Google Voice is a free VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service that provides users with a virtual phone number for making calls, sending texts, and receiving voicemails. With Google Voice, you can obtain a free US phone number that works on both smartphones and computers.
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Benefits of Getting a Google Voice Number
Here are some of the key benefits of getting a free Google Voice number:
1. Keep your personal number private
You can use your Google Voice number professionally without having to share your personal cell phone number. This helps maintain privacy and work-life balance.
2. Screen calls
Google Voice allows you to screen calls so you only answer calls that you want to. You can listen in before deciding whether to pick up.
3. Block unwanted callers
Easily block spam or robocalls right from the Google Voice app or website. This helps reduce disruptions from unwanted callers.
4. Transcribed voicemail
Google Voice can transcribe your voicemails and send them to your email so you can read messages easily without having to listen to voicemails.
5. Affordable international calling
Google Voice offers low rates for international calls to over 100 countries. This makes staying connected globally more affordable.
6. Works across all devices
Your Google Voice number works seamlessly across smartphones, tablets, and computers, allowing you to send texts, make calls, and check voicemails from any device.
How to Get a Google Voice Number
Getting set up with a free Google Voice number only takes a few minutes. Follow these simple steps:
1. Create a Google account
If you don’t already have one, go to google.com to create your free Google account. This allows you to access Google Voice.
2. Go to voice.google.com
Visit the Google Voice website to begin the signup process and claim your new number. Make sure you are logged into your Google account.
3. Choose your Google Voice number
Google Voice allows you to pick a phone number with your desired area code and exchange. Search for available numbers by city or ZIP code.
4. Verify a phone number
To get your new Google Voice number, you need to verify a US mobile or landline phone number that you have access to. Google will send a code via call or text to confirm ownership.
5. Set up forwarding
Choose which calls you want forwarded to your mobile number or landline from your new Google Voice number. You can also send unanswered calls to voicemail.
6. Download the app (optional)
For added convenience, download the Google Voice app on your iOS or Android mobile device to easily make calls, send texts, and check voicemail transcripts on the go.
Using Your Google Voice Number
Once set up, you can start using your Google Voice number to make calls, send texts, and more, all without sharing your personal cell phone number if you prefer not to. Here are some of the top things you can do:
– Place and receive calls
On smartphones and computers, you can place and receive calls through your Google Voice number. Calls to your Google Voice number will ring linked devices you set up.
– Send & receive text messages
In the US, Google Voice offers free unlimited texts. You can easily exchange SMS and MMS messages with contacts using your Google Voice number.
– Customize voicemail greetings
Record customized voicemail greetings to share when you can’t answer calls. You can set up different greetings for business vs personal calls.
– Transcribe voicemails
Google Voice transcribes your voicemails and emails them to you. You can then search these transcripts just like any other emails.
– Block unwanted callers
Quickly block spam callers or exes right from the Google Voice app or website to prevent disruptions from unwanted callers.
– Screen calls
Use the call screening feature to listen in on a call before deciding whether to answer it. This prevents wasting time on unwanted sales calls.
– Forward calls
Forward calls from your Google Voice number to any linked devices or even an entire call center. This provides flexibility in how you receive calls.
By following the steps above, you can easily obtain a free Google Voice phone number to start making affordable calls, sending texts, and customizing your voicemails, all without sharing your personal cell number. Google Voice brings flexibility and privacy to your communications.
