How to Use Google Voice Without a Phone Number (The Real Way)

You cannot use Google Voice without a phone number at signup, because Google requires a mobile number to create an account. However, you can use Google Voice without a phone number remaining linked to your account after the initial setup, which lets you place calls and manage voicemail without a forwarding number.

Can you really use Google Voice without a phone number?

The direct answer is no for signup, but yes for ongoing use. Google requires a mobile number to verify your identity when you create a Google Voice account. Google says a mobile number is required to sign up for Google Voice but does not have to stay linked afterward. That number does not have to stay linked to your account afterward. You can remove it immediately after verification. Without a Google Voice number, text messaging is not supported, but you can still make calls and access voicemail through the app or web browser.

How to set up Google Voice with minimal phone number use

Follow these steps to sign up for Google Voice and then unlink the verification number.

Download the Google Voice app from the App Store. The App Store listing documents the current minimum versions as iOS 18.0 or later and iPadOS 18.0 or later. The app requires iOS 18.0 or later on iPhone and iPadOS 18.0 or later on iPad.
Open the app and sign in to your Google Account. If you do not have one, create a new Google Account.
Follow the on-screen instructions to link a mobile number for verification. Google will send a code to that number; enter the code in the app to complete signup.
Once your account is created, go to Settings in the Google Voice app or on the web at voice.google.com.
Under Account, find the linked forwarding number and remove it. The number used for verification does not need to stay linked after signup.

If you prefer to set up on a computer, go to voice.google.com in a web browser, sign in to your Google Account, and follow the same verification process. On the web, Google’s help says to go to voice.google.com, sign in to your Google Account, and use Settings to find your Voice number under Account. After signup, use Settings to unlink the number.

Making calls and managing voicemail after unlinking your number

Once the forwarding number is removed, you can still use Google Voice to place calls and check voicemail. On iPhone or iPad, open the Voice app, tap a contact or tap Dial to enter a number, then tap Call. Calls are placed over your internet connection. On the web at voice.google.com, sign in and use the dialer to make calls. Voicemail messages are accessible from the app or web interface under the voicemail tab. This is how Google Voice and internet calling work together without a linked phone number.

Important limitations to know

Text messaging is not supported if you do not have a Google Voice number. Google’s help for text messages says that if you do not have a Google Voice number, Google Voice does not support text messaging. The app and web interface will not allow you to send or receive SMS. The account still requires a mobile number at signup; there is no documented way to create a Google Voice account without any phone number. Google’s iPhone/iPad help documents Voice app support on iPhone and iPad only in the pages retrieved here. The Google Voice app is supported on iPhone and iPad only in the documented help pages, with no documented Android version or carrier-specific setup path in the verified facts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make international calls without a linked phone number?

Yes. After you unlink the forwarding number, you can still place international calls through the Google Voice app or web browser using your internet connection. Rates apply per Google Voice's standard international calling rates.

Will I still receive voicemail without a forwarding number?

Yes. Voicemail is stored in your Google Voice account and can be accessed from the app or web interface. You do not need a forwarding number to receive or listen to voicemail messages.