How to Keep Your Phone Number When Switching to Google Voice?

 

To keep your existing phone number when switching to Google Voice, you'll need to follow a specific process called porting your number. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you:

What is the eligibility check?

Eligibility checking allows you to see your chances of being accepted for a certain credit product before you apply. It's quick and easy to do, free, and it won't affect your credit score.

• Ensure your current number is eligible: Not all numbers can be ported to Google Voice. You can check if your number is eligible on the Google Voice website here.

How do I port my own phone number?

Contact your new service provider and ask if your number is eligible to be ported. Request to start service and transfer your number to your new provider. Allow up to 10 days for the transfer to be completed. Cancel your old service after the transfer is completed.

• Unlock your phone number: If your current number is with a mobile carrier, it may need to be unlocked for porting. Contact your carrier to unlock the number. For landline numbers, additional steps may apply, including using a mobile carrier as an intermediary.
• Collect information: You’ll need your phone number, account number, PIN (if applicable), and your account with the current carrier should be active. Make sure you know these details before starting.

Can I get Google Voice for free?

While most Google Voice users are on the free plan, which is designed for personal rather than business use, there is also a paid version called Google Voice 

• Create a Google Voice account: Go to Google Voice, and sign up for an account if you don’t already have one.
• Choose the option to port your number: During the setup process, Google will prompt you to select a new Google Voice number or port an existing number. Choose the porting option.

How do you port your phone number?

Contact your new service provider and ask if your number is eligible to be ported. Request to start service and transfer your number to your new provider. Allow up to 10 days for the transfer to be completed. Cancel your old service after the transfer is completed.

• Go to Google Voice settings: After logging into your Google Voice account, navigate to the settings menu (the gear icon).
• Port your existing number: Under the "Account" section, click “Port a number” and follow the prompts to enter your current phone number and carrier information.
• Pay the porting fee: Porting your number to Google Voice usually incurs a one-time fee of $20.
• Verify the number: Google will require you to verify that the number is still active, so you might need to answer a phone call or enter a verification code.

What is the porting process?

Send an SMS from the mobile number which is to be ported, the word 'PORT' (which shall be case-insensitive, i.e., it can be 'port' or 'Port' etc.) followed by a space and the ten-digit mobile number which is to be ported, to 1900. The UPC will be received through SMS from 1901 on the same mobile number.

• Processing time: Porting can take 1-3 business days. During this period, your current number will remain active with your carrier. Once porting is complete, your number will transfer to Google Voice, and your account with your old carrier will be deactivated (if it's a mobile number).

Does Google Voice work internationally?

You can make international calls with Google Voice through your laptop or mobile device. As long as you have an internet connection, you can make calls straight from your browser along with Google Voice's mobile app for iOS and Android

• Once the porting is complete, you can set up Google Voice to forward calls and messages to your other devices (e.g., mobile or landline), or you can use the Google Voice app to make and receive calls and texts directly.

What is notify contacts in WhatsApp?

You can select 'Notify Contacts' to let your contacts know that the number associated with your WhatsApp account has changed. You can also tap 'Custom' to select a small group of contacts you want to notify. Note that group chats will be notified regardless of what you choose. 

• After porting, notify important contacts about the switch to Google Voice, especially if you’ve set up call forwarding or will use the app differently than before.

What should I write in my note?

• Loss of carrier services: If you port your mobile number, it will be removed from your current carrier, meaning you'll lose any associated services like texting and voicemail unless you use the Google Voice app.
• No emergency services: Google Voice does not support traditional 911 emergency calling, so you’ll need another method for emergency calls.
• Landlines: Porting from a landline is more complicated and typically involves porting to a mobile carrier first, and then to Google Voice.

Following these steps should help you successfully transfer your number to Google Voice!