How To Use Google Voice On Android

Almost anyone you talk to who uses Google Voice swears by it. It lets you consolidate your home, office, and mobile numbers into one, transcribes voicemails, screens calls, and includes free text messages. However, only the Android version of the app feels like it’s part of the OS, allowing you to use the native dialer to make calls. On Apple’s iOS you have to use the Google Voice app. Plus, Google Voice on Android makes it easier to send free texts. Here’s how to get started.

Step by Step

1. Create a Google Voice account online.
2. Download Google Voice for your Android phone, if it’s not already on your device.
3. Open the Google Voice app and sign in with your account info.
4. On the next screen you’ll see a screen that says Set Up Google Voice. Tap Next to continue.
5. Click Add This Phone, and Google Voice will verify your number by sending a text message from your handset to the Google Voice service.
6. Select with call option you would like to use, such as Use Google Voice to make all calls.
7. On the Set up voicemail screen tap Next. If your carrier is supported for automatic voicemail configuration, you’ll get a code that you’ll need to dial. If not, you’ll need to go to the Google Voice website and complete this process.
8. On your Android phone tap Next, and you’ll see a box that lets you choose between My carrier and Google Voice for voicemail services. Tap Google Voice.
9. Go back to the Google Voice app and Tap Finish.