Google Voice: Control your messages and calls
Google Voice gives you a phone number for calling and sending or receiving messages and voicemail. The tool syncs across devices and requires a Google or G Suite account.
Google Voice features
Google Voice is your personal phone number that works on your phone and computer, so you can chat wherever you are – at work, home, or on the move. Here are some of its features:
Take control
With Google Voice, you're the boss. It blocks spam calls automatically and lets you say goodbye to those annoying numbers by blocking them. You can customize settings for calls, texts, and voicemail, making your phone time fit your life.
Never lose a message
Life gets busy, but Google Voice has your back. It keeps a record of all your calls, texts, and voicemails. So, when you need to find something important, it's right there at your fingertips.
Chat everywhere
No matter if you're on your phone or computer, Google Voice keeps your messages in sync. Send and receive texts from any device, making sure you're always in the loop.
Save on international calls
Connecting with friends or family abroad? Google Voice lets you make international calls without burning a hole in your pocket. You get competitive rates, and there's no need to worry about extra charges from your mobile carrier.
A clean interface for communication
Voice is a text and voice calling application that works with your personal Google or G Suite account.
Most cell phone services are expensive, and the costs can decrease through the use of apps such as Google Voice. This application handles many similar tasks that your regular cell number does. However, there are plenty more to enjoy.
Unlike your normal SMS section, Google Voice can filter all messages and automatically block any numbers you consider spam or bad actors. There are also other settings for call forwarding, messages, and voicemail.
It’s easy to check your message and call history. Voice backs up your logs and makes them easy to access with a unique search function. These logs include any filtered messages which you normally wouldn’t see.
Google Voice also has its own voicemail. However, if you're in a busy or noisy place, it's often impossible to listen to one. The maximum volume setting is limited. The developers solved this issue, though. The program can read your voicemails with voice-to-text transcriptions.
There’s a catch that you should be careful with when using Google Voice. If your settings are not correct, you'll find that you use your carrier's airtime or number in place of the app's.
How do I use Google Voice?
Getting started with Google Voice is as easy as pie. Here's a quick guide to making and receiving calls:
- Open the Voice app.
- Tap the menu in the top left, then go to Settings.
- Under "Account," choose Devices and numbers.
- Hit New linked number.
- Type in the phone number you want to link.
- Google Voice sends a code for verification.
- For a mobile number, tap Send code. You'll get the code in a text message.
- For a landline, tap Verify by phone and then Call. Google Voice calls and gives you the code.
- Enter the code and tap Verify.
Quick tips:
- You can link up to 6 numbers.
- Can't link a number already connected to a Google Voice number.
- Calls to your Google Voice number also ring on your linked number.
Where can you run this program?
Google Voice is available for iOS 11.0 or later and Android 5.0 and up.
Is there a better alternative?
Yes. While this is a great application, WhatsApp is a better alternative. It uses your phone number and your current internet connection to make voice and video calls or send messages.
Our take
Google Voice has a comfortable and familiar interface. It’s easy to add contacts and hold phone calls. The message system is top-of-the-line and spam management is simple and almost automatic.
Should you download it?
Yes. If you have a Google account and want a way to call or send messages at cheaper rates, then this app is for you.
