How to get a google voice number on android

You likely have one phone number for your mobile phone through which you make and get phone calls, send and receive text messages, and handle other related tasks. But sometimes you could use a second number for personal and professional phone calls and text messages. Or perhaps you’d like a different number to use when you set up accounts at websites.

A variety of options are available for snagging a second phone number, some free and some paid. But one option worth trying is Google Voice.

With the Google Voice VoIP service, you’re assigned a dedicated phone number that can use the same area code as your existing phone number or general location. Any phone calls made to your Google Voice number are forwarded to your regular number for you to answer directly.

Unanswered calls go to voicemail, where Google provides voice and text transcriptions for you to read and listen to the messages. Plus, you can use that second number for phone calls and text messages not just on your phone but on the Google Voice website.

On the upside, Google Voice and all of its features are freely available for personal use. On the downside, the personal service currently is accessible only in the US for individuals. However, Google Voice is available for business and educational users with paid Google Workspace accounts in the US and other select regions around the world.

To take advantage of Google Voice, you need a Google account and an existing phone number. Now let’s check out the steps for using this option as a second phone number.

Set Up Google Voice

To set up your number on a PC, browse to the Google Voice web page(Opens in a new window) and sign in with your Google account. You can use any of the major browsers, such as Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or Safari. The page asks you to look for a number by entering your city or area code. You can choose any city or area code, but you’ll likely want to pick one in or close to your location, especially if you plan to give the number to friends, colleagues, and other people.

Type an area code or city to see available numbers. Click the link for Show more if you want to view additional numbers. Then click the Select button for the phone number you wish to use.

I've been working for PCMag since early 2016 writing tutorials, how-to pieces, and other articles on consumer technology. Beyond PCMag, I've written news stories and tutorials for a variety of other websites and publications, including CNET, ZDNet, TechRepublic, Macworld, Popular Science, Time, Fortune, US News & World Report, and AARP Magazine. I spent seven years writing breaking news for CNET as one of the site’s East Coast reporters. I've also written two books for Wiley & Sons—Windows 8: Five Minutes at a Time and Teach Yourself Visually LinkedIn.

For travelers, you can make and receive international calls at a much lower rate than most mobile providers charge. Additionally, if you have multiple phone numbers (i.e. work, personal, etc.) you can field all incoming calls and texts to one universal number.

While there are many of these services available, a popular choice for many consumers is Google Voice.

Google Voice is a telephone service that allows you to use one phone number across multiple phones. By creating a Google Voice number, users can make and receive calls, block numbers, and even send text messages. It’s available on a web browser, Android, and iOS, making it easily accessible for all use cases.

Best of all? It’s entirely free to use. You just have to sign up.

How to sign up for Google Voice

1. Head to voice.google.com
2. Browse available area codes
3. Select a Google Voice number
4. Verify your account using your existing phone number

If you’re curious to try it out for yourself, keep reading. We’ll walk you through each step you need to take to get started.

Before we begin, it’s important to note that you need to have a Google account to use Google Voice. If you already have one, feel free to skip ahead. If not, be sure to create one. It will only take a couple of minutes and requires you to fill out some basic information.

1. Go to voice.google.com

This step is pretty straightforward. Once you’re logged in to your Google account, head to www.voice.google.com.

2. Browse available area codes

On this screen, Google will prompt you to enter an area code. If your location services are enabled on your device, Google will automatically pull up a few suggested area codes for you to choose from.

3. Choose a Google Voice number and click “Select”

Once you find a phone number that suits you, simply click “Select.”

4. Verify your existing phone number

The final step is to verify your Google Voice account with your actual phone number. This is an internet-based service, which means it can’t create a phone number for you in the way a mobile provider can.

Click “Verify” in green to proceed.

Let’s get dialing

Whether you’re making personal or business calls, Google Voice can be an incredibly useful tool. Now that you have your account set up, you can take advantage of all its features and capabilities. All that’s left to do is start dialing!

How do I create a Google Voice phone number?

Can I get a free Google Voice number?

Is Google Voice available for Android?