How to Set Up Google Voice

• You can set up Google Voice on the web or in the app.
• You'll need to pair your current number to receive a Google Voice number.
• When verifying your Google Voice number, you will be sent a verification code.

Using a Computer

Go to the Google Voice website. This opens the Google Voice sign-up site. You’ll need a Google account and a United States-based phone number to sign up for Google Voice.

Click SIGN IN. It’s at the top-right corner of the page. If you’re not already signed in to your Google account, follow the on-screen instructions to do so now.

Read the terms of service and privacy policy and click CONTINUE. Clicking Continue confirms that you agree to Google's terms.

Enter a city or area code. This displays available phone numbers in that location.

Click a phone number to claim it. Once you’ve claimed you’re number, you’ll see a confirmation that says “You’ve selected (phone number.”

Click VERIFY. A pop-up will appear, requesting your US-based phone number.

Enter your phone number and click SEND CODE. A verification code will be sent to you via text message. If you prefer to verify your phone number via a telephone call, click verify by phone, and then follow the on-screen instructions.

Enter the verification code and click VERIFY. A confirmation message will appear, letting you know that incoming phone calls to your Google Voice number will be routed to your existing phone number.

Click FINISH. This completes the sign-up process, and redirects you to a confirmation page with your new phone number on it.

Click FINISH on the confirmation page. Now that your account is set up, see How to Use Google Voice to get started with account features, such as setting up voicemail and making phone calls.

Using an iPhone or iPad

Download Google Voice from the App Store. If you haven’t already installed the Google Voice app, here’s how to get it now: Open the App Store iPhone App Store Icon. Tap Search at the bottom-right corner. Tap the gray search bar at the top of the screen. Type google voice and tap the Search key. Tap GET next to “Google Voice.” Follow the on-screen instructions to install the app.

Open Google Voice. If you’re still in the App Store, tap OPEN next to “Google Voice.” Otherwise, tap the white icon containing a blue-green chat bubble with a white phone receiver inside. You should find it on one of your home screens.

Tap GET STARTED. It’s at the bottom of the screen.

Sign in to your Google account. If you’re not already signed in with your Google account, follow the on-screen instructions to sign in now. If you’re already signed into your iPhone with a Google account (or more than one), slide the switch next to the account name to the On position to continue.

Review the terms and privacy policy and tap ACCEPT. This confirms that you understand the terms of using Google Voice.

Tap SEARCH. It’s at the bottom-right corner of the screen.

Enter a city or area code. This displays available phone numbers in that location.

Tap SELECT next to the phone number you want to use. A confirmation message will appear.

Tap NEXT. Now that you’ve selected a phone number, you’ll have to verify your existing number.

Tap NEXT. This displays the “Enter a number to link” screen.

Enter your existing phone number and tap SEND CODE. This sends a confirmation code to the phone number you entered.

Enter the verification code and tap VERIFY. A confirmation message will appear.

Tap CLAIM to confirm. Your new Google Voice phone number is now set up.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. Once your account is ready, you’ll be able to use the Google Voice app to place free phone calls to any phone number in the US.

Using an Android

Install Google Voice from the Play Store. If you haven’t already installed the Google Voice app, here’s how to get it now: Open the Play Store Android Google Play. Type google voice into the search bar and press ↵ Enter. Tap INSTALL next to “Google Voice.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Open Google Voice. If you’re still in the Play Store Store, tap OPEN. Otherwise, tap the blue-green chat bubble with a white phone receiver inside in the app drawer. It may also be on the home screen.

Sign in to your Google account. If you have multiple accounts, select the one you want to use with Google Voice.

Read the terms and conditions and tap Continue. This confirms that you understand the terms of using Google Voice.

Tap SEARCH. It’s at the bottom-right corner of the screen.

Enter a city or area code. This displays available phone numbers in that location.

Tap SELECT next to the phone number you want to use. Instructions for verifying your new phone number will appear.

Verify your current US-based phone number. You must already have a US-based phone number to set up Google Voice. Enter that phone number now, and follow the on-screen instructions to verify your account.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. Once your account is ready, you’ll be able to use the Google Voice app to place free phone calls to any phone number in the US.