How Does Google Voice Work?

Google Voice is Google’s telecommunications platform that provides users with a phone number for calling, text messaging, and voicemail services across multiple devices. It unifies all communication channels on smartphones, tablets, and computers.

Google Voice uses the VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology to make calls, send messages, and send voicemails.

As you create a Google Voice account, you can get a new phone number with your preferred area code or port an existing number into the platform. You can use the number for all Google Voice communications.

When you initiate a call through Google Voice, it is routed to Google servers. Once Google identifies the number, it routes the call to the intended recipient. Since Google Voice works on VoIP technology,  it converts the outgoing voice signal into digital data and routes it through the Internet. It then converts the digital data into a voice signal that reaches the recipient.

Receiving calls on a Google Voice number involves a similar process but in reverse. When someone dials your number, the service checks your voice settings to see where to route the call. You can answer the call on any linked device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

In addition to voice calls, Google Voice offers an advanced voicemail service. When callers leave voicemails, Google Voice automatically saves them and provides several ways to access them. You can listen to and access them directly through the Google Voice app or website. Moreover, it also offers the option to transcribe voicemails into text, which can be sent via email or SMS. 

Google Voice seamlessly integrates with various Google applications such as Google Calendar, Contacts, and Gmail. Integrating it with Google Calendar allows you to set up custom voicemail greetings based on your calendar events.

Furthermore, Google Voice’s integration with Google Contacts facilitates easy management and identification of callers. When combined with Gmail, you can receive voicemail transcripts directly in their inbox and aid quick responses without listening to the message. This interconnected ecosystem of Google apps streamlines workflows, making it a powerful tool in Google services for both personal and business use.

To start with Google Voice, you need a Google Voice account, a U.S. or Canadian phone number, an internet connection, and a compatible device.

Accessing any Google Service, including Google Voice, requires a valid Google account. A US or Canadian phone number is necessary for the initial setup to verify your account. An internet connection is essential as Google Voice operates over the internet using VoIP technology.

PC users can activate Google Voice through any web browser, while mobile users can leverage its app on both Android and iOS phones.

You can activate Google Voice on your PC in seven easy steps.

1. Navigate to the Google Voice Website: Access the Google Voice site via the web browser. Choose whether you’re setting up Google Voice for personal or business purposes.

2. Device Selection: Select your device type - Android, iPhone, or Web.

3. Enter Your Location: Input your area code or city name to find a local number.

4. Pick Your Number: A list of available phone numbers based on your location will appear. Select the one that you like.

5. Verification Process: Click the “Verify” button. Enter a phone number to receive the verification code. Click “Send Code.”

6. Enter Verification Code: You’ll receive a verification code in your number. Enter the code and click on “Verify” to confirm the number.

7. Finalize Your Choice: Select “Claim” and tap “Finish” to complete the setup.

To set up Google Voice on mobile devices, you must first download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

1. Download the Google Voice App: Go to the Google Play Store (for Android users) or Apple App Store (for iOS users) and search for Google Voice. Download the app and install it on your device.

2. Open the App and Choose Your Account:  Launch the app. Select the Google account you’d like to use for Google Voice. Tap ‘Continue’ to proceed.

3. Finding Your Number: Tap the ‘Search’ icon in the bottom-right corner. Enter the area code or city code in the prompt text field. It will generate a list of available phone numbers for your area. ‘Select’ on your desired number.

4. Verify Your Account: Select “Next”. Input your number to get your verification code. After getting the verification code, enter it and tap “Verify” to confirm

5. Complete the Setup:  Tap ‘Claim’ and then ‘Finish’ to complete the process.

Google Voice costs $10 to $30 per month for businesses within Google Workspace, but for personal use, it is free.

The cost varies depending on the selected plan: Starter, Standard, or Premier. For personal use, Google Voice allows users to call, text, and send and receive voicemail for free in the U.S. and Canada. However, international calls come with competitive rates. Its international call rate depends on the country you are reaching.

The Starter Plan is priced at $10 per user per month. It offers basic Google Voice functionalities, including voicemail transcription, Google’s AI-driven spam filtering, and customer support during weekdays. The plan supports up to 10 users and provides domestic calling in the U.S. and Canada.

At $20 per user per month, the Standard Plan builds to include all “Starter Plan “ services and additional advanced communication features, such as unlimited users, ring groups for directing calls efficiently, and eDiscovery for calls, voicemails, and SMS records. It gives businesses more flexibility and control over their communications and support for international locations beyond the U.S. and Canada.

Google Voice operates over the internet, leveraging VoIP technology to make phone calls. It offers versatile business communication solutions for both personal and business use. Voicemail transcriptions, seamless call management, and affordable international calling make Google Voice perfect for personal and small business communications.

Calilio’s VoIP features extend beyond Google Voice. With a unified callbox, detailed call analytics, multiple-user support, and call monitoring capabilities, Calilio offers a scalable, customizable business phone system for your business growth.

Google Voice allows you to make phone calls and send text messages from anywhere with an internet connection. You can use it across multiple devices using a single number.

Google Voice doesn’t show your real number. Instead, it uses a unique number to mask your real phone number, offering privacy and security for your outbound calls and messages.

You can use Google Voice without a phone number, but you will still need a U.S. or Canadian phone number for Google Voice setup and verification. Afterward, you can remove the linked cell phone number and will be able to receive calls on your Google number via the Google Voice app. If you want to make outbound calls, go to Settings -> Calls -> then select prefer wifi and mobile data.

Google Voice has many limitations, including scaling limitations, lack of detailed call analytics, and multi-level IVR systems, and also includes hidden costs. Businesses search for alternatives to Google Voice, which solves all these limitations and provides a complete VoIP solution.