Google Voice

Rating: 4.3	Downloads: 10,000,000+
Category: Communication	Offer by: Google LLC

Google Voice by Google is a free communication application offering US mobile numbers for making calls, sending text messages, and managing voicemails. Primarily available on iOS and Android, it allows users, especially those in the United States, to access their voicemails via the internet without paying phone company rates.

The core appeal of **Google Voice** lies in its cost-effectiveness and integration with other Google services. Making US phone calls and sending texts over the internet is typically free or very low-cost, and its web-based voicemail access allows users to manage messages conveniently from any computer. It provides an alternative number or primary communication channel without needing a traditional US cell plan.

App Features

• Number Porting: Easily transfer your existing US phone number directly into the **Google Voice** app, allowing you to keep your current number across different devices and communication methods seamlessly.
• In-call and Outcall Forwarding: In-call redirects your active calls to a designated number, while Outcall forwards incoming calls to your chosen destination. This feature enhances flexibility, allowing you to maintain contact continuity even when physically located elsewhere or using different phones.
• Text Message (SMS/MMS) Sending and Receiving: Send and receive text, picture, and video messages using your **Google Voice** US number, often over Wi-Fi without using your mobile data plan. This capability is useful for staying connected with friends, family, and colleagues without incurring traditional SMS costs, especially for international recipients where voice calls are cheaper.
• Voice Message Transcription: Instead of listening to voicemails, **Google Voice** transcribes them automatically into text, making it much faster and easier to read your messages, particularly useful for busy individuals needing quick information extraction.
• Mute or Block Calls/Voice信箱: You can easily silence incoming calls with the mute feature or block unwanted callers and specific voice信箱 messages, helping maintain peace and control over your communication flow and privacy.
• Conference Calling: Initiate or join a conference call by adding one or more participants to an active call, facilitating efficient communication among groups of people without needing separate calls.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Low or No Cost US Calling and SMS
• Reliable Web-based Voicemail Access
• Easy Number Porting
• Automatic Voice Message Transcription

Cons:

• Service Limited to US Numbers and Users
• Potential for Call Spam Despite Filtering
• Reliance on Internet Connection
• Limited Features Compared to Premium Calling Apps

Similar Apps

App Name	Highlights
Skype	Offers free calls and messages between Skype users and low-cost options for international calls and SMS. Includes video calling capabilities.
WhatsApp	Popular free messaging and voice/video calling app offering end-to-end encryption. Supports one-on-one and group chats, and calls across different devices.
Signal	Privacy-focused free messaging and calling application providing encrypted text, voice, and video communication. Known for its security and simplicity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I receive calls from my **Google Voice** number when I’m not using the app?

A: Yes. Once your **Google Voice** number is set up, you can typically receive incoming calls from other US numbers directly on your mobile device (iPhone or Android) just like a regular phone line, even if you’re not actively opening the app itself.

Q: Is there a cost associated with using **Google Voice** for making international calls or sending international text messages?

A: Making calls or sending texts internationally with **Google Voice** usually results in charges from your mobile carrier’s international calling/SMS plan, if applicable. Calls to other US numbers via **Google Voice** (when using your mobile data/cellular connection) often cost your standard cellular rates, while VoIP calls made over Wi-Fi are typically free or low-cost.

Q: How long does it take for my US mobile number to be transferred into **Google Voice**?

A: The number porting process for **Google Voice** generally takes a few hours, sometimes up to 24 hours. During this transition period, your number might still work with your old provider before fully migrating to the **Google Voice** system.

Q: What happens to my voicemails if I don’t listen to them or read the transcriptions?

A: Voicemails remain stored indefinitely in your **Google Voice** account unless you delete them manually or they reach your configured storage limit (if applicable). The transcriptions stay available alongside the audio message, so you can always access the text version later if needed.

Q: Can I use a non-US phone number with **Google Voice**?

A: No. **Google Voice** requires users to have or qualify for a US mobile phone number to set up their service. While you can use the web interface from anywhere, the number itself must be registered to a US carrier or SIM card.

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