Google Voice Instructions

These are directions for people requesting help using Google Voice for setting up a local phone number.

I have created this page due to demand for help using Google Voice. I am not employed nor paid by Google to provide these instructions, but am providing this help at no charge to the community, friends, and family.

Google Voice Instructions

Go to the Google Voice homepage.
https://www.google.com/voice

You will need a Google Account. After going to this page, you can login to your Google account if you have one. If you do not, click on the button that says “Create an Account.”

Step 1: After logging in for the first time, you will get a popup that says “Getting Started: Set up your Google Voice number.   Click on “I want a new number.”

Step 2: “Choose your number.” Type in the zip code for the area you want your number to be for. If you are setting up this number so someone can call you and incur only local charges, and not long distance, enter in their zip code. This will give you a phone number that is local for that area. Then click “Search Numbers.”
You will now get a list of numbers local for that area. Click on “Next 5 >” if you want to look for one with numbers in it that you like. Or just pick one. You can choose the number by clicking on the little circle next to the number.
And then click “Continue.”

Step 3: “Create a new PIN.” This is kind of like a password so you can check your voicemail. Make sure to write this down in case you need it. Click on the square next to the Google Terms to accept it. Then click “Continue.”

Step 4: “Add a forwarding phone.” This is the main number that the calls will ring to. This can be a mobile or a landline. *Note: You must have this phone available to you right now to be able to continue to the next step (verification). Choose a Phone type and then click “Continue.”

Step 5: “Verify this phone.” This is so Google can confirm you have access to this phone and you are not trying to add a phone that does not belong to you. Have this phone close to you, as you will need it for this step. Double check the number listed and make note of the two numbers shown on the screen. Click on “Call me now.”
An automated system will now call the phone you listed.
Enter in the numbers using your phone’s keypad. It will then tell you it has been verified. You have the option to set up your voicemail now, but it is not needed, so you can hang up. I never use my voicemail. You can also set this up later.
You will now get a popup on your screen that tells you it has been verified. It will remind you of your new Google number, if you have not yet written it down, do so now. Click “Finish.”

Step 6: Change some settings.  On this main page, in the top right you have a little symbol that looks like a Gear, or a circle with notched edges. Click on this symbol and then click on “Voice Settings.”
Click on the heading that says "Calls."
Recommended settings: **Very important: Turn call screening OFF. **
Another setting that you can change that might help, you can choose the caller ID to display your Google Voice number, so you can differentiate when people call your Google number, or if they are calling your regular number. I like to use this setting.

Any questions, you can email me at vburtchett@computingedge.net

I hope this helps! Please write me a note if you have any questions, suggestions, or if this works for you, I would love to hear it!