Authored by Dave Mallisk in Communications 
Published on 01-14-2010

Google Voice is an online, mobile-phone, voicemail application with features that vary according to whether you choose to get a Google number:

• If you do not choose to get a Google number, and continue using your current mobile-phone number, Google Voice provides only the following features:
  • Google voicemail.
  • International calling, at low rates.
  • Voicemail transcription. You can choose to read your voicemails as well as hear them.
  • Custom voicemail greetings. For example, you can set up separate greetings for family, friends, and business associates.
  • Mobile apps, for ’smart phones.’
• If you choose to get a Google number, Google Voice provides both all the above features and the following features:
  • Forwarding calls from your mobile phone (which has your Google number) to as many as six other phones.
  • Recording calls.
  • SMS (Short Message Service).
  • Listenin lets you listen to voicemail while deciding whether to answer.
  • Blocking callers.
  • Conference calling.

For Google Voice details, see Google Voice Help.

Joining Google Voice

To join Google Voice and sign in the first time, do the following:

1. Go to Google Voice and click on Request an invite to display its window.
2. Enter your Name and Email address, and then click Submit to send your request. Google Voice will send you an invitation “in the near future.”
3. After you receive your invitation, click its link to display a Google Voice sign-in page, and then sign in with your Google Account, which can be your Gmail Account.

Setting Up Google Voice with a Non-Google Number

If you want to keep your existing mobile-phone number, you can you up Google Voice without setting up a Google number. Currently (January, 2010), you can use your existing number only if your mobile provider is AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, or Verizon. To set up Google Voice with a non-Google number, do the following:

1. Join Google Voice and sign in the first time according the procedure in Joining Google Voice above.
2. When prompted, click on Set up your phone to display a window that includes a security code.
3. Click Call Me Now so that Google Voice can verify your number.
4. After Google Voice calls, enter the security code and press either Send or Call You should soon receive an ‘activation successful’ message.

Setting Up Google Voice with a Google Number

If you want to set up Google Voice with a Google number, do the following:

1. Join Google Voice and sign in the first time according the procedure in Joining Google Voice above.
2. When prompted, click on Get a number to display “Step 1 of 4: Choose Your Number” window.
3. Enter an area code or a ZIP code to search for regionally-available numbers, or enter a word or phrase to search for available numbers that contain it, and click Seach to display an available-numbers list.
4. Select a number and click Continue to display the “Step 2 of 4: Choose Your PIN” window.
5. Enter your PIN and its confirmation, accept Googles Voice Terms and Privacy Policy, and then click Continue to display the “Step 3 of 4: Add a Forwarding Phone” window.
6. Enter a forwarding number, select its type, and then click Continue to display the “Step 4 of 4: Verify Your Phone” window that includes a security code.
7. Click Call Me Now so that Google Voice can verify your forwarding number.
8. After Google Voice calls, enter the code and press either Send or Call You should soon receive an ‘activation successful’ message.