How To Transfer Phone Number To Google Voice (Easy Guide)

To transfer phone number to Google Voice, you port an eligible U.S. mobile number to your personal Google Voice account for a one-time $20 fee, a process that typically takes 24 to 48 hours. This lets you keep your existing number while using Google Voice and internet calling features across devices.

Before you transfer your phone number to Google Voice

You must be physically located in the U.S. and have an active U.S. mobile phone number to port into a personal Google Voice account. Not all mobile numbers are eligible, so Google Voice provides an eligibility check tool before you begin. You will need your current carrier's account number, port-out PIN (or account PIN), and billing ZIP code. If your current phone is locked to a specific carrier, contact your carrier and request an unlock before transferring. Back up important data like contacts, photos, and messages before starting the transfer to prevent data loss. Ensure your current phone account has a positive balance and settle any outstanding bills or fees to avoid issues during the transfer. Cancel any call forwarding set up on your current phone number before initiating the transfer to prevent calls from being directed to the wrong destination. Do not cancel your current phone plan until Google Voice notifies you that the port is complete; your service provider will cancel it automatically. Landline or most VoIP numbers cannot be directly ported to Google Voice; they must first be ported to a mobile carrier, then to Google Voice. If porting a landline, wait a full week after porting it to a mobile carrier before attempting to port it to Google Voice.

Step-by-step: How to port your number

Open Google Voice on a computer and sign into your Google account.
Go to Settings, then navigate to the Account section.
Click "Port a number" under "Port a number to Google Voice," then click "Get Started."
Enter the phone number you want to transfer.
Verify the number with the 6-digit code sent to that phone.
Enter your carrier account details: account number, port-out PIN, and billing ZIP code.
Review the information and pay the one-time $20 fee to submit the port request.

What happens after you start the transfer

You can track the progress of your porting request in Google Voice Settings under the Account section by clicking "Track your progress." The porting process typically takes 24 to 48 hours for mobile numbers, but can sometimes take several business days. The transfer process may cause a temporary service disruption; plan for this by informing important contacts and using alternate communication methods. Text messages may take up to 3 business days to transfer to your Google Voice number after the port is complete. Your old carrier will cancel your plan automatically once the port finishes. If you already have a Google Voice number, you can choose to keep it as a secondary number for up to 90 days after porting; otherwise, it will be removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I port a landline number to Google Voice?

No, landline numbers cannot be ported directly to Google Voice. You must first port the landline to a mobile carrier, wait a full week, and then port that mobile number to Google Voice.

What should I do if the port gets stuck or delayed?

If the porting process gets stuck or delayed, you can contact Google Voice Support. In some cases, you may be able to cancel the request and receive a refund of the $20 fee.

Can I transfer a number from a Google Workspace account?

Google Voice for Google Workspace accounts managed by work or school have a different porting process and require contacting an administrator. Personal Google Voice accounts use the standard porting steps.