(Credit: RaShawn Dixon; Google)
Chances are, you have a phone number for making calls and sending texts. But what if you want a second number to split between personal and professional use? You might even want a decoy phone number to use when you set up accounts on the web. There are many ways to get a secret phone number, some free and some paid, but one I recommend trying is Google Voice.
With the Google Voice VoIP service, you’re assigned a dedicated phone number that may use the same area code as your existing number or general location. Any calls made to your Google Voice number are forwarded to your regular number for you to answer. Unanswered calls go to voicemail where Google provides voice and text transcriptions for you to review. Plus, you can use that second number for calling and texting on your phone and the Google Voice website.
Google Voice and all of its features are freely available for personal use but only in certain countries, including the US, Canada, UK, and Ireland. Business and educational users from the US and select regions can use the service with a paid Google Workspace account. All you need to get started is a Google account and an existing phone number. Here's how to set up a second phone number with Google Voice.
Set Up Google Voice
To set up your number on a PC, browse to the Google Voice web page and sign in with your Google account. Select whether you want the number for personal use or business. From the menu, you can choose how and where you want to set up the number—on an iOS device, an Android device, or on the Web. Your best bet is to choose Web since you can then immediately set up your number.
(Credit: PCMag / Google)At the next screen, you can look for a number by city or area code. You can pick any city or area code, but you’ll likely want to choose one close to your location, especially if you plan to give the number to friends, colleagues, or clients. Enter an area code or city to see the available numbers and select one. Keep in mind that Google Voice numbers are increasingly in short supply, especially if you live in a large city, so you may need to settle for one in a nearby city, county, or state.
(Credit: PCMag / Google)Once you’ve chosen a Google Voice number, you’ll need to verify your existing phone number. Click the Verify button at the next screen. Enter your mobile phone number and then click the Send code button. Type the code you receive and click Verify. You’re told that your number has been linked to your account. Click Finish and then Finish again.
(Credit: PCMag / Google)Use Google Voice on the Web
You can now use your Google Voice number on the web. Your Google Voice page displays a toolbar with icons for calls, messages, and voicemail. To place a phone call, click the appropriate numbers on the dial pad.
(Credit: PCMag / Google)If you maintain an address book in Google, you can start typing the name of a contact and select that person to call them. Your Google Voice number will show up in the Caller ID of the other person to keep your regular phone number from being revealed. During the call, you can mute your audio, place the call on hold, and access the keypad if you need to punch in numbers to respond to a call menu. When done, just click the phone icon to hang up.
(Credit: PCMag / Google)If you receive a call at your Google Voice number, you can answer it at the website, though keep it mind that it will be forwarded to your mobile phone as well. Click the green phone icon to answer the call. If you know a call is coming through and you’re unable to answer it from the website, you may need to enable the web option. To do this, click Settings at the top, scroll down the page, and enable Web.
(Credit: PCMag / Google)The caller is asked to give their name, which Google announces to you. If you wish to accept the call, open the keypad and click 1. To send the caller to your voicemail, click 2. Otherwise, hang up. You can review any voicemails you've received by clicking the Voicemail icon on the left. Select a specific message, and the text transcription should automatically appear (it may take a few minutes for a new voicemails to show up). Click the play button to listen to it.
(Credit: PCMag / Google)To send a text message from the website, click the Messages icon and choose Send new message. Scroll down the list of contacts to select the person you wish to text or type the number or name of the person. Type your text at the bottom and send it. Any texts you receive will appear at the messages screen as well.
(Credit: PCMag / Google)You can manage your phone calls, text messages, and voicemail at the website. To do this, select a specific call, text, or voicemail. Depending on the item, click the Call or Message icon in the upper right to respond to the caller by phone or text.
(Credit: PCMag / Google)Click the three-dot icon to display a menu with different options. Select People to add the person to your address book or Archive to send the item to the Archive folder. Choose Mark as spam if the call is spam or pick Block number to reject future calls or texts from that number. For voicemail, select Download to save the message as an MP3 file or Delete to remove it. You can also click the headset icon to adjust audio settings, such as your microphone, tone, and speakers.
(Credit: PCMag / Google)Select the Settings icon in the upper right to delete, unlock, or transfer your Google Voice number. You can also change certain settings for phone calls and voicemails, check payment history, and turn on security to filter spam calls and messages.
(Credit: PCMag / Google)Use Google Voice on Your Mobile Phone
You can also use the free Google Voice app (iOS, Android) to send and receive phone calls and texts. First, determine if you want to use your mobile and Wi-Fi data or your carrier for calls. In the Google Voice app, open the hamburger menu and go to Settings > Calls > Make and receive calls. You then have two options:
- Prefer Wi-Fi and mobile data: This option lets you place a call over the internet as you’d do with Wi-Fi calling or any VoIP service, however, it uses a small amount of your mobile data for each call.
- Use carrier only: This uses your mobile carrier to place the call but may result in a charge if you don’t have unlimited minutes.
If you have a good Wi-Fi connection and limited minutes, I would go with the first option. If your network is slow, though, I'd choose the second option.
(Credit: PCMag / Google)To make a call, tap the Calls icon at the bottom and select the dial pad icon. From there, choose the person’s name from the suggestions or type the phone number to call. Alternatively, tap the Contacts icon at the bottom, select the person you wish to call, and tap the phone number.
(Credit: PCMag / Google)An incoming call to your Google Voice number will ring your mobile phone. The caller is asked to provide their name, which is announced to you. On the dial pad, tap 1 to answer the call or 2 to direct it to voicemail. Tap the Voicemail icon at the bottom to view the transcription of the message or listen to the audio.
(Credit: PCMag / Google)To send a text message, tap the Messages icon at the bottom and then tap the pencil icon. Alternatively, tap the Contacts icon, select the contact you want to text, and then tap the text icon. Type the message and then send it. Any texts you receive will appear in the same location.
(Credit: PCMag / Google)To tweak the settings for Google Voice in the mobile app, go to Settings where you’ll find options for messages, calls, voicemail, payments, and security.
(Credit: PCMag / Google)