How to Sign Up for a Google Voice Number
Google Voice lets you consolidate your calls through a single phone number. Calls to your Google Voice number can be routed to any other number as needed, including cell phones and land lines. The Google Voice service is free for local calls and discounted prices are available for long distance calls. Manage your number, messages and voice messages online using the interface or over the phone by entering your pin.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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1
Open your preferred Web browser and go to the Google Voice website. Sign in with your Google account. If you don't have a Google account, you'll need to sign up for one.
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2
Click the "I want a new number" option to proceed and choose from an available number. The "I want to use my mobile number" option is used to port your existing cell phone number to Google voice, a process that will take some time and require calling you current cell phone carrier.
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3
Enter an area code or zip code to search for your new number. If you'd like a number with a specific word or phrase in it, type the word and Google Voice will suggest numbers that match. The number doesn't have to be in your area, it can be local to friends, family or business associates you'd like to contact regularly.
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4
Click "Continue" after picking your number. Enter your PIN in the field provided. The PIN is used to access your account over the phone.
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Enter a number to forward calls to and select the type of phone from the drop-down menu. Click the "Call Me Now" button to have Google Voice call your number to verify it. Enter the code shown on the screen using your phone when the call goes through. Your account is now set up.
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Tips & Warnings
Learn all that you can about Google Voice before signing up so that you're ready to start using it as soon as it launches for the general public.
As of March 12, 2009, Google Voice is only available to existing GrandCentral customers. Those customers will receive an email telling them about the new service. It will be a few more weeks until the rest of us can sign up but we can start the process now by following the steps in this article.
