How to get a google phone number for my business

Thanks to current technology, you can set up essential business services faster than ever — and for less money than you might expect.

One popular service among new businesses is Google Voice, a free online telephone service that provides users with unique phone numbers. A Google Voice number will allow you to send and receive calls, text messages, and voicemails from your computer or smartphone.

If you’re interested in using this service for your business, here’s what you need to know about how to set up a Google Voice number.

You can set up a Google Voice account via your iOS or Android device, or from your computer.

If you’re setting up an account on your phone, the first step is to download the Google Voice application. If you’re using a computer, navigate to the Google Voice sign-up page. You’ll be prompted to sign into your Google account.

Next, search for available phone numbers. Enter your city or area code to see available numbers, and claim the one you want to use.

After you find a number, you’ll be prompted to verify your existing phone number (with a six-digit code). This step is necessary, as Google Voice forwards incoming calls to your existing telephone number.

Once you enter the code, your Google Voice number will be ready to use.

Making a Google Voice call

To make your first call, navigate to your Google Voice homepage, or open the app if you’re using a smartphone.

Toggle to the “Calls” tab, then select “Make a Call.” Enter the number or contact you want to call, press the green call button, and get ready to chat.

Sending a text message

Sending text messages using your Google Voice account is similar. Navigate to the “Messages” tab, then enter the phone number or contact you want to get in touch with. Type your message, then hit send.

Google Voice rates

With Google Voice, you can send unlimited text messages and make unlimited domestic calls (up to three hours long) at no cost beyond what you already pay your service provider.

The only time you’ll be charged is if you’re making international calls. If you want to call someone in another country, review the list of Google Voice calling rates and then purchase credits to cover these expenses.

What’s the catch?

Since Google Voice uses your existing number, it can be difficult to distinguish whether an incoming call is directed at your business or your personal phone number. The good news is that other users face this same issue, and Google Voice’s Help Forum provides a solution.

You’re one step closer to starting a business

Convenience, ease of use, and little-to-no costs make Google Voice a valuable tool for many new business owners. After you set up a Google Voice number, create phone links on your business website so that potential customers can easily get in touch.

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

If your business is growing and you want a voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) number for your business, but you are not big enough to have your own set up, Google Voice is an excellent choice. You get a wide array of top-notch features for a price as low as $10 per user per month.

Here’s how to set up a Google Voice phone number in six easy steps.

Featured Partners

Voicemail transcription

Yes

Pricing from

$19.95 per user, per month

Voicemail transcription

Yes

Pricing from

$21.95 per user, per month

Voicemail transcription

Yes

Pricing from

$15 per user, per month on an annual basis

Step 1. Open Google Voice Website

To open the website, type https://voice.google.com in your web browser. In the window, you will be asked if you want the service for personal use or business use. A personal plan can only be used by a single individual, so for this walkthrough, we are going to select the For business button.

Step 2. Review Pricing Plans

When you select the For business option, you will be directed to the product page. Click on the Get started button in the header and you will be directed to the pricing plans. The Starter plan will only cover up to ten users, so make sure you you choose the plan that will best fit your needs.

Click on the Select button of a plan of your choice—Starter, Standard or Premier.

Step 3. Sign In to Your Google Account

You will be asked to sign in to your Google Workspace account to sign up for a Google Voice business plan. If you don’t have a Google Workspace account, you can create one from the link provided at the bottom of the pop-up.

Step 4. Understand Google Voice Plan Details

Once you verify your Google Workspace account, you will be taken to the Google Voice information page for the plan you chose. Read the details carefully to understand what you are signing up for before you click on the Get Started button.

Step 5. Set Up Payment for Google Voice Subscription

In the next screen, the payment plan details will be shared. This will give you a summary of how much you are expected to pay for your selected plan, and how often. Review the details and then click on Checkout.

On the next screen, you will need to give your address and credit card details. Ensure that you have this set up properly, so that you don’t experience any gaps in service due to non-payment.

Once you have made the first payment, you will be taken to the Google Voice dashboard.

Step 6. Set Up Google Voice

On the right side of the dashboard, you will see a blue Get Started button. Click on the button to start setting up Google Voice and start claiming phone numbers.

The first thing you must do is name your business location. You can set up multiple locations, if appropriate. This can be helpful, for instance, if you have both a retail store and a warehouse at different addresses.

After saving the location, check that you have been assigned as a user, from the Google Voice menu.

You will be able to add more users, up to the maximum permitted by your plan, and create numbers for them using the options given here. When you get a Google Voice number, you will be asked to link it to a number where the calls can be forwarded. This way, calls can be routed directly to users’ cell phones without them having to give out their personal numbers.

Find The Right Phone System For Your Business

Save by Comparing Phone System Prices

Bottom Line

As you can see, signing up for a Google Voice account is quick and easy. If you already have a Google Workspace account, it should not take you more than ten minutes to sign up and another 15 minutes to set up a number.

As with all VoIP business numbers, Google Voice numbers:

• Are more affordable than regular telephony
• Have high call quality because they communicate over the internet
• Provide many call handling and management features such as call screening, conferencing, spam filtering, third-party integrations and more

Perhaps the best part is that, for a small or midsized business, employees can use Google Voice numbers with whatever platform they are already using. Whether they’re using Android, iOS, or a web browser, Google Voice is compatible with each platform. Read more details in our Google Voice review, and see how it competes with other mobile VoIP service providers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make calls on Google Voice for free?

You must pay for a monthly Google Voice plan, but after that base subscription price the local calls you make with a Google Voice number are free and international calls come at a small fee. If you are calling from the U.S., most calls to Canada are also free. There are exceptions, and some calls may cost $0.01 per minute.

Is Google Voice itself free?

In 2022, Google Voice is phasing out its free personal plan. If you want a number for business use, pricing starts from $10 per user per month.

Can I transfer my landline number to VoIP?

Yes, if the VoIP service has compatible numbers available. Learn more in our guide to porting phone numbers.

How long does a Google Voice account stay active?

A Google Voice number remains active as long as the user sends at least one outgoing text message or makes one outgoing phone call every six months.

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for your feedback!

Something went wrong. Please try again later.

Is Google Voice free for business?

Can I make a Google phone number for free?

How much does Google Voice cost for business?

Can you use a Google number as a business number?