How to Create a Free Google Voice Account (Step-by-Step, With Examples)

If you want a second phone number without paying for a second SIM, Google Voice is hard to beat. With one free Google Voice number, you can make calls, send texts, and manage voicemails from your phone or your computer. The Google Voice app is simple, the setup is quick, and the service is free for personal use in the U.S.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to create a free Google Voice account from scratch, pick the perfect number, and start using it on Android, iPhone, and the web. We’ll also walk through Google Voice login, common issues, and smart tips so you feel confident right away—whether you’re using it for privacy, a side business, or travel.

What Is Google Voice and Why Should You Create a Free Google Voice Account?

Google Voice is a cloud phone service by Google. It gives Buy Google Voice Accounts you a dedicated phone number that lives in the cloud and works across devices. You can place and receive calls, send and receive SMS/MMS, and handle voicemail with transcripts.

Why people love it

• Privacy: Share your Google Voice number publicly and keep your personal number quiet. Perfect for online listings, client work, or school.
• Cost savings: Domestic calling and texting in the U.S. is free for personal accounts. That’s huge if you just need a reliable second line.
• Flexibility: Use the Google Voice website on your laptop, the Google Voice app on your phone and tablet, or both. Switch devices mid-day and never miss a beat.
• Control: Call forwarding, custom voicemail greetings, and spam blocking help you control who reaches you and when.

Great use cases

• A second number for business: Keep “work” and “life” separate without carrying two phones.
• Safer online selling: Post the Google Voice number on marketplaces; forward calls only when you want.
• Travel or moves: Keep your number consistent even if you swap carriers or change addresses.

How to Create a Free Google Voice Account: Step-by-Step Guide

This is the fastest path to get started. You can do it on the Google Voice website or via the Google Voice app.

Step 1: Go to the website or download the app

• Web: Visit voice.google.com in your browser.
• Mobile: Open your app store and search “Google Voice” (this is your Google Voice download). Install it on Android or iPhone.

Step 2: Sign in with your Google account

Tap Sign in and choose your Google account. If you don’t have one, create a free Google account first. This is your Google Voice login for all devices.

Step 3: Choose or create your Google Voice number

Select Search and enter a city or area code to see available numbers. Scroll until you find one you like. Click or tap Select. You just created a Google Voice number!

Example: If your clients are in Austin, search “Austin” or “512” to look local.

Step 4: Link your existing phone (optional but recommended)

Add your current mobile number. This lets Google Voice forward calls to your phone so you can answer natively. You’ll receive a quick verification code.

Step 5: Customize voicemail and notifications

Record a friendly voicemail greeting. Turn on voicemail transcripts if you like reading messages. Configure notifications for calls, texts, and voicemail in the app settings.

Step 6: Start calling and texting

Open Calls or Messages and try it. Your calls/texts will now show your Google Voice number to recipients.

Where to Create a Google Voice Account: Website vs. App

You can set up on either platform. Here’s how they compare.

Using the Google Voice website (desktop or laptop)

• Visit voice.google.com and sign in.
• Great for longer text threads, managing contacts, exporting call history, and tweaking settings with a full keyboard.
• Easy for workdays when your laptop is open.

Using the Google Voice app (Android & iPhone)

• Android: Google Play → Google Voice → Install → Sign in.
• iPhone: App Store → Google Voice → Install → Sign in.
• Best for quick replies, on-the-go calls, and instant push notifications.

Pros and cons

• Website pros: Bigger screen, faster typing, easier settings management.
• Website cons: You won’t get mobile-style notifications when the browser is closed.
• App pros: Instant alerts, quick calling, perfect on the move.
• App cons: Smaller screen; exporting data is easier on the web.

Bottom line: Use both. Start on the web for setup, then keep the app for day-to-day calling and texting.

How to Create a Google Voice Number (and Change It Later)

Choosing your number

During setup, you’ll see a search box. Enter a city or area code and browse options.

