Google Voice is useful for sending text messages or making calls from your computer or mobile phone. What is Google Voice and how can you use it? Let’s find out in this article.
Visit the Google Voice channel on YouTube for a complete review of the service's capabilities.
While Google Voice is not a service used by invitation only, you must reside in the United States (or your computer should have an American IP address) and have the phone number in the USA to activate the Google Voice numbers.
Activating Google Voice outside the USA
Here are few simple techniques you can use to enable Google Voice from anywhere outside the United States.
- Obtain a US phone number. It should not take much time, and it is pretty simple.
- Download and install Hotspot Shield (when installing, be careful with advanced options, there is a high possibility that you won't need them). You will not be able to register on Google Voice without using an American IP. This program will help you achieve this
- If you haven't launched Hotspot Shield yet, run it and visit IP2Location online to confirm its location. Otherwise, end the current session with Hotspot Shield and connect again to get a new IP address.
- Start Express Talk, which you previously used to get a phone number from USA.
- Go to voice.google.com in your browser and use your Google account to log in. If you get the message “Google voice is not available in your country,” clear the cookies of your browser and try again.
- Pick a Google Voice number. You can enter the area code of the US.
- Enter the four-digit PIN to check your voicemail, confirm the terms of use.
- Next, enter your USA phone number, to which calls from your Google Voice number will be forwarded.
- Press the “Call me now” button. Google Voice will dial your local USA number, and your Express Talk will create a call. Enter the confirmation code using Express Talk keyboard, and once that is done, your Google Voice number is ready to be used.
In the future, you can download Google Voice App to your mobile, or use directly through m.google.com/voice if your phone is not supported by this app
How to create Google Voice number
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If you want to create a new number
- Select “I want a new number.” Actually, the first thing you will see once you agree and accept the terms of service is a message asking if you want to use your existing number or register a new one. If you go for the second option - choose it safely. If you accidentally close the page setup, you can always return to the registration of the new number by clicking on the button “Get a Voice number” in the Google Voice option. The Google Voice number can be configured to work with 1-6 compatible phones.
- Look for a new Google number. A search form will appear, and here you can find a new number using the state or zip code. When the number is selected, click on the “Continue” button.
- Choose PIN. You will need to provide your secret PIN to get access to Google Voice and receive messages from any phone or any location.
- Enter the redirecting number. You will also need to provide a phone number which will be routed to the telephone calls received on Google Voice. In other words, when someone calls you on your Google Voice number, it will be received by the phone number you have just entered. Don't forget to choose the phone type from the drop-down menu.
- Verify your phone number. At this point, you'll see a code and a button “Call Me Now.” Feel free to click on it to complete the installation of Google Voice. After clicking on this button, the phone will ring. Use the keyboard to enter a numeric code from the screen, and after doing that correctly, your Google Voice registration will be completed.
If you have an existing mobile number
- Choose “I want to use my mobile number.” Open the Settings menu by clicking on the gear icon in the upper right corner of the mailbox. Next, go to the tab 'Phones' then Change/Port.
- Enter your phone number and click “Check for available options.” There are two main options: “Get Google Voice Lite” and “Port your number into Google.” If you have Sprint, you will get to use the option “Use your Sprint number with Google Voice.”
- Select “Port your number.” You are free to choose anything, but if you want access to all the features of Google Voice, then this option will be helpful.
- Mark all the checkboxes, thus expressing your agreement with the terms of service. On this page, you will see the conditions of the respective service, and you will not be able to proceed further until you check all the points. You will be charged a one-time payment of $ 20. When you transfer a mobile number to Google, your contract with the mobile provider will be terminated. Please keep in mind that the provider can bill you for early termination of the contract! You will have to choose a new tariff plan for mobile communication. This plan should be connected to the account as a “forwarding number.” Do not terminate the contract with the mobile provider before transferring the number.
- Verify your number. At this point, you'll see a code and “Call Me Now” button. Feel free to click on it to complete the installation of Google Voice.
- Enter your account information. Also, you will have to log in again in order to confirm that this is truly you. When logged in, click “Next: Confirmation”.
- Confirm and pay. Read the description of the transaction and proceed to payment by clicking on the “Next: Checkout” button. When you pay, your old number will work with your Google Voice account. By the way, you will be asked to maintain the payment via Google Wallet.
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Source: Naija.ng