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How to Get a Google Voice Phone
Number

Four Parts:Log
into GoogleChoose
a Google Voice NumberForwarding
Google Voice CallsGoogle
Voice Number Settings

Google Voice is a free service that allows people to choose a local number
for voice mail and calling purposes. You can link your Google Voice number with
your cell phone number and/or land line, so that you receive a call on all your
phones and easily forward calls to transcribed voice mail when you are
unavailable. Follow these directions to get a Google Voice phone number and
start to use your account.

EditSteps

EditPart One
of Four:
Log into Google

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1
Go to www.Google.com/voice.
Sign into your Google account. All of Google's products are now unified, so
you will use the same username and password you use for Gmail.

If you do not use any Google products currently, then you will want to
create a Google account. Go to accounts.google.com/NewAccount to enter your
information and sign up.

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2
Wait for the prompt on the
Google.com/voice site that says "Set up your Google Voice Number."

If the prompt does not appear, click on the link that says "Get a Google
Voice Number" on the left hand side of the page.

EditPart
Two of Four:
Choose a Google Voice Number

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1
Click on the "I want a new number"
button in the first set up prompt.

You have the option to set up the Google Voice account with your mobile
phone number. That will keep you from being able to use some of Google
Voice's features. You can always use your Google Voice number in conjunction
with your mobile phone number.

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2
Enter your zip code or area code
to find an available local number. Click "Next."

If no phone numbers are available, enter a nearby zip code. Some large
metropolitan areas do not have local phone numbers available.

If you are starting a Google Voice account in order to make free phone
calls within the US or Canada, you can choose a phone in the zip code where
your most-called family members or friends live. People who use land lines
can call your Google Voice number free of charge, and it will ring on your
cell phone number.

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3
Choose your number from a list of
numbers when you find a zip code with available phone numbers. Click on
the circle next to the number and choose "Continue."

Remember that you must pay to switch your number in the future, so
choose well.

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4
Enter a Personal Identification
Number (PIN) to access your phone number. Write down the number or make
sure you can remember it.

EditPart
Three of Four:
Forwarding Google Voice Calls

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1
Look for a prompt that asks you to
link a forwarding number to your account. You can set up multiple numbers
in the future, but this will allow you to connect your accounts now.

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2
Enter the number of your
choice. Select what type of phone it is.

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3
Find the confirmation number on
the next prompt screen. Click the "Call Me Now" button to verify it. Make
sure your other phone is nearby so that you can answer it.

The confirmation allows Google Voice to ensure that you are using a
forwarding phone that belongs to you.

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4
Answer the phone. Type in the
confirmation number when prompted.

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5
Continue following the prompts to
set up your personal voice mail message. One of the main advantages of
Google Voice is that it offers digital voice mail with transcription so that
you can get voice mail messages on your Gmail account.

EditPart
Four of Four:
Google Voice Number Settings

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1
Return to Google.com/Voice to
see your account history.

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2
Change the settings by clicking on
the gear icon on the top right part of the page.

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3
Remove call screening. Save
your changes.

Call screening makes the person who is calling enter their name. It also
tells them that they are using Google Voice. Most Google Voice users prefer
a transparent system that users do not know is pulled together using Google
Voice.

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4
Add your credit card information
under the "Billing" tab. This is only necessary if you want to make cheap
international calls. You can check the rates for calls to foreign countries
before you call.

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5
Download the Google Voice
application onto your smart phone if you are using an Android, Blackberry or
iPhone. Using the app will allow you to call from your Google Voice
number, send and receive text messages on your phone and view history easily
on your phone.

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6
Load your contacts using Google
Contacts. You can also import contacts from your phone or other sources.

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7
Pay $10 to change your Google
Voice number. If you move, paying the fee will transfer your history and
your contacts. It will also keep your old number for 3 months while you
transfer new information to your contacts.

EditVideo

EditThings You'll Need

Google account

Local zip code

Mobile/land line phones for forwarding

Google Voice application

Credit card information (optional)

Google Contacts

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Article Info

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