What is Google Voice? (2024)

You can use Google Voice to make calls and send messages if you have a device with a microphone and speaker. This Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service is perfect if you need an alternative phone number for personal or business use. It isn't the only way to create a burner phone number, but it is the quickest and easiest method.

We'll explain what Google Voice is, how it works, and how to set it up. We recommend using an Android phone or tablet to complete these steps, but you can use Google Voice on any device with a microphone or speaker. It's perfect for making calls on Chromebooks.

What is Google Voice?

Source: Google

Google Voice has been available since 2009. This VoIP service allows people to make calls and send messages over the internet. Signing up for Google Voice gives you:

• A phone number you can use to make and receive calls
• The ability to send SMS text messages.
• A visual voicemail platform that includes transcription.
• Spam call detection and automatic blocking options.
• Call history.

Google Voice can't completely replace your primary phone service as it doesn't work over a network connection. Still, it's a useful backup tool that is ideal if you have a home business or side hustle. It's also useful if you need a temporary phone number.

What is a VoIP service?

Google Voice uses VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). It relies on an internet connection (in this case, you'll need at least broadband) to set up a phone system to manage calls. VoIP has been around for a long time and can support various features. Many businesses that take lots of calls use some type of VoIP service. Many apps on the Play Store offer VoIP services.

The personal version of Google Voice can make calls within minutes of downloading the app. The business version includes deeper phone management and number assignment. This allows companies to support a fleet of phones if necessary, scaling up when the business grows.

Should you use Google Voice?

Source: Google

Google Voice is designed for anyone who needs an additional phone number for work or personal reasons. If you run a business in the United States, there are many advantages to hopping onto a service like Google Voice. It's easy to set up and can grow with your company as needed. Plus, you may be able to pick a vanity number or a number that's easy to remember, especially significant for your business, and so on.

On the personal side, Google Voice is suitable as a contact for a job, gig, or volunteer position to keep your personal number separate, improving your privacy and organizing your phone calls in one stroke. You can use Google Voice alongside your personal number on the same device or route calls to a specific device.

Call routing lets you choose what devices to route calls to, including multiple devices simultaneously. So, business calls can go to your computer and a business phone if you're away from your desk, but they don't bother your personal phone. Or you can route calls to multiple "receptionist" positions no matter where people are working remotely, raising the chances that at least one person will be available.

Does Google charge fees for Google Voice?

Signing up and using Google Voice to make calls and send texts inside the United States is free. Some calls to specific phone numbers in the US cost $0.01 per minute. Calls outside the US are charged at various rates depending on the service the receiving number uses and where it is registered.

For example, to call a number in the United Kingdom using T-Mobile, you'll pay $0.01 per minute. However, calling a number on the Orange carrier will cost $0.02 per minute.

Can Google Voice replace my current phone plan?

Source: FormatPDF

Google Voice can't fully replace a cellphone carrier's plan. A VoIP service like Google Voice's phone plan requires an internet connection to send, receive, and route calls. That means it only works if you have a reliable Wi-Fi or data connection (calls use about 0.2MB of data per minute). If you lose connection, you can't make and receive calls or texts.

Your traditional cellular phone plan relies on cell tower connections to supply voice data and internet services. That's why it can work in all kinds of places without Wi-Fi or Ethernet. So, you still need your standard phone plan when you're on the go.

What devices does Google Voice work with?

Google Voice is available as an app for Android and iOS devices or through web browsers on desktop computers and laptops. It supports the following browsers:

• Google Chrome.
• Mozilla Firefox.
• Microsoft Edge.
• Safari.

Let Google manage your calls

Google Voice is one of the best free personal VoIP services and is very useful for businesses. If you think it's right for you, follow our detailed guide to set up Google Voice.