How to set up and use Google Voice, Google’s free phone call and texting service, on your mobile and desktop

5. You’ll then be prompted to verify your existing phone number. Click Verify on the page that loads. 

6. Type in the number you want Google to forward your calls to, which should be your primary cell phone. 

7. Click Send code.

3. Enter the number you wish to link and click Send code. 

4. Finish verifying your new number the same way as your first. 

5. To see all your linked numbers, return to Google Voice’s Settings menu and scroll to the bottom of the page. You can find all your linked numbers under the phone icon. 

How to set up Google Voice on a mobile device

1. Download the Google Voice app on your iPhone or Android phone. 

2. Once the app is open, select which Google account you’d like to attach a Voice number to and tap Continue.

6. Google Voice will confirm the number you selected. Tap Next on the next two screens to begin the verification process. 

7. Enter the phone number you want to connect to your Google Voice number. 

8. On the next screen, enter the code texted to your phone before selecting Verify.

9. Tap Claim to confirm you want to link the Google Voice number to your phone before choosing Finish.

How to use Google Voice 

You can treat Google Voice just like your normal phone app but with even more flexibility. 

To make a call through Google Voice, simply go to Calls, hit the dialpad icon, and type in the number. In the Settings menu, you can set up and listen to voicemail, block numbers, and customize other preferences. 

You can also send and receive text messages through Google Voice using WiFi or cellular data, but there are certain restrictions. Texts are free if you’re sending messages to anyone in the US or Canada, but when you’re outside the US and not using WiFi, you might get hit with extra roaming fees.

And on your computer, simply go to the Google Voice page while you are signed into your Google account and use the keypad at the bottom right corner of the screen or use the number keys on your computer to type in the number you want to call, then hit the phone icon near the top right corner of the screen. Google Voice will place a call, and you can use your computer’s speaker and microphone to listen and talk.