Google voice is a free Google service. This service gives you the freedom to combine all your phone services and forward calls to all your cellular devices simultaneously.
It is a useful tool for keeping communication simple and effective. If you have different cellular devices, you can have one phone number for all your devices. And it’s all thanks to Google voice from the tech giant, Google.
So, back to the popular question many have been asking!
Can I use Google voice without a phone?
Yes, you can. You can use Google voice on a computer for calls, although you must have a US-based phone number. The Google voice is useful and effective in connecting all your mobile communication easily.
It is highly beneficial to those who always change phone numbers, those who often travel, and individuals who need to record calls without paying a dime.
Keep reading for more on this topic!
What Are The Uses Of Google Voices?
Asides from giving you a phone number for voicemail, calls, and texts, Google voices has other uses. You can use Google voice for:
- Screening voice calls before you pick up.
- Your personalized voice messages.
- Making International calls at reduced rates
- Blocking unwanted numbers from calling you
- Getting protection from spam messages and calls
- Saving your call and messages information.
What Browsers Or Operating Systems Do You Need To Use Google Voice?
To experience the full functionality of Google voice, use any of the following:
- Mozilla firefox
- Safari
- Google chrome
- Chrome OS
- Microsoft edge
- Microsoft windows
- Mac OS
How To Setup Google Voice On Your Computer
Here is a step to step guide to setting up google voice on your computer:
- Go to the website:voice.google.com
- If you’re yet to sign in to your Google account, please do so right away.
- Type in your city or area code to search for available numbers. You can use a city or area code close to you if numbers are not available in your city.
- When you find a number you want, click select.
- You’ll be required to confirm your phone number. Input your existing phone number or the number you want to receive your codes.
- Once you receive the code, input it in the box provided. Then verify.
- Confirm the number you want your calls to be sent to, and then click claim
- You would need to click finish two times before the setup is complete.
How Much Does It Cost To Use Google Voice?
Almost all Google voice Calls within the United States and Canada are free. “Almost all” because some calls placed to specific numbers within the United States and Canada cost one cent for a minute.
For calls outside the United States, the rates are listed.
How To Set Up Google Voice On Your Phone
To set up Google voice on your android or apple device, here is what to do:
- Download the Google voice app.
- Select the Google account you want connecting to your google voice number.
- Tap continue
- After tapping continue, you would get transferred to the next page. On this page, tap search.
- Type your zip code or city to find the numbers available in your region.
- When you have chosen the number you want, tap the select button next to the number.
- To begin your verification process, tap next on your screen after Google confirms your chosen number.
- To verify, enter the existing number you want to link to your google voice number.
- Next, enter the code sent to your existing number, then verify.
- Then tap claim and finish to complete the process.
How Do You Link More Than One Number To Your Google Voice Account?
You can link more than one number to your google voice account. Here is how to do it on your computer:
- Go to your Google voice dashboard
- Look for the “new linked number” icon at the bottom of the menu.
- Type the number you wish to link and then click the send code icon.
- The verification process is the same as the first verification process.
- You can add more numbers through the same process.
Can I Use Google Voice With Wi-Fi Only?
Yes, you can. Google Voice allows you to make calls with Wi-Fi. You need to download the Android Google voice app for calls to go over Wi-Fi. Once you have the app, you are automatically able to receive calls over Wi-Fi.
You can also configure the setting to suit your needs.
Is Google’s Voice App Secure?
Texts sent and received on Google voice get stored in Google’s data center. The Google voice app takes security up a notch by saving your audio data. For example, when you leave voicemails for people, they automatically get saved.
Your Google account also comes with world-class security that detects spam, malware, etc., and keeps them out.
What Are The Advantages Of Google Voice?
There are several reasons why Google voice is a good choice. Here are some of those reasons:
Digital integration:
Google voice uses a UI that resembles that of other Google services, like Gmail. Almost all the actions carried out sending and receiving messages, making or receiving calls, having access to voicemail- happens on a page that looks like your Gmail inbox.
