Your phone number is not eligible for Google Voice because the forwarding number you are trying to use comes from an ineligible carrier, such as a VoIP service or an unsupported landline provider. The most common reason for a phone number not eligible for Google Voice is that Google requires the number to be from a major U.S. mobile carrier or a supported landline carrier, and numbers from landline, VoIP, and SMS verification services are explicitly rejected.
Why is my phone number not eligible for Google Voice?
If you see the "phone number not eligible" error, the forwarding number you entered is from a carrier Google does not accept for claiming a Google Voice number. The number is from a carrier Google does not accept; Google's help thread examples say the number must be from a major U.S. mobile carrier or a supported landline carrier, and that landline, VoIP, and SMS verification service numbers are ineligible. Other verified reasons include prior use of the number, geographic restrictions, account flags, and Workspace account limitations.
All the reasons Google will reject your number
Google will reject a phone number for any of the following verified reasons:
- The number was previously used to request a Google Voice number by you, the previous owner, or a scammer.
- The number is outside the 48 contiguous U.S. states.
- The user is physically outside the 48 contiguous U.S. states, or has only recently arrived in the U.S.
- The Google account is flagged for violating Google’s Terms of Service or Google Voice’s Acceptable Use Policy.
- The user is signed into a Google Workspace account instead of a consumer Gmail account; Workspace uses a different assignment process.
What to do if you hit a temporary limit
If you have tried to submit and link numbers too many times in a short period, Google imposes a temporary block. The verified fix is to wait at least 24 hours before trying again. If a phone number is ineligible for Google Voice, the documented next step is to submit a different forwarding phone number from a supported U.S. mobile or supported landline carrier. No other action will lift this limit early.
How to set up Google Voice on iPhone and iPad
Follow these exact steps as documented by Google for iPhone and iPad:
- Install the Voice app.
- Open the Voice app.
- Sign in to your account.
- Review the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, then tap Accept.
- To pick a Google Voice number, tap Search.
- Search by city or area code.
- If numbers are not available in your area, try a nearby city or area code.
- Next to the number you want, tap Select.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Google’s setup page is specifically for iPhone & iPad. The supported country is the U.S., excluding American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Consumer Google Voice numbers are for U.S. residents only, and you must be in the 48 contiguous U.S. states to sign up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a VoIP number be used for Google Voice?
No. Google’s help thread says VoIP numbers are ineligible for use as a forwarding number when claiming a Google Voice number. This applies to any service that provides internet-based phone numbers, including those used for Google Voice and internet calling.
Can an SMS verification service number be used?
No. Google explicitly states that SMS verification service numbers are ineligible. These numbers are often temporary or shared and do not meet Google’s carrier requirements.
Can a Workspace account get a consumer Google Voice number?
No. Google says Workspace accounts have their own assignment procedure and cannot use the consumer Google Voice sign-up process. You must use a consumer Gmail account.
Can someone outside the U.S. sign up for Google Voice?
No. Google says you cannot sign up while outside the USA, and consumer numbers are for U.S. residents only. You must be physically located in the 48 contiguous U.S. states during sign-up.
What should I try if my numbers are temporarily blocked?
Wait at least 24 hours before attempting to link a new forwarding number. Submitting numbers too many times in a short period triggers this limit, and only time will reset it.
Related reading: How Can I Keep My Landline Phone Number Without Service.
