Launching a single Google Voice line? Here’s a clean, no‑nonsense setup to get calling, texting, and voicemailing in minutes — with room to grow later.
Rolling out a single Google Voice line? We’ve got a tidy checklist that just works. Grab your number, link your phone, record a voicemail, and switch on spam protection. Optional Workspace steps are included if you want business‑grade controls.
What you’ll need
- A Google account (personal) or a Google Workspace account (business).
- One mobile or landline number to verify and optionally forward calls to.
- 10–15 minutes and a quiet spot to record your voicemail greeting.
Path A: Personal Google Voice (free)
- Sign in at voice.google.com.
- Choose a number by city/area code, or port an existing number (one‑time fee).
- Verify a forwarding phone; decide whether rings go to the app, your phone, or both.
- Record a clear voicemail greeting; enable voicemail transcription.
- Turn on spam filtering; set Do Not Disturb hours.
- Install the Android/iOS app; pin the web app on desktop.
Path B: Google Voice for Workspace (paid)
- In Admin console, assign a Voice license to the user.
- Pick or port a number; set the E911 service address.
- User signs in at voice.google.com and verifies their device number.
- Optionally set policies: caller ID, call recording, retention.
- Future‑proof: ring groups and auto‑attendant can be added later.
Recommended defaults
- Spam filter: on
- Call screening: off (enable if robocalls persist)
- Do Not Disturb: 9pm–7am local time
- Voicemail transcription: on
- Voicemail greeting: short, mentions SMS option
- Notifications: push + email for voicemail
Caller ID & texting behavior
- Calls placed from the Voice app show your Google Voice number.
- Calls from the native dialer may show your carrier number unless routed via Voice.
- Texting works in the Voice app and on the web; keep image attachments lightweight.
Porting tips (if moving a number)
- Unlock the number and obtain the port‑out PIN from the current carrier.
- Keep the old line active until the port completes to avoid rejection.
- Test inbound calls on Voice before cancelling the old service.
Quick setup checklist
- Create/confirm Google or Workspace account
- Pick or port your number
- Verify forwarding phone
- Record voicemail and enable transcription
- Turn on spam filter; set DND schedule
- Install the mobile app and sign in
- Test outbound/inbound calling and SMS
Optional polish
- Set custom routing hours (work vs personal).
- Create saved text replies for FAQs (hours, directions, pricing).
- Add your Voice number to your website, Google Business Profile, and email signature.
Notes: Features and interfaces can change; some capabilities (auto‑attendants, ring groups, retention policies) require Google Voice for Google Workspace. Emergency calling requires a correct service address (E911) in Workspace.