How To Create A Google Voice Number: Step-by-Step Guide

Nowadays, it’s essential to have a reliable and adaptable communication method. For example, Google Voice gives users a unique phone number that they can use to make and receive calls, send and receive texts, and manage voicemail all from one platform. Google Voice is a good option for business owners who want to streamline their communications or for individuals wishing for a convenient second phone number. This article will show you how to make a Google Voice number for the best use of this flexible service.

Why choose a Google Voice number?

Google Voice is more than just a virtual phone number; it’s a complete way to communicate that has many benefits, such as

• Unified Communication: Manage calls, texts, and voicemails from a single number on multiple devices with unified communication.
• Value for money: Many services are free, and the rates for international calls are low.
• Flexibility: You can use it on your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
• Privacy: If you don’t want people to know your number, use your Google Voice number instead.

Setting Up a Google Voice Number Account

You need a Google account before you can get a Google Voice number. If you don’t already have one, it’s easy and free to make one. Here’s how to do it:

1. Log in to your Google account: Sign in to Google Voice with the information you already have for your Google account. Follow the steps on the Google sign-in page to make a Google account if you don’t already have one.
2. Accept the Terms and Conditions: If you agree to the terms and conditions, Google will show you its terms and conditions after you sign in. You need to read them and agree to them to move forward.
3. Choose Your Google Voice Number: You’ll be asked to pick a Google Voice number. Type in the city or area code you want to search for to see a list of available numbers. Pick the one that best meets your needs.

Linking Your Phone Number

Connect it to your current phone number after picking out a Google Voice number. This will allow calls to come in on your Google Voice number and go to your primary phone, ensuring you get all the crucial calls.

1. Add a Linked Number: Google will ask for a phone number to link it. Link a Phone Number: When you create a Google Voice number, Google will ask for a phone number to connect it to. This number can be your cell phone, home phone, or any other number you use often.
2. Verify Your Phone Number: Once you enter your number, Google will call or text you a verification code. When asked, enter the code to finish the verification process.
3. Set Up Call Forwarding: Once your number has been verified, you can make it so that calls to your a Google Voice number ring on the phone you linked. This is helpful if you have many devices or are always on the go.

Customizing Your Google Voice Settings

One of the good things about a Google Voice number is that you can change many things about it. You can change the service to fit your needs in the following ways:

1. Voicemail Greeting: Say something personal on your voicemail that people will hear when they call your Google Voice number. You can change this greeting whenever you want, so it can be used for both personal and business purposes.
2. Call Screening: Turn on call screening to hear the caller’s name before answering. This feature helps you choose whether to answer a call, leave a message, or hang up.
3. Do Not Disturb: If you don’t want to be bothered, you can turn on the Do Not Disturb mode. During this time, calls will go straight to voicemail, and you won’t get any messages.
4. Text Messaging: Sending and receiving text messages is possible through Google Voice. Text messages are easier to handle at work because you can read and reply to them from your computer.
5. Spam Filtering: Google Voice has a spam filter that automatically finds and blocks unwanted calls and messages. You can also block specific numbers by hand if necessary.

Using Google Voice on Multiple Devices

One of its best features is that Google Voice can be used on multiple devices. Here’s how to get the most out of this ability:

1. Install the Google Voice App: Get the Google Voice app from the App Store (if you have an iPhone) or the Google Play Store (if you have an Android phone). Click on “Install.” An app for your phone or tablet lets you use your Google Voice number.
2. Access Google Voice on Desktop: Visit the Google Voice website to use Google Voice on your computer. This feature benefits people who like to type on a full keyboard or handle their email from their computer.
3. Syncing Across Devices: Any device with Google Voice can see your number, messages, and call history. You won’t have to stop talking on the phone to keep talking on your computer. 

International Calling with Google Voice

Google Voice is a great way to talk to people in other countries and within your country. It lets you make international calls, so here’s how to use them best:

1. Check International Rates: Before calling someone in another country, it’s a good idea to check Google Voice’s rates. Calls within the United States are usually free but calls to other countries cost a little.
2. Fill Out Your Account: You must fill out your Google Voice account with money before making international calls. To do this, you can connect a payment method through the Google Voice website or app.
3. Dialling International Numbers: Remember to include the country code when calling an international number. The call cost will be deducted from your Google Voice account automatically.

Managing Multiple Google Voice Numbers

If you need more than one Google Voice number for different businesses or personal reasons, it’s easy to keep track of them all.

1. Creating Additional Google Accounts: Because Google Voice numbers are linked to Google accounts, you’ll need a new Google account for each extra number. Follow the same steps to make a new Google Voice number and link it.
2. Switching Between Accounts: By changing between accounts, you can manage more than one Google Voice number on your devices. This way, you can keep your personal and business calls separate without carrying around multiple phones.
3. Organizing Contacts and Communications: Google Voice’s interface makes keeping track of contacts and conversations simple, even if you have many of them. You can label and group contacts to make it easier to talk to them.

Conclusion

Setting up a Google Voice number is easy and can significantly improve your communication abilities. Google Voice has many features that can be used for personal and business needs. These include international calling, voicemail customization, call forwarding, and using the service on multiple devices. Google Voice is an excellent option for those who want to keep their privacy, handle business calls, or have a flexible phone number.