You can use your computer or mobile phone to access Google voice. With your Google voice phone number, you can text when your phone battery is flat.
Google voice can also make a transcript of your voicemails if you hate listening to voicemails. Google voice can play specific voicemail messages for specific callers. All these work together to ensure that you don’t miss a thing.
Hardly miss a call:
This is one of the unique things about Google voice. You can link your entire device to a single phone number.
You can connect the phone number to your mobile phone, office phone, landline, or any other mobile device you might have. Whenever you get a phone call, every device you have connected to the number gets notified.
It is also possible to make calls from any of the connected devices, including your computer. The person you’re calling would see your Google voice number no matter the device you use to place the call.
Flexibility:
Google voice has many tools that work to give the user a top-notch experience. One of those tools is the caller ID feature. Google Voice uses your phone’s address book to help ID your callers.
When a caller’s number isn’t in your address book, Google Voice would ask the caller to record their name. The caller would do the recording before you pick up the call.
You can also switch your device for another during a call seamlessly. You can only do switching devices with devices linked to Google voice phone numbers.
Porting your number:
Toreprint business cards or contact information to include your new number could be tasking. But Google voice can make it simpler for you to port over your existing number.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Google Voice?
No customer service support:
Unlike normal network providers who provide customer service support to their customers, Google voice doesn’t.
They have a help page with frequently asked questions and answers. A help forum for questions that the FAQ doesn’t cover exists.
Complex multimedia messaging:
one of the advantages of Google Voice is its easy digital integration. However, it might not be seamless for avant-garde messaging like sending group messages or sending videos. To send and receive MMS, you would need additional tools like Google hangout and other Google tools.
No emergency calls:
This is one of the biggest disadvantages of linking all your phone lines to one Google voice phone number. You can’t directly call 9-1-1 with your google voice phone number.
So, if you insist on using Google voice, you need to create an alternative for emergency calls.
Is using Google voice worth it?
Beyond other alternatives and standard phone lines, Google Voice offers an enticing collection of unique characteristics that empower users to take full control of their phone service.
With the ability to ring all phones from a single number and comprehensive digital integration, you will never miss a call. Unless you experience a rare Google outage or other unexpected issues, Google may not resolve quickly due to a lack of direct customer support.
So, with a bunch of other apps, you can get the best from Google voice if you’re willing to deal with not having a customer service experience and not making emergency phone calls.
Conclusion
You can use Google voice on your phones and computer without hassle. The technological forward-thinkers of Google built this app to make it easy for you to use and adapt to.
This article answers the question “can you use Google voice without a phone.” and gives you more insight into how Google voice works.
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FAQs
Can I Use Google Voice Without A Phone? This Is What You Need To Know? ›
Luckily, you can still create a Google Voice account without a phone number.
Do I need a phone to use Google Voice? ›You can also use Google Voice on a computer to place and receive calls. But before you can use any of Google Voice's features, you'll need to have a Google account first. You'll also need to have an existing U.S.-based mobile or landline phone number.
Is a Google Voice number a real phone number? ›Google Voice gives you a phone number for calls, texts, and voicemails. You can use this number to make domestic and international calls from your web browser and mobile devices. If you're in the US, you can choose your own number.
How much is Google Voice per month? ›| Monthly payment | |
|---|---|
| Google Voice Starter | $10 USD per license. For example, if you have 6 users, you're charged $60 USD each month. |
| Google Voice Standard | $20 USD per license. For example, if you have 25 users, you're charged $500 USD each month. |
What You Need for Google Voice. All you need to set up Google Voice is a valid Google account and a U.S. or Canada phone number (either mobile or landline). That phone number is what Google uses to verify your identity and as the forwarding number.
What do you need for Google Voice app? ›- Chrome OS.
- Apple Mac.
- Microsoft Windows.
