In order to use most of the services on Google Voice, you will need a Google Voice number. This is a separate phone number that you can use to send and receive phone calls, text messages, and voicemails – just like you would with most modern smartphones! Oh, and it's free, too! This lesson will instruct you on how to set one up for yourself.
What is my Google Voice number?
Your Google Voice number is the phone number tied to your account on the Google Voice service. With it, you can send and receive phone calls, text messages, and voicemail messages through Google Voice. You can also have your Google Voice number redirect calls to your mobile and landline numbers.
To set up a Google Voice number:
1. Visit the Google Voice website on any web browser.
Open your web browser of choice and navigate to www.google.com/voice.
2. Identify your Google Account.
You will be asked to sign into your Google account. First, type in the email address or phone number associated with your Google Account underneath where it says "Email or Phone." Then click Next.
3. Type in your Google Account password.
If your account is recognized, Google will ask you to enter its password. Simply type the password associated with your Google account underneath where it says "Enter Your Password" and then click Next.
4. Choose your Google Voice number.
If you did everything right, you should now be on the main screen for your Google Voice account. If you haven't set up your Google Voice number yet (which we'll assume you haven't), you will be prompted to do so at the bottom of the screen. Click Choose Number, and then click Continue on the next page.
5. Find an available phone number in your area.
The first step is to search for an available phone number that you can claim as your Google Voice number. Click inside the search box provided and type in either your area code or city's name, and then click the magnifying glass (or just press the "Enter"/"Return" key on your keyboard).
Google Voice will suggest three available numbers for that city or area code that you could use. Click Load More if you want to see three additional options; otherwise, click Select beside the number that you want to claim.
6. Link your Google Voice account to your existing phone number.
On the next screen, click Next. This will cause a pop-up window to appear that will allow you to link your Google Voice number to the one for your mobile device.
Click in the box labelled "Enter a Phone Number" and type in your device's number. Then click Send Code to send a text message, which will include a confirmation number you will need to enter, to your device.
If your device does not have texting capabilities (or you just don't want to use them right now), you can also click Verify by Phone. Then you just enter your phone number and click Call to have Google call you and tell you the verification code verbally.
7. Verify your current phone number.
You will be given a numeric code, either by text message or by phone call. Click the field beside the "G" and type in the code you received. If you didn't get the code in the first place, click Resend Code. Once you've typed in the code, click Verify.
That's it! With your Google Voice number registered, you're all ready to use Google Voice! Our next tutorial will cover some of the basic things that you can do with Google Voice.
