Many people ask if Google Voice is a free service and want to know how to get a Google Voice number for free.
The answer to the first question is that Google Voice is indeed free to sign up for, but there are charges associated with making calls.
However, the good news is you can get a Google Voice number for free, and we are going to show you how.
Google Voice has been a popular service for years, providing a true alternative to traditional phone calling.
Instead of using a mobile network, Google Voice is based on the internet and allows people to call other Voice users, landlines, and mobile phones.
It is a fantastic tool for situations such as being in a location with no cellular network.
In these cases, you can use 3G, 4G LTE, or 5G data to make a call to any mobile network or other Google Voice users. Moreover, you can also send text messages and receive voicemails.
If you don’t already have Google Voice, you are probably now interested in this useful tool.
Why Should I Get a Google Voice Number?
There are many reasons to set up a free Google Voice number. Sure, other internet-based services now support voice calls, such as Google Meet, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and others.
However, the one important difference is these apps all work fully on the internet.
In other words, these applications only allow you to call another user of the same app (WhatsApp to WhatsApp, Messenger to Messenger, etc.).
Google Voice is different because it allows you to make calls to any phone number.
While you cannot call a service like WhatsApp, you can make a call and send text messages to any landline, mobile number, and other Voice users.
For users in the United States, calls are free when using Google Voice to call someone else in the country.
Another important feature in Google Voice is the voicemail transcription service.
It uses Google AI and Search algorithms to transcribe your voicemails into readable texts that appear automatically in your Gmail inbox.
How to Get a New Google Voice Number for Free?
Whether you want complete phone service, are a business needing an affordable second line, or are frequently in low-network-coverage areas, Google Voice is worth checking out.
If you want to get a Voice number for free, it is easy and can be set up in minutes.
You’re not stuck on a laptop either, because you can also get a Google Voice number on iOS and Android.
In the post below we are going to show you exactly how to do that, and all you need is a Google account.
Before getting into the different methods, it is worth remembering that Google Voice numbers are always free, so do not be fooled by anyone trying to sell you a number.
Get a Free Number for Google Voice on a Computer
If you are on a desktop – either Windows or Mac – you can easily get a Google Voice number by first heading to Google Voice official website.
Here is where you can set up your Voice account. Most people are already using at least one Google service and already have an account.
On the Google Voice page, sign in with your Google account details.
For users who do not have a Google account, you will need to create one if you want to use Google Voice.
Once you are signed in, the app will ask you to read and accept the terms and conditions and privacy policy.
Next, you will be asked to provide your city or area code. This means Google will give you a number attached to this location through the specific area codes.
For example, you are not able to set up 1-800 numbers or similar.
Finalizing Google Voice Setup
However, it is worth noting that you do not need to select an area code from where you live.
In fact, you can choose an area code from anywhere in the world. This is ideal if you do not want people to know your location.
Google Voice will now present you with a number. If you are happy with the number, press Select to enter Google’s confirmation process.
This section includes connecting the Google Voice number to your phone so you can make and receive calls and text messages.
Get a Free Number for Google Voice on iOS and Android
Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS are vastly different mobile operating systems with different designs and concepts of functionality.
However, in terms of Google Voice, setting up a free number is the same process on both platforms.
Firstly, you need to download the Google Voice app, which is available from the App Store on iOS and the Play Store on Android.
Once the app is installed on your iPhone or Android smartphone, open it and sign in to your Google account.
Sometimes the app will direct users to the Voice.Google.com website to sign in to the service if it is not already linked to your phone.
Just like on PC, you now select an area code or city you want your Google Number to be attached to.
Again, you can choose an area code from any location you want.
Google Voice will now give you a number. If you are happy with the number, move ahead to the confirmation section and connect the number to your smartphone.
Google will now begin routing Voice calls and text messages directly to your device.
So, Google Voice is Free?
You can get a Google Voice number and sign up for free, there are charges associated with making calls.
These fees are less than regular phone calls, while international voice and video calls are relatively inexpensive.
Using A Google Voice Number
Once your free Google Voice number is set up, you can use it as you would a regular phone app on your phone.
Head to voice.google.com or open the Voice app on your phone to log into the app interface.
Here you will see a design that is familiar to all mobile users because it looks like a digital keypad you use for dialing.
And that is a part of what makes Google Voice appealing.
It acts and looks like a normal phone but comes with numerous additional benefits.
You can also choose to log out of your account when you are not using it and set up call forwarding to send calls to your cell number.
Conclusion
If you have been wondering how to get a Google Voice number for free, you now have the tools.
With the guide above, you can be set up with your free Google Voice number in minutes, whether you are on PC or mobile. Start making calls today with Google Voice.
Read Next: Know how to get a “Specific Phone Number”.
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.