Google Voice is one of entrepreneurs and individuals’ most popular communication tools for the right reason. It is a free-of-cost phone service that gives you a phone number with your favourite area code to forward calls to your landline or cell phone numbers. The practice will help you to distinguish between professional and personal communication.
Getting a Google Voice number will be a one-time thing since you will use it to interact with your customers. To get an official Google Voice number, you must register, pick the number, verify your existing phone number, and set it up for your device. That’s all!
But creating a Google Voice account to get a Google number is just one obsession; you also need to understand what information you require during the signup process, whether there is any particular setting you need to customize, and whether Google Voice has advanced features, primary benefits, and limitations.
Let’s look at how to get a Google Voice number in 4 easy steps without further ado.
1. Signup for a Google Account
If you don’t have a Google account yet, you need to register for an account. It will grant you all of the fantastic products of Google. Signing up for the account does not cost you a single dime. Users must sign up for Google Voice with a Google Account and choose a number per their needs, like a specific location, area code, etc.
2. Choose Your Favorite Area Code
Choose the perfect and favourite area code for your Google Voice number. Verify that you’ve selected the correct area code and are ready. Some area codes might not exist; if that’s the case, you could use the codes from the cities near your location. You could proceed if you think the particular number is appropriate for your business.
3. Link Your Existing Mobile or Landline Number
You need to link your existing phone number with your Google Voice account. Remember that the Google Voice number you attained will work as the forwarder. Therefore, you must enter your phone number to complete the number retrieval.
4. Verify Phone Number via SMS Code or Automated Call
A verification step will be to finalize the process via SMS code or an automated call. After the verification process is done, you can use Google Voice immediately.
What is a Google Voice Number?
A Google Voice number is a virtual phone area code number that allows you to receive and make calls and text messages from any software device such as a tablet, smartphone, or computer (PC/Laptop) with an internet connection.
When you sign up for Google Voice, you are assigned a unique phone number with your favourite area code that you can use for all your online business communications.
With its ease of use, cost-effectiveness, privacy, and security features, a Google Voice number can be a valuable addition to your online communication toolkit.
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Which Details Are Required During the Google Voice Registration?
When registering for Google Voice, you are typically required to provide the following details:
- You need to have a Google account to use Google Voice.
- You must provide your name, email address, and other basic personal information.
- During sign-up, you must provide an existing phone number where calls from your Google Voice number will be forwarded. It can be your home phone, mobile number, office number, or any other phone you want.
Are There Any Special Settings You Need to Customize in Google Voice?
Yes, there are some unique settings in Google Voice that you can customize as per your preferences and communication needs. Some of these settings include:
- Setting up voicemail transcription
- Activate call screening
- Configuring call forwarding rules
- Managing blocked numbers and spam filters
- Customizing text and notification settings
These settings empower you to tailor Google Voice to your preferences and requirements, if you know how to set up Google Voice.
What Advanced Features are Offered by Google Voice?
Google Voice offers numerous advanced features that enhance user experience and its functionality. Below are some advanced features provided by Google Voice:
Local Number Selection
Google Voice allows choosing a local phone number from a wide range of available options. It enables users to have a phone number with an area code that is familiar to them or relevant to their geographical location.
This feature is helpful for businesses, individuals, professionals, and those who want to maintain a local presence, even if they are in a different area.
Unlimited Calls and Text Messages
With Google Voice, users enjoy the advantage of unlimited calling and text messaging to phone numbers within the United States and Canada.
This feature eradicates concerns regarding exceeding limits and helps consumers communicate without worrying about additional messages and standard call charges.
Spam Call Filtering
Google Voice includes spam call filtering to help users avoid fraudulent or unwanted calls. In settings, you can see another great feature of Google Voice, i.e., spam filtering. If you want to block unwanted calls, this feature is for you.
Number Porting
Google Voice provides the opportunity to port (transfer) an existing phone number from another carrier or service to your Google Voice account.
Users need to forward, port, and link their number to a Google Voice account, such as home phone number, cell number, landline number, office number, or mobile number. So, when anyone calls, it will ring and alert the linked number.
Scheduled Calls and Messages
Google Voice lets users schedule outgoing calls and messages for a specific time and date in the future. This feature is obliging for reminders, business communications, and other instances where timing is crucial. It ensures critical communications are delivered at the desired time, even if you cannot initiate them manually.
These advanced features improve the functionality and convenience of Google Voice, catering to both businesses and individual users looking for efficient communication solutions.
What Key Benefits Does Google Voice Bring to Your Business?
The benefits of a Google Voice number for your business are numerous. Google Voice is an excellent way to have a single phone number for your small business. You can have it forwarded to any number of phones and even send it to any device.
If anyone calls your Google Voice number, they will be connected to the person who answers the call, and this is a huge benefit because you can take calls from anywhere worldwide.
A Google Voice number can also be an excellent way to expand your customer base and increase the number of transactions you can make. Google Voice will help you keep track of your phone calls, including international calls and messages, which is essential for your business.
Moreover, if you have a Google Voice number, you can choose the type of voicemail greeting you want to give your customers.
Some of the other advantages you can get from Google Voice numbers are:
- Reduce your phone bills
- Get access to a world of exciting new Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) services
- Make calls to any landline or mobile number
- Receive phone calls, even if you are outside your area code
- Use Google Voice accounts with other awesome business applications
Do International Calls and Text Messages via Google Voice Come with a Price Tag?
Yes, international calls and text messages using Google Voice usually have a price tag. Google Voice offers flexible and affordable plans for individuals and businesses: Starter = $10/user/month, Standard = $20/user/month, and Premier = $30/user/month.
Google Voice offers low-cost international calling rates, making staying in touch with overseas family and friends easy. However, these rates can differ based on the country and location you are calling or texting, and the charges will be deducted from your Google Voice account balance.
Are There Any Geographical Restrictions to Get a Google Voice Number?
Yes, there are geographical restrictions for obtaining a Google Voice number. Google Voice is primarily accessible to users within the United States. This means you are generally required to have a U.S. phone number and be in the United States to register for and use Google Voice.
Additionally, global users might encounter limitations when making international calls or using certain features.
Can You Use Google Voice Number for Instagram Verification?
Yes, you can use Google Voice number for Instagram account verification and creation. Google Voice numbers are perfect for verifying Instagram accounts because they provide a seamless connection between your phone number and your account.
The Instagram phone number is mandatory; Instagram users need a mobile phone number to log in with their accounts. The only exception to this rule is if you’re using the web version of Instagram, in which case, your phone number isn’t necessary.
Can You Have Multiple Google Voice Numbers?
Yes, you can have multiple Google Voice numbers associated with your Google account. Google Voice allows users to have one primary number linked to their account, but you can also add additional Google Voice numbers to the same account.
How Long You Can Use a Free Google Voice Number?
A Google Voice number you obtain for free will be a permanent part of your Google account. It means you can continue using your free Google Voice number for as long as you maintain your Google account and adhere to Google’s terms of service.
In conclusion, getting a Google Voice number is an easy process that offers several benefits for managing your communication. Following the four simple steps outlined above, you can quickly secure a dedicated telephone number to make calls, send texts, and manage voicemails.
Whether you are looking for a separate line for business, an extra number for personal use, or a superior way to streamline your communication, Google Voice presents a user-friendly solution.
As technology carries on to form the way we connect, having a Google Voice number can empower you to stay connected while keeping control over your communication preferences. Embrace the convenience and flexibility that a Google Voice number brings to your daily interactions.