- Android (latest 2 versions)
- Apple iOS (latest 2 versions)
- Limited functionality may be available on other platforms.
Google Voice is one example, but there are many others that will give you a real phone number to make and receive internet calls. For example, you can download the FreedomPop app, the TextNow app, or the TextFree app from their respective websites.
Why would someone have a Google phone number? ›Your Google Voice phone number helps you make and receive calls and send and get text messages. You can hide your caller ID when you make calls on Google Voice. You can also change the caller ID for incoming calls. If you ever lose access to Google Voice, your phone number helps with account recovery.
How much is a Google phone number? ›| Voice Pricing plans | Starter | BEST VALUE Standard |
|---|---|---|
| $10 USD | $20 USD | |
| PRODUCT FEATURES | ||
| Calls between Google Voice numbers included | check | check |
| Calls to the US from any Google Voice number included2 | check | check |
You can use the Google Voice app to send text messages to one or more phone numbers. If you send a text longer than 160 characters to a non-Google Voice number, it's sent as multiple messages. Tip: You can't send texts to five- or six-digit “short code” numbers.
Will Google Voice expire? ›
*You will lose your Google voice number after 30 days of inactivity. Google reassigns unused numbers after 30. To keep your number active need to make at least 1 call or text per month. If your number is reassigned your account is still active.
What can someone do with your Google Voice number? ›- Commit crimes that can be traced back to you. ...
- Scam your friends and family using your phone number. ...
- Open new accounts in your name. ...
- Take over your online accounts using verification codes. ...
- Harvest more sensitive information to steal your identity.
As to working without wifi or phone connection: Like all other communication applications, Google Voice works over the internet, either through wifi, mobile data, hotspot, or a computer with some connection to the internet (wifi or LAN).
Can I use Google Voice with wifi only? ›Under "Calls," tap Making and receiving calls. Select Prefer Wi-Fi and mobile data.
What is free with Google Voice? ›Cost and availability
When you call from the US, almost all Google Voice calls to the US and Canada are free. Some calls to specific phone numbers in the US and Canada cost 1 cent per minute (USD). Calls outside the US are at listed rates.
Know how much a call costs
When you're calling from the US, almost all Google Voice calls to the US and Canada are free. Calls to a few places in the US and Canada cost 1 cent per minute USD, or the listed rate for your local currency.
- Step 1: Sign Up for Google Voice. ...
- Step 2: Sign up for Text Verified. ...
- Step 3: Go to the Verifications Tab. ...
- Step 4: Find Google Voice in the Search Bar. ...
- Step 5: Generate Your Phone Number and Get Verified.
- Medicaid.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance.
FreedomPop is a free VoIP phone number provider that allows users to keep their existing phone numbers or select a new one. Its free plan offers unlimited free WiFi calling and 25MB of 4G LTE data per month, so it's ideal for SMBs that use WiFi as opposed to cellular data to make calls/access the Internet.
Does your name show up on Google Voice? ›Caller ID. If you have a Google Voice number, it will appear on the recipient's caller ID. If you haven't set up a Google Voice number, a generic number or the word "unknown" will appear to the person you're calling.
Why would someone ask for a Google Voice code? ›
Scammers are posing as interested buyers and sellers on online marketplaces. They are trying to steal your personal information to create a fake Google Voice account in your name. The criminals act like interested buyers and try to convince you to share your Google Voice verification code with them.
Why can't i use my phone number for Google Voice? ›The submitted number is from a telephone carrier that is ineligible to be used to claim a Google Voice number. Submit a number from a different carrier. The submitted number has been previously used by either you, or the previous user of that number, to request a Google Voice number. Submit a different number.
How do I know if my number is linked to Google Voice? ›Sign in to your Google Account. Under Account, the number listed is your Voice number. If no Voice number is shown, it means Voice isn't set up for this Google Account. If you want to add Voice to a personal account, click Choose.
