How to Create a Google Voice Number

Have you ever heard of Google Voice? Me neither until a few months ago. Although it is a very useful tool, it has never had the same publicity as larger Google applications. Google Voice offers a single phone number that can forward calls, voicemails, and messages to multiple devices. It's like a tracking number that ensures you're always reachable wherever you are and whatever you're doing.

With Google Voice, you can:

• Send text messages from your computer desktop to one of your contacts.
• Record a voice message and have it transcribed and emailed.
• Screen calls and record personalized greetings based on whether it's a business caller or a friend.
• Forward calls to any phone.
• Make international calls and conference calls.

There are only a few prerequisites for using Google Voice. You need a Google account, a US phone number, a computer, and the Google Voice app.

Most calls to the United States and Canada are free. The account is free and most features are free. There are charges for international calls and some advanced features such as phone number porting. Other than that, it doesn't cost a penny.

Create a Google Voice number

To create a Google Voice number, you will need a Google Voice account. There are several that offer different levels of service. They understand:

Google Voice number – This is the basic account that will forward calls to your Google number to all registered phones.

Google Voice Lite – This simply provides the voicemail service. You can use voicemail on all registered devices, which means you have access to voicemail from anywhere.

Google Voice on Sprint – A localized service for Sprint users. This allows you to use your assigned Sprint number as your Google number or vice versa.

Number porting – Number porting transfers your phone number to Google. This allows you to use your existing number as a Google number. There is a cost to this.

Visit the Google account type page for more information.

To get your number:

1. Visit the Google Voice website.
2. Sign in to your Google account.
3. Select Get Voice Number from the left pane if the option does not appear automatically.
4. Select I want a new number or I want to use my mobile number.
5. Enter your postal code and tap Search numbers to display a list of suitable numbers.
6. Select a number and click Continue.
7. Enter a rememberable PIN to secure your number and agree to the terms.
8. Add a forwarding phone to redirect calls and voicemails.
9. Verify the phone when prompted by clicking Call Me Now and entering the verification code when prompted. Type the code into your dial pad during the call to verify.

During this setup process, you also have the option to set up voicemail. Since this is one of the most powerful features of Google Voice, it makes sense to do this right away. However, if you choose to do so later, you can.

1. Access your Google Voice account.
2. Select the gear icon on the right to access settings.
3. Select the Voicemail and SMS tab.
4. Select Voicemail greeting, then Record new greeting.
5. Give it a meaningful name and click Continue.
6. Save your message by selecting the phone you want to use and clicking Connect.
7. Listen to the voicemail, then click Save Changes at the bottom once you're satisfied.

Google Voice personalized greetings

Personalized Google Voice greetings are another cool aspect of this app. Here you can set up different greetings for different callers which is useful if you use your work phone for personal purposes or vice versa.

1. Access your Google Voice account.
2. Select the gear icon on the right to access settings.
3. Select Groups and Circles, then Edit.
4. Select the group you want to edit.
5. Select When people in this group access voicemail, then Greeting all contacts.
6. Select the personalized greeting, then OK.
7. Click Save to finish.
8. Repeat this process for different groups as needed.

Block telemarketers and cold calls with Google Voice

Finally, the ability to block cold calls or telemarketers is also exceptionally useful if your number is somehow entered into one of their databases.

1. Go to your Google Voice Account.
2. Select the gear icon on the right to access settings.
3. Select the Calls tab and check the box next to Global Spam Filtering.

When a telemarketer is successful, which they inevitably will, just go into your account and mark the number as spam. Alternatively, if you accidentally mark a number as spam, you can click Do Not Spam next to it in your account's spam folder.

Considering how useful Google Voice is, I'm surprised it didn't get more coverage. Nevertheless, you now know of another communication tool that can help you manage your life. Hope that helps!