What is Google Voice?
Before we dive into the call-forwarding setup, let's quickly review Google Voice and how it works. Google Voice is a free VoIP service with a distinct phone number for making and receiving calls, sending text messages, and accessing voicemail.
Some of the key features of Google Voice include:
A single phone number that can ring multiple devices: Your Google Voice number can be set to ring your cell phone, landline, or other connected devices simultaneously or in a specific order.
Voicemail transcription: Google Voice will transcribe your voicemail messages so you can read them instead of listening.
Call screening and blocking: You can screen incoming calls and block unwanted callers.
Free calls and texts within the U.S.: Calls and texts to other U.S. numbers are free with your Google Voice account.
International calling: You can make low-cost international calls through Google Voice.
Web and mobile apps: You can access your Google Voice account and features through the web portal or mobile apps.
The call-forwarding feature we'll focus on in this post is particularly useful. It allows you to route your Google Voice calls to any phone number you choose. This means you can ensure you never miss an important call, even when away from your primary phone.
Setting up Google Voice number forwarding
Now, let's walk through the simple steps to set up call forwarding with your Google Voice number:
Step 1: Link Your Phone Numbers
The first step is to link the phone numbers you want to forward calls to with your Google Voice account. This could be your cell phone, work landline, or any other number you want calls directed to.
To link a phone number:
Sign in to your Google Voice account at voice.google.com.
Click on the "Settings" icon in the top right corner.
Select the "Phones" tab.
Click the "Add another phone" button.
Enter the phone number you want to link and select the type of phone (mobile, home, work, etc.).
Google Voice will call the number you entered to verify it. Answer the call and enter the verification code provided.
Repeat these steps to link any additional phone numbers you want for call forwarding.
Step 2: Set Up Call Forwarding
You can configure your call-forwarding settings once you've linked your phone numbers. Here's how:
Click on the "Settings" icon in your Google Voice account.
Select the "Calls" tab.
Under the "Call forwarding" section, switch to "Enabled."
You can choose the order in which you want your linked phone numbers to be called. For example, you can select "Ring all phones" to have all linked numbers ring simultaneously or choose a specific order.
Adjust any other call forwarding settings, such as the number of rings before forwarding, the ability to screen calls, and whether to forward calls when your phone is busy or unanswered.
Click "Save Changes" to apply your new call forwarding settings.
With these settings in place, any calls made to your Google Voice number will now be forwarded to the phone numbers you've linked, ensuring you can stay connected no matter where you are.