How to Set Up a Free Phone Number
Settting up a free phone number for business or personal use can be done through Google Voice, which is not yet in full operation. As of June 2010, you'll require an invite from Google or a user already using the service.
Google Voice is a service that can forward calls from the Google Voice phone number to your mobile, business or home phone as well as connect calls between two or more numbers. It is available only to U.S. residents who have set up a Google account.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Computer with Internet connection
- Telephone service
- Google Voice account
Instructions
-
-
1
From the Google voice setup page, click on the blue "Choose a number" button with your cursor, which is located within the "Get a new Google number" box.
-
2
Type in your zip code as prompted by "Search by area code or ZIP code." You can also type in a key word or phrase (such as a city or preferred area code) in the field below, then click on the "Search" button.
-
-
3
Click on your preferred number displayed in the "Results for" section. If you are unsatisfied with the current selections, click on the blue link below to view more phone numbers. After you locate your preferred number, click on the "Continue" button below.
-
4
Type in a four-digit personal identification number (PIN) as prompted. Retype your PIN to confirm and then check-mark the box with your cursor (which informs Google that you will agree to their terms and conditions). Then click on the "Continue" button near the bottom.
-
5
Type in your home, mobile, or business phone number in the "Phone Number" field. In the "Phone Type" menu option, select whether the number is for a "Home," "Work," or "Mobile" phone.
-
6
Click on the "Call Me Now" button to have Google Voice call to verify that you are the owner of the number as entered. After receiving the call from Google Voice, type in the verification code using your dial pad, which will then activate your free phone number.
-
7
Click on the "Finish" button with your cursor after you see the "Congratulations!" box, then click on the blue "Check your inbox" to configure your account.
-
8
Click on the "Settings" link with your cursor, which is located in the top right of the screen. Next, click on the "Voicemail & Text" tab to configure your voicemail settings.
-
9
Click on the "Record New" link which is located in the "Voicemail Greeting" section. Next, type in a name for your voicemail greeting in the "Enter a greeting name" field, then click on the "Ok" button.
-
10
Click on the "Connect" button, which will prompt Google Voice to call your "Work," "Home," or "Mobile" phone to create a personal voicemail greeting for your new free phone number.
-
11
Click on the "Play" link with your cursor (which is located in the "Voicemail Greeting" section) to listen to your new voicemail, or click on the "Re-record" link to create a new voicemail greeting.
After you are satisfied with the greeting, click on the "Save Changes" button below to finish configuring your voicemail for your new number.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Speak clearly when creating a voicemail greeting for your free number, making sure there are no background noises around you.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit phone. image by Alexander Lukyanov from Fotolia.com