How many phone numbers do you get with Google Voice? ›As a general rule, your Google Voice account can have only one number associated with it. If you already have a Google Voice number, you can transfer it to your Google Fiber Phone number, or choose a new Google Fiber Phone number, which replaces your Google Voice number.
Can you send pictures on Google Voice? ›To summarize: you can send MMS messages from Google Voice if they're small pictures and GIFs. However, your team needs a more comprehensive solution if you're trying to send videos, documents, or larger files.
How do you tell if a number is from a texting app? ›Find the App Used to Send You These Messages
You can do this by going to Carrier Lookup. Here, you can see what carrier hosts the number. It will tell you if the number belongs to Google Voice or other apps that can generate a phone number. Once you have the source of the number, you should contact the company.
Costs more than other VoIP providers
One of the biggest cons of Google Voice is the cost associated with the service. Of course, the personal use plan is free but the paid plans can be expensive for small business owners. The plans start at $10 per month.
What you need to know. Google is shutting down the legacy Voice service for personal accounts in February as part of its transition to the new app. However, some of the Google Voice's longstanding features on the web won't carry over to the new experience.
What is the limitation on Google Voice? ›Google Voice typically limits text messages to five recipients. If you use it to send mass messages to participants, your messages may be flagged as spam and your number could be blocked.
Can someone else be using my phone number? ›Mobile phone numbers can legally be ported from one provider to another when you switch your mobile phone service, and can also be ported from one mobile phone to another when you upgrade or change devices. But with enough of your personal information, scammers can have your number ported to a device they possess.
How do I find out who owns a Google number? ›
Google does not disclose any information about Google Voice numbers. If someone with the number is threatening you, then you can contact local law enforcement who may be able to obtain information from Google by following the proper procedure.
Can you get a phone number without a phone? ›Google Voice is one example, but there are many others that will give you a real phone number to make and receive internet calls. For example, you can download the FreedomPop app, the TextNow app, or the TextFree app from their respective websites.
Is Google Voice being discontinued? ›Legacy Google Voice is shutting down starting mid-February 2022.
How does Google Voice work? ›Google Voice converts your voice into a digital signal that travels over the internet. It is a VoIP service with which you can make calls directly from a computer. If you are wondering how Google voice works on Android, you can simply enable it from the settings of the Google app.
Does Google Voice work with texting? ›Send a text message. You can use the Google Voice app to send text messages to one or more phone numbers. If you send a text longer than 160 characters to a non-Google Voice number, it's sent as multiple messages.
What is downside to Google Voice? ›The disadvantages to Google Voice, including the lack of collaboration options and complicated plan options far outweigh the advantages of Voice. Fortunately, there are better alternatives that still give you a virtual phone number you can access from almost anywhere.
Why do they block Google Voice? ›To prevent abuse of the service, Google Voice will block certain calling or text messaging behavior that looks like spam. These behaviors may include, but are not limited to: Making many outbound telephone calls of short duration.
Is there a charge for Google Voice? ›When you're calling from the US, almost all Google Voice calls to the US and Canada are free. Calls to a few places in the US and Canada cost 1 cent per minute USD, or the listed rate for your local currency. Calls to places outside the US are at listed rates. Learn more about calling rates.
What happens if someone uses my phone number for Google Voice? ›Google Voice scams occur when fraudsters link a Google Voice number to your phone number. All they need is a unique verification code that they get from you. This allows scammers to forward all calls and texts made to your phone to a number that they control.
How do I skip Google phone number verification? ›Here's how: On an Android: Follow the on-screen instructions to create your email address and password. Once the password is set, scroll down and tap More options, tap Do not add my phone number, and then tap Done.
How do I make my Google Voice number permanent? ›
You can make your Google Voice phone number permanent by clicking on the 'Phones' tab on the Google Voice app. Click on 'Make Permanent' and pay the required fees. After paying, the expiration date beside your Google Voice number will disappear.