions to port your number. This allows you to take advantage of Google Voice features. But if your carrier is not supported, like Verizon, you’ll need to get a new Google Voice number instead.
Before deciding to port your number, weigh the pros and cons. Make sure Google Voice’s features are worth giving up your existing phone number. Using call forwarding or an app like Sideline can provide similar benefits without having to port your number.
Overall, porting your number to Google Voice can be useful in some cases but is not an option for all phone carriers. Consider your specific needs and carrier to decide if it makes sense for you.