• Pick a number that’s easy to say and remember.
• Prefer local? Search your area code.
• Prefer branding? Scan for number patterns (e.g., 555-BOOK).

Using your existing number

If you want to keep your current number for everyday use, link it for call forwarding. You’ll still place calls from the Google Voice app, but your phone rings like normal when people call your Google Voice number.

Changing your number later

Yes, you can change it later in Settings → Account → Change/Transfer Number (note: Google may charge a small one-time fee to change numbers). Your old number can forward to the new one for a time if you choose.

Google Voice App: How to Download and Install It

For Android

1. Open Google Play.
2. Search Google Voice.
3. Tap Install (your Google Voice download).
4. Open, Sign in, and follow prompts to select or link your number.

For iPhone

1. Open the App Store.
2. Search Google Voice.
3. Tap Get → Install.
4. Open, Sign in, and finish setup.

Basic app setup

• Allow notifications so you never miss calls or texts.
• Optional: set Google Voice as your default calling or messaging app (Android offers more system-level options).
• Confirm your linked phone under Settings → Devices and numbers.

How to Use Google Voice After Creating an Account

This is where the service shines. Here’s what to do first.

Making calls

• App: Tap Dial, enter the number (or choose a contact), and press Call.
• Web: Click Calls → Make a call, type the number, and hit Call.
• Your caller ID shows your Google Voice number, not your personal number.

Example: Call a new client from your computer while taking notes in Google Docs—no phone juggling.

Sending texts (SMS/MMS)

• App or Web: Go to Messages, tap Start chat, choose a contact, and type away.
• You can include images and receive MMS from most carriers.

Voicemail (with transcripts)

• Set a custom greeting under Settings → Voicemail.
• Turn on Voicemail Transcripts to read messages like email.
• Forward voicemails to your email if you want all messages in one inbox.

Call forwarding and key settings

• Forwarding: Add one or more phones under Settings → Devices and numbers. Your Google Voice number rings those phones.
• Do Not Disturb: Temporarily stop rings and send callers to voicemail.
• Spam filtering: Enable spam protection to auto-silence known spam.

How to Create a Free Google Voice Account on Android

If you searched “how to create a free Google Voice account on Android,” this is your section.

1. Open Google Play and install Google Voice.
2. Open the app and Sign in with your Google account.
3. Tap Search to find a local number and Select it.
4. When prompted, link your Android phone number for call forwarding (optional).
5. Allow notifications and microphone permissions.
6. Place a test call or text.

Android pro tips

• Under Settings → Calls, choose whether to make calls using Wi-Fi/data or your carrier.
• If texts don’t arrive, check that the app has SMS permissions and that battery optimization isn’t restricting it.
• For dual-SIM phones, be clear which line you want Voice to forward to.

How to Create a Free Google Voice Account on iPhone

Looking for “how to create a free Google Voice account on iPhone”? Do this:

1. Open the App Store, search Google Voice, and install.
2. Launch the app and Sign in with your Google account.
3. Tap Search to pick your free number and Select.
4. Optionally link your iPhone number so calls forward to your native Phone app too.
5. Allow microphone and notification access.
6. Send yourself a test text or call a friend.

iPhone pro tips

• Make sure Notifications → Google Voice is set to Allow with Banners/Sounds so you don’t miss calls.
• If you use Focus modes, add Google Voice to allowed apps.
• For audio, plug in AirPods or CarPlay—calls work great through them.

How to Log in to Google Voice (Web + App, Multiple Devices)

Access on the web and app

• Web: Go to voice.google.com, click Sign in, and use your Google password (or passkey/2-step verification).
• App: Open Google Voice, tap Sign in, and select your account.

Use it on many devices

Your one account works across your computer, Android phone, and iPhone. Messages and voicemails sync. Start a text on the laptop, finish it on your phone.

Tip: If you switch devices often, keep the web tab pinned and the app notifications enabled.

