How to Set Up Google Voice

Setting up Google Voice is easy and only takes a few minutes. Follow these steps to start using your new Google Voice number for calls, texts, and voicemail.

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Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before you begin, make sure:

1. You have a Google account.
2. You are located in a supported region (Google Voice is primarily available in the U.S. and Canada for personal accounts).

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Step 2: Sign Up for Google Voice

1. Visit the Google Voice Website: Go to Google Voice and sign in with your Google account.
2. Select “Personal” or “Business” Use: Decide if you want to use Google Voice for personal communication or as part of a business. For businesses, you can sign up through Google Workspace for advanced features.
3. Choose a Phone Number:
   • Google Voice will prompt you to choose a new phone number.
   • Enter your city or area code to search for available numbers in that region.
   • Pick a number that suits you, and confirm your choice.

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Step 3: Link Your Current Phone Number

1. Google Voice requires you to link your new Google Voice number to an existing phone number (mobile or landline). This allows call forwarding and verification.
2. Provide your current phone number and verify it by entering the code sent via SMS or a phone call.
3. Once verified, your Google Voice number will be linked to your device.

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Step 4: Download the Google Voice App

To use Google Voice on your smartphone or tablet:

1. Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Search for “Google Voice” and download the app.
3. Open the app and sign in with your Google account.

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Step 5: Configure Settings

Once logged in, customize your settings:

1. Voicemail Greeting:
   • Open the app or website.
   • Navigate to Settings > Voicemail > Record Greeting.
   • Record and save your custom voicemail greeting.
2. Call Forwarding:
   • Go to Settings > Linked Numbers.
   • Add additional phone numbers (like your office or home phone) to receive forwarded calls.
3. Do Not Disturb:
   • Enable Do Not Disturb mode during specific hours to send calls directly to voicemail.
4. Add Credits for International Calling:
   • Go to Settings > Payments and add payment information to top up credits for affordable international calls.

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How to Use Google Voice

Now that your Google Voice account is set up, here’s how to use its features effectively.

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1. Make Calls

• Open the Google Voice app or website.
• Click on the Dialer (phone icon).
• Enter the number you want to call or select a contact.
• Choose whether to make the call using Wi-Fi, your mobile network, or call forwarding.

Example:
You’re working from your computer and need to call a client. Open Google Voice on your browser, dial their number, and make the call directly from your computer.

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2. Send and Receive Text Messages

• Open the Google Voice app or website.
• Navigate to the Messages tab.
• Click the + icon to compose a new text.
• Enter the recipient’s phone number or select a contact.
• Type your message and click Send.

Example:
You’re at your desk and don’t have your phone nearby. Use Google Voice on your computer to send a quick text to your friend or colleague.

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3. Manage Voicemail

• When someone leaves you a voicemail, Google Voice transcribes the message into text and sends it to your email or app.
• To listen to the voicemail:
  • Open the app or website.
  • Navigate to the Voicemail tab.
  • Click on the voicemail to listen to it.

Example:
You miss a call from a client. Google Voice transcribes their voicemail into text, allowing you to quickly read it while in a meeting.

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4. Forward Calls

• Google Voice can forward calls from your Google Voice number to any linked number.
• To enable call forwarding:
  • Go to Settings > Linked Numbers.
  • Toggle on call forwarding for your linked numbers.

Example:
You’re working from home but don’t want to miss calls to your office phone. Use Google Voice to forward office calls to your cell phone.

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5. Make International Calls

• To make cheap international calls:
  1. Ensure you’ve added credits to your account.
  2. Dial the international number (including the country code) using the Google Voice app or website.

Example:
You need to call a supplier in Germany. With Google Voice, you can call their landline for as little as $0.02 per minute.

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Advanced Tips for Using Google Voice

1. Block Spam Calls:
   • Go to Settings > Spam Filter and enable the option to block unwanted calls.
   • Mark any suspicious calls as spam to prevent future disruptions.
2. Use Multiple Devices:
   • Sign in to Google Voice on multiple devices (smartphone, tablet, laptop) to stay connected wherever you are.
3. Call Screening:
   • Enable call screening to hear the caller’s name before answering.
4. Record Calls (Business Accounts):
   • Business users can record calls for training or documentation purposes.
5. Integrate with Google Workspace:
   • For businesses, integrate Google Voice with tools like Gmail, Calendar, and Google Meet for a unified communication experience.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Can’t Verify Phone Number:
   • Ensure your existing phone number isn’t already linked to another Google Voice account.
   • Double-check that your number can receive SMS or calls for verification.
2. Poor Call Quality:
   • Ensure you have a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
   • Close other bandwidth-heavy apps to improve call performance.
3. Voicemail Not Transcribing:
   • Make sure voicemail transcription is enabled in Settings > Voicemail.
   • Update your app to the latest version.

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Conclusion

Google Voice is an excellent tool for simplifying communication. It offers flexibility, affordability, and a wide range of features to enhance both personal and professional interactions. Whether you’re making calls, managing texts, or handling voicemails, Google Voice can streamline your communication needs.