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ShwetaSmall Business Writer
A seasoned small business and technology writer and educator with more than 20 years of experience, Shweta excels in demystifying complex tech tools and concepts for small businesses. Her work has been featured in NewsWeek, Huffington Post and more. Her postgraduate degree in computer management fuels her comprehensive analysis and exploration of tech topics.
Cassie BottorffEditor
Cassie is a deputy editor collaborating with teams around the world while living in the beautiful hills of Kentucky. Focusing on bringing growth to small businesses, she is passionate about economic development and has held positions on the boards of directors of two non-profit organizations seeking to revitalize her former railroad town. Prior to joining the team at Forbes Advisor, Cassie was a content operations manager and copywriting manager.
Shweta,
ShwetaSmall Business Writer
A seasoned small business and technology writer and educator with more than 20 years of experience, Shweta excels in demystifying complex tech tools and concepts for small businesses. Her work has been featured in NewsWeek, Huffington Post and more. Her postgraduate degree in computer management fuels her comprehensive analysis and exploration of tech topics.
Cassie Bottorff
Cassie BottorffEditor
Cassie is a deputy editor collaborating with teams around the world while living in the beautiful hills of Kentucky. Focusing on bringing growth to small businesses, she is passionate about economic development and has held positions on the boards of directors of two non-profit organizations seeking to revitalize her former railroad town. Prior to joining the team at Forbes Advisor, Cassie was a content operations manager and copywriting manager.
Small Business Writer, Editor
Rob WattsManaging Editor, SMB
With over a decade of editorial experience, Rob Watts breaks down complex topics for small businesses that want to grow and succeed. His work has been featured in outlets such as Keypoint Intelligence, FitSmallBusiness and PCMag.
Reviewed
Rob Watts
Rob WattsManaging Editor, SMB
With over a decade of editorial experience, Rob Watts breaks down complex topics for small businesses that want to grow and succeed. His work has been featured in outlets such as Keypoint Intelligence, FitSmallBusiness and PCMag.
Managing Editor, SMB
Reviewed
Updated: Jun 8, 2024, 9:08am
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
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Table of Contents
- Step 1. Open Google Voice Website
- Step 2. Review Pricing Plans
- Step 3. Sign In to Your Google Account
- Step 4. Understand Google Voice Plan Details
- Step 5. Set Up Payment for Google Voice Subscription
- Step 6. Set Up Google Voice
- Bottom Line
- Frequently Asked Questions
Show more
If your business is growing and you want a voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) number for your business, but you are not big enough to have your own set up, Google Voice is an excellent choice. You get a wide array of top-notch features for a price as low as $10 per user per month. Here’s how to set up a Google Voice phone number in six easy steps.
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Step 1. Open Google Voice Website
To open the website, type https://voice.google.com in your web browser. In the window, you will be asked if you want the service for personal use or business use. A personal plan can only be used by a single individual, so for this walkthrough, we are going to select the For business button.
Step 2. Review Pricing Plans
When you select the For business option, you will be directed to the product page. Click on the Get started button in the header and you will be directed to the pricing plans. The Starter plan will only cover up to ten users, so make sure you you choose the plan that will best fit your needs.
Click on the Select button of a plan of your choice—Starter, Standard or Premier.
Step 3. Sign In to Your Google Account
You will be asked to sign in to your Google Workspace account to sign up for a Google Voice business plan. If you don’t have a Google Workspace account, you can create one from the link provided at the bottom of the pop-up.
Step 4. Understand Google Voice Plan Details
Once you verify your Google Workspace account, you will be taken to the Google Voice information page for the plan you chose. Read the details carefully to understand what you are signing up for before you click on the Get Started button.
Step 5. Set Up Payment for Google Voice Subscription
In the next screen, the payment plan details will be shared. This will give you a summary of how much you are expected to pay for your selected plan, and how often. Review the details and then click on Checkout.
On the next screen, you will need to give your address and credit card details. Ensure that you have this set up properly, so that you don’t experience any gaps in service due to non-payment.
Once you have made the first payment, you will be taken to the Google Voice dashboard.
Step 6. Set Up Google Voice
On the right side of the dashboard, you will see a blue Get Started button. Click on the button to start setting up Google Voice and start claiming phone numbers.
The first thing you must do is name your business location. You can set up multiple locations, if appropriate. This can be helpful, for instance, if you have both a retail store and a warehouse at different addresses.
After saving the location, check that you have been assigned as a user, from the Google Voice menu.
You will be able to add more users, up to the maximum permitted by your plan, and create numbers for them using the options given here. When you get a Google Voice number, you will be asked to link it to a number where the calls can be forwarded. This way, calls can be routed directly to users’ cell phones without them having to give out their personal numbers.
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Bottom Line
As you can see, signing up for a Google Voice account is quick and easy. If you already have a Google Workspace account, it should not take you more than ten minutes to sign up and another 15 minutes to set up a number.
As with all VoIP business numbers, Google Voice numbers:
- Are more affordable than regular telephony
- Have high call quality because they communicate over the internet
- Provide many call handling and management features such as call screening, conferencing, spam filtering, third-party integrations and more
Perhaps the best part is that, for a small or midsized business, employees can use Google Voice numbers with whatever platform they are already using. Whether they’re using Android, iOS, or a web browser, Google Voice is compatible with each platform. Read more details in our Google Voice review, and see how it competes with other mobile VoIP service providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make calls on Google Voice for free?
You must pay for a monthly Google Voice plan, but after that base subscription price the local calls you make with a Google Voice number are free and international calls come at a small fee. If you are calling from the U.S., most calls to Canada are also free. There are exceptions, and some calls may cost $0.01 per minute.
Is Google Voice itself free?
In 2024, Google Voice is phasing out its free personal plan. If you want a number for business use, pricing starts from $10 per user per month.
Can I transfer my landline number to VoIP?
Yes, if the VoIP service has compatible numbers available. Learn more in our guide to porting phone numbers.
How long does a Google Voice account stay active?
A Google Voice number remains active as long as the user sends at least one outgoing text message or makes one outgoing phone call every six months.
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