Managing Your Google Voice Account

Change key settings

• Voicemail greeting: Record a friendly message. You can set separate greetings for work vs. personal.
• Notifications: Choose banner vs. silent, and whether to get email copies of voicemail.
• Blocked numbers: Add spammers to your blocklist.

Manage contacts

• Contacts sync with your Google account. You can add/edit contacts in Google Contacts or directly in the app.
• Use labels (e.g., “VIP Clients”) to keep threads tidy.

Call history and voicemails

• See the Calls tab for a searchable history.
• Download important voicemails or copy transcripts for records.

Troubleshooting Common Google Voice Issues

Stuff happens. Here’s how to fix the most common hiccups fast.

Google Voice login problems

• Verify you’re using the correct Google account (many of us have more than one).
• If 2-Step Verification is on, complete the prompt on your phone or use a backup code.
• Clear browser cache (web) or reinstall the app (mobile) if the screen gets stuck.

Number not linking or verification fails

• Make sure your carrier number can receive SMS or calls for verification.
• Remove the number in Settings → Devices and numbers, then re-add it.
• If you’re on Wi-Fi calling with your carrier, toggle it off during verification.

Calls or texts not going through

• Confirm you have data/Wi-Fi. Voice needs an internet connection for app-initiated calls.
• Check permissions for microphone, notifications, SMS (Android), and background data.
• Turn Do Not Disturb off in the app and on your phone system settings.

Is Google Voice Really Free? What You Need to Know

Free services (personal accounts in the U.S.)

• Domestic calls within the U.S.
• Domestic texting within the U.S.
• Voicemail with transcript

Paid or limited items

• International calls: Low per-minute rates.
• Number changes/porting: May incur a one-time fee.
• Business features (Google Workspace): Paid plans unlock auto-attendants, ring groups, and admin tools.

How it compares

If you need a simple second line, Google Voice is one of the most cost-effective choices versus buying another SIM or subscribing to a separate carrier plan. If you need a team phone system, Voice for Google Workspace is still competitive next to many VoIP providers.

FAQs

How do I create a Google Voice account for free?

Go to voice.google.com or install the Google Voice app, sign in with your Google account, pick a number, and you’re done.

Can I create a Google Voice account without a phone number?

Yes, you can create it without linking a phone, but linking your mobile helps with forwarding and reliability.

How do I choose a Google Voice number?

Search by city or area code and select a number you like—ideally something short and memorable.

Is Google Voice available on Android and iPhone?

Absolutely. Download the Google Voice app from Google Play or the App Store.

Can I link my existing phone number to Google Voice?

Yes. Link it to forward calls and make sure you don’t miss important calls.

How do I make calls with Google Voice?

Use the app’s dialer or the Google Voice website. Your caller ID shows your Voice number.

Can I use Google Voice for text messaging?

Yes. Send and receive domestic SMS/MMS inside the U.S. for free on personal accounts.

Can I change my Google Voice number later?

Yes, from Settings (a small one-time fee may apply).

Does Google Voice work internationally?

You can use it while abroad (with data/Wi-Fi). Outbound international calls have low per-minute rates.

How do I set up voicemail on Google Voice?

It’s automatic. Customize your greeting and turn on transcripts in Settings → Voicemail.

Mini-Checklist (Copy/Paste This)

• Create/Sign in to Google account
• Go to voice.google.com or install the Google Voice app
• Create Google Voice account and create Google Voice number
• Link your mobile (optional but recommended)
• Record voicemail, enable transcripts
• Enable notifications on phone and web
• Test a call and a text

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

That’s it—you now know how to create a free Google Voice account, pick a number, and start calling and texting from anywhere. Whether you’re launching a side hustle, protecting your privacy, or just want one inbox for calls, texts, and voicemail, Google Voice makes it easy and free to get started.

Ready to go? Open the Google Voice website on your computer or grab the Google Voice download on your phone, create Google Voice account, and start using your new number today. And if you’re switching devices, remember: how to use Google Voice is the same everywhere—sign in, pick your number, and you’re connected.