How to Use Google Voice for Calling

Google Voice gives you a phone number that works in a desktop browser and in the Google Voice app for Android and iPhone. Calls go through Google's service and are not processed only on your device, so you need a working internet or mobile connection, and your account and region must support the service.

Before you start

• A Google account. Personal Google Voice is offered only in some countries, mainly the United States. With a Google Workspace account, your administrator must assign a Voice license, and features depend on that license and admin policy.
• An existing phone number that can receive a verification code. Personal accounts need this when you claim a Google Voice number.
• A microphone and speakers, or a headset. In a browser, you also need to allow microphone access when prompted.
• The Google Voice app from Google Play or the App Store if you want to call from a phone.
• A plan for costs. Calls within the US and to Canada are generally free on personal accounts. International calls are billed at Google's current rates, so check the rate for the destination before you call.

Google stores call history, voicemail, and any transcripts in your account. Before you rely on the service for sensitive calls, review Google's privacy terms and your account's history and retention settings. Do not assume a particular storage behavior.

Step-by-step instructions

Calling from a computer

• Open the Google Voice website in a current desktop browser and sign in with your Google account.
• On first use, follow the prompts to choose a Google Voice number and verify your existing phone. Workspace users get their number from the administrator.
• When the browser asks for microphone access, allow it. If you dismissed the prompt, grant the permission in the browser's site settings.
• Open the Calls section, type a number or contact name, and start the call.
• During the call, use the on-screen controls to mute, open the keypad for menu options, or hang up.

Calling with the Google Voice app

• Install the Google Voice app and sign in with the same account.
• Allow microphone access when the app asks. Contacts access is optional but makes dialing easier.
• Go to the Calls tab, tap the dial button, enter a number or choose a contact, and place the call.
• Open the app's settings to see how outgoing calls are placed. Depending on platform and version, calls can use Wi-Fi and mobile data or your carrier's network. Option names and availability differ between Android and iPhone.

Incoming calls can ring the web app, the mobile app, and any linked phones, depending on your settings. You can turn forwarding to linked numbers on or off and change the outgoing call mode at any time, so you can undo changes if a setting doesn't suit you.

Check the output

• Place a short call to a phone you control or to someone who can confirm what they see. Ask whether your Google Voice number appears as the caller ID.
• Check that audio works in both directions. Then try mute and the keypad.
• Confirm that the call appears in your Google Voice call history.
• If audio cuts out or lags, compare a call on Wi-Fi with one on mobile data or through your carrier, if your app offers that option. Call quality depends on your network and device.

Common problems and next steps

• The other person can't hear you in the browser: check the site's microphone permission, your operating system's privacy settings for the microphone, and which input device is selected. Close other apps that may be using the microphone.
• Google Voice won't let you set up a number: personal accounts may not be available in your country. A Workspace account may not have a Voice license assigned.
• The person you call sees your mobile number instead of your Google Voice number: make sure you started the call from inside the Google Voice app or website. Then check the app's outgoing call settings.
• Incoming calls don't ring: check which linked numbers and devices are enabled, notification permissions for the app, and any do-not-disturb mode.
• International calls fail: confirm the destination's current rate and that your account has the credit or billing setup it requires.
• Emergency calls: don't rely on Google Voice. Use your phone's regular dialer, and check Google's current emergency calling policy for your platform.