Google Voice is a top-notch telephone service for fulfilling calling and texting purposes without having to reveal your real number. With it, users can cover all their communication needs from a single phone number, and that too for free.

To implement this service, you need to have a Google Account and a valid U.S. phone number. If you have all those boxes ticked, then you can sign up for a new Google Voice phone number. 

What if you don’t have a US-based phone number or feel afraid to share your private phone number since there is risk involved? 

If this is you, then you don’t need to worry at all. In this article, we’ll be showing you various alternative methods how to use Google Voice without a phone number. So, let’s see how it’s done.

Google Voice: A Brief Overview

Google Voice

Google Voice is a free VoIP service that allows you to get multiple numbers for calling, text messaging, and voicemail. This telephone service offers you a separate US phone number by which you can make and receive phone calls, text messages, etc.

Most importantly, this service or tool allows you to send and receive unlimited calls and texts. Google Voice number works on smartphones, computers, or the web; hence, you can make and receive calls from any corner. 

Additionally, you can place calls at any phone number located in the US or Canada, and that too for free of cost. It also provides you with the ability to handle calls. Handling calls means you can send calls to any device you want and automatically block spam calls.

What is the purpose of Google Voice needing a phone number when signing up?

There are various reasons why Google Voice demands a phone number when you’re engaged in the sign-up process. Some of them are:

  • Verification: One of the main reasons why Google Voice asks for an actual phone number is to confirm whether you’re a real owner of the phone number or not. Due to the increasing demands of spammers or individuals faking their identity, it is carried out for verification purposes.
  • To enhance the quality of services: Google Voice requires a phone number to kick out text spam and fraud.
  • Linking real identity: Google Voice needs a phone number so that it can create a connection between your account and your actual identity. It is crucial to leverage features like call forwarding as all the calls on your number can be routed to the private number.
  • Emergency scenarios: Having a phone number linked can be of the most extreme use during emergencies. When making an emergency call from Google Voice with the help of an app, your linked number will be triggered so that it becomes easier to find the exact location.
  • To comply with regulations: Customer consent is needed for any business before making a call. Google Voice must do that to comply with regulations, such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).

Can you set up Google Voice without a phone number?

Since Google Voice demands a real phone number during the setup process, it’s compulsory. In the time of creating a Google Voice account, you need to provide your current phone number. 

After that, a verification code will be sent to your existing number as a part of the identification process. There are other alternative options as well that you can check out if you’re not looking to connect a phone number on your Google Voice account. 

How to use Google Voice without a phone number?

1. Use Friends/Family Number

If you have no intention of setting up a Google Voice with your existing number, then you can rely on a Friend/Family member’s phone number. This is the best alternative that you can consider.

First and foremost, you’ve to ask for the phone number of your friend or a family member who is willing to provide you. Remember, in this method, you’ve to only proceed by having their consent and trust.

Their phone number is needed for verification purposes, as you will receive an OTP code by which you can connect to your Google Voice account.

Pros:

  • A more reliable and easy alternative method.
  • No need to waste energy on a temporary and virtual phone number.

Cons:

  • Since either a friend’s or a family member’s phone number is used, they might receive unwanted messages or notifications from Google Voice, violating privacy. 
  • If you use their phone number to link to your Google Voice account without informing them, then it can bring discomfort to your relationships.

2. Rely on a temporary phone number service

Another great alternative is to use a temporary phone number to set up a Google Voice account. There are tons of temporary phone number services available on the market, such as TextNow, Hushed, TextVerified, etc.

You can rely on any one of these online services to receive a temporary phone number so that the verification process can be complete. In other words, get a verification code from the acquired number to verify and set up your Google Voice account.

It may be a hectic task for you to get a temporary phone number for your Google Voice account. You can follow the step-by-step guide so that you can surpass the phone number verification step, complete the signup process, and start making calls.

Step 1: Download the Hushed app from the AppStore for iOS. Or, you can get it from the PlayStore for Android.

Step 2: Create an account with the help of an email address.

Step 3: Pick a number from a category of numbers and provide the number on Google Voice.

Step 4: Go to the service provider’s page and look for the verification code.

Step 5: Type in the verification code, and your Google Voice account is created.

Pros:

  • Turns your number private
  • Easy to use 
  • Protects your privacy
  • Saves you from spam calls and messages
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • A lot of people share a single temporary number, so your secret account information can also be accessed by others.
  • Not all area codes or specific numbers are readily available.
  • Numbers expire after a certain period or time limit.

3. Use VoIP services to Sign up for Google Voice

To set up a Google Voice account, you need to use a VoIP service, which will give you a virtual number. You can get a virtual phone number from Dialaxy, and after that, you can follow the steps below:

Step 1: You’ve to download the Google Voice app. Android users can download the app from the Google Play Store. There is an App Store for iPhone users.

Step 2: Run the Google Voice app and sign in to your account.

Step 3: Choose a Google Voice number depending on your location or area code.

Step 4: Once you buy a phone number, link the phone number to your account.

Step 5: Link the same number to Google Voice.

Step 6: Type in the virtual phone number you purchased from Dialaxy.

Step 7: To verify your account, type in the verification code sent by Google Voice.

Pros:

  • You can have a separate number for personal and business use.
  • Reduces spam calls and messages.
  • It allows Google Voice users access from any part of the globe and any device.
  • Ability to filter unnecessary calls and messages.
  • Ability to make and receive calls at cheaper rates.

Cons:

  • Creating a Google Voice account with a virtual number might breach Google’s Terms of Service.
  • With the use of the virtual number, you might get blocked from using many of the features.

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap! In this article, we’ve shown you a few methods regarding how to use Google Voice without a phone number. We believe it will be helpful for you.

Google Voice is an awesome service that allows you to have a second phone number that you can use for a multitude of reasons. The only drawback is that it is only available in the United States; therefore, you need a US phone number to create an account.

Google Voice demands your phone number during the signup process. However, there are alternative methods as well if you’re scared to share your personal phone number due to privacy reasons. We’ve mentioned them above so that you can use Google Voice without a phone number. 

FAQs

Will Google Voice work without SIM?

Google Voice works without a SIM card, but there are some limitations. 

  • Make and receive calls via an Internet connection only.
  • Since there is no SIM card, your mobile phone can’t use cellular networks.
  • Not only that, you can’t even receive SMS/MMS messages without the insertion of a SIM card.

How do I get a free Google Voice number?

You can get a free Google Voice number by going to the Google Voice official website. 

  • Sign in to your Google Account.
  • A list of available phone numbers, depending on your location, will be displayed. Search for specific area codes if needed.
  • Select your desired number.
  • Verify your Google Voice number with the help of a temporary number.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the setup.

Can I use Google Voice for SMS verification?

Google Voice for SMS verification is not a sure-shot case; it largely depends on your chosen service provider. Some of the services might provide temporary phone numbers for SMS verification, although it might include fees as well.

Does Google Voice work internationally?

Google Voice isn’t a handy option for sending text messages to international numbers. It doesn’t support calls and texts internationally for free. Hence, it offers only a few features when it comes to international communication.

Prasanta Raut

Prasanta, founder and CEO of Dialaxy, is redefining SaaS with creativity and dedication. Focused on simplifying sales and support, he drives innovation to deliver exceptional value and shape a new era of business excellence.

Prasanta, founder and CEO of Dialaxy, is redefining SaaS with creativity and dedication. Focused on simplifying sales and support, he drives innovation to deliver exceptional value and shape a new era of business excellence.