Sign Up for a Google Account
Note: This article will only focus on how to get a Google Voice account. If you have an existing Google account or how you want to receive and send calls to someone else via Google Voice, check out this post.
Anyone can register for a Google account by clicking the Sign Up button in the top right corner of Google tools and clicking the Next button.
Following the introduction Google will provide, you’ll be able to choose a username and password. Clicking on Sign In will give you the option to create a new Google account if you’re already registered for a Google account. Otherwise, you’ll automatically be directed to the Google account creation page.
Create a Google Account
To get a Google Voice account, start by clicking the Create an Account button under the Sign In dropdown. This will take you to the Google account creation page.
To register, you’ll need to provide the usual info, such as First name, Middle name, Last name, Email address and Re-enter email address.
Next, you’ll have the option to set up a new phone or an Android phone. If you choose Phone number, it will allow you to enter the phone number to use as your Google Voice number. However, you can select Other number and then enter the number you want to use.
Enter Your Local Area Code
When you enter the number, just omit the leading zero. So a local number with a seven (760) would be entered as 7-60-xxxx. A local number with a two (213) would be entered as 11-222-xxxx.
Confirmation Numbers: When you complete the signup and click the Create My Account checkbox, you’ll receive an email with a confirmation number. When you enter that number, copy/paste it, and click Submit.
If You Want to Verify That You Got the Number: Just give us a call at the number and leave the message. You should hear your Google Voice confirmation message.
Pick a Phone Number
Finding your own Google Voice number is easy. Go to Google Voice new account page. Click Get a phone number to get started. Google will even link you to your proposed Google Voice number.
You have to use a phone number (or Google Voice phone number) to get started and you don’t need voicemail.
Link Your Existing Phone Number
The problem with the Google Voice service is that only a select few are allowed to sign up for their service. Google Voice works by linking your existing phone number to a Google Voice account.
To sign up for the service, you need to meet the following requirements to qualify:
You need to have a phone number associated with your Google account.
You need to have an active Google account associated with the number you want to link.
With an active Google account, you must be at least 18 years old. Your Google account must not be disabled.
If you meet those conditions, then linking your existing phone number to a Google Voice account is a simple five step process that doesn’t require you to sign into a Google account:
Go to the Google Voice website.
Start the sign up process for Google Voice.
Fill out the information requested.
Click next and then confirm.
Allow a few days for all the techs at Google to make sure you’re not a robot.
Download the Mobile App
Once you check the box to accept the terms and conditions on the sign-up page, you will be redirected to a separate sign-up page to download the Android app.
Now, here’s what you have to do to set up a Google Voice number:
Download the Android app. Accept the terms and conditions. Log into your Google account via the Gmail web interface. Setup your number just as you would on any phone number (such as a cell phone). Simple!
Okay, there’s one more thing: You’ll need to allow your phone to access your voice connection. Now just follow the instructions in the Android app.
Google Voice Costs
And Features:
If you are like a lot of people out there, you might be contemplating switching to a less expensive VoIP service provider. You could go with Google Voice, which offers 500 minutes of free domestic phone calls and voicemail per month, and discounted international call rates.
The basic setup is free, and you’ll have to pay when you want to add a phone number to your account. Not only that, but Google Voice is still not fully compatible with iPhone and Android devices. It’s also important to note that Google Voice does not call 911 to report emergency accidents. Instead, Google directs you to call 911 in your area.
For some people, the features found in other service providers might be more appealing. If not, you’ll still have a lot of good stuff going for you.
What Are the Benefits of Google Voice?
Google Voice has an easy-to-use interface, and it’s compatible with web and Android devices. And apart from the basics, you can also get access to a lot of interesting features.
Google Voice Features
Google Voice Pros & Cons
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I have been using Google Voice since 2008. It is a great number to have and to use whether you want to make cheap phone calls, use it for voicemail, create VOIP calls for free with Skype and Google Hangouts Phone and more. The free voice service, though, is only electronically available in the United States. If you are outside of the US and want to have free calls, you can use a Virtual Number from a foreign service provider.
Here are a few questions I received from my readers on getting Google Voice from abroad:
How do I get one?
>For starters, if you’re living outside the US, you’ll need a Virtual Number from a foreign phone service provider such as Hidive, Twilio or Google Voice itself. Some of these numbers have to be purchased at a local phone service provider and the service provider will charge you an additional fee to deliver your calls overseas; details on this in my Voice on a Virtual Number Guide. Not all foreign phone services have to be purchased from a local service provider. If you wish to get a virtual number and do not wish to pay an excessive penny for a local phone number, you can get Google Voice for FREE by using Twilio or Hidive. Here’s how.
Can I take my Google phone number with me to another service?
Yes! These days you can use Google Voice to have access to all of your voicemails in Google Hangouts, as well as all of your SMS messages. You can even give out your phone number to friends and family that want to reach you through text!
Does Google Voice use cell phone minutes?
While Google Voice doesn’t really offer a landline solution like most conventional providers, it does have a lot of flexibility on the phone side of things once you get the hang of this service. It works great if you have a cell phone or landline that’s reliable and not too expensive.
As long as you’re not a heavy user, Google Voice is convenient and stress free and allows you to manage all your calls in one place, as long as your phone is connected to the Internet. You can port a number from your cell phone to your Google Voice number, and you can also make and receive calls from your Google Voice phone number.
However, if you are a heavy user, you may incur additional charges for using your cell phone minutes to make outgoing calls.
Can only Google users with professional accounts use Google Voice?
No.
While the service is still only available across a limited number of countries, it’s open to all U.S. telephone users regardless of their profession and whether or not they have a Gmail account. If they’d prefer a consumer-grade account instead of a professional-grade one, they can sign up for the new Google Voice and start receiving calls right away.
There’s no need to create a group, telephone number, or other special Google Voice account, which is available in both consumer- and professional-grade. This is great news for businesses and individuals who want to utilize the service without the hassle of working everything else with Google Voice.
Get a Google Voice Account
Google Voice is a great option for your home or business line.
It doesn’t require a specific phone number. You can also use it as your main number or on your cell phone, tablet, or other devices.
If you don’t want to use your cell phone number to receive calls, you can choose to get a free, Google Voice number.
Can I use Google Voice as my primary number?
Bottom Line
If you were looking for a solid and relatively easy-to-follow guide to getting a phone number for Google Voice, then you’ve come to the right place!
Current Version:
This guide is for the current version of Google Voice.
This version was released on October 23, 2014.
Step 1:
The first step is to go to the Google Voice web site. If you’re already signed up for Google Voice, you can enter your number there and then select one of the phone numbers you already have.
Step 2:
If you’re ready to move forward, click … …. If not, you can just stay on the same page when you click ….
Step 3:
Read the disclaimer and then select the checkbox that says that you’ve read it. If not, just keep clicking ….
Step 4:
Select your options as follows. This will get you a free Google Voice number.