To use Google Voice on Android, download the Google Voice app from Google Play, open it, and sign in to your Google account. Once signed in, you can link a phone number, make and receive calls, send texts, and manage voicemail, all from the app.
How to use Google Voice on Android: a quick setup guide
You will learn how to link your phone number, place calls, forward calls from your carrier number, manage voicemail and texts, and customize settings.
Setting up Google Voice on your Android phone
Install the Google Voice app from Google Play, then open it and sign in to your Google account. To link a phone number:
- Open the Voice app and tap Menu > Settings.
- Under Account, tap Devices and numbers.
- Tap New linked number and enter the phone number you want to link.
- For a mobile number, tap Send code; Google Voice sends a text message with the verification code.
- For a landline number, tap Verify by phone > Call; Google Voice calls the number and reads the code.
- Enter the code and tap Verify.
Making and receiving calls
To place a call from the Google Voice app, open the app and use the dialer. You can also manage how calls are handled on your device. Under Settings > Calls, you will find the per-device option for Calls started from this device’s phone app. This setting lets you choose whether calls placed from your Android phone’s default dialer use your Google Voice number or your carrier number.
To send incoming calls directly to voicemail, open the app, tap Menu > Settings, then turn on Do not disturb under the Do not disturb section. If you want Google Voice to control incoming calls more directly, Google documents turning off all devices and linked numbers in the web calls settings, and on phone removing devices and linked numbers in Settings > Devices and numbers.
Forwarding calls to your Google Voice number
To forward calls from your standard carrier number to your Google Voice number, use conditional call forwarding codes entered on your phone’s keypad, not inside the Voice app. The documented codes are:
- *61*number# for unanswered calls
- *62*number# for unreachable calls
- *67*number# for busy calls
- *71*number to turn on conditional call forwarding
Replace number with your Google Voice number as the forwarding destination. These codes are dialed directly from your phone’s dialer, not from the Google Voice app.
Managing voicemail and text messages
To set up a voicemail PIN and check voicemail by phone, go to Menu > Settings > Voicemail > Call to listen. Set a PIN and tap Save. To check voicemail by calling in, dial your Google Voice number and press * when the greeting starts to reach the voicemail menu prompts.
To forward messages, missed calls, and voicemail transcripts to email, go to Settings and turn on Forward messages to email, Get email alerts for missed calls, and Get voicemail via email. For text messaging, you can send and receive messages directly from the Google Voice app.
Customizing your Google Voice settings
To create custom call forwarding rules on Android, go to Menu > Settings > Custom call forwarding > Manage rules. When creating or editing a rule, you can choose actions such as Forward calls or Send to voicemail. To personalize your voicemail greeting, go to Settings > Voicemail where you can record or change your greeting. For help and feedback, Google provides options under Settings > Voicemail.
Troubleshooting common Google Voice problems
If you experience call quality issues, first check your internet connection, poor connectivity can cause distorted or dropped calls. Also ensure you are running the latest version of the Google Voice app by checking for updates in Google Play. For voicemail or message problems, verify your internet connection, clear the app cache under Settings > Apps > Google Voice > Storage, and confirm that the app has the necessary permissions to access your microphone, contacts, and storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Google Voice as my primary number?
Yes, you can use Google Voice as your primary number on Android. Set up call forwarding so that calls to your Google Voice number reach your Android device, and use the Voice app for calls and texts.
Is Google Voice free?
Using Google Voice on Android is free for most features, including domestic calls and texts within the US and Canada. International calls and texts may incur charges; review Google’s current rates for your region.
Can I keep my existing phone number with Google Voice?
Yes, you can link your existing mobile or landline number to Google Voice during setup. The app verifies the number via a code sent by text or phone call.
How do I make international calls with Google Voice?
Open the Google Voice app, use the dialer to enter the international number, and place the call. Rates apply for international calls; check Google Voice’s rate page for specific countries.
What happens if I uninstall the Google Voice app?
Uninstalling the app does not delete your Google Voice account or number. You can still access your account via the web, and calls can be forwarded to your linked numbers. Reinstall the app to regain full functionality.
For the wider topic, see Google Voice and internet calling.
