Google Voice Phone Number

[JSS12]

Hello all,

I currently have google voice,

I did not choose to have a Google Voice number, so I have my old number, and just use Google Voice for the Visual Voicemail feature.

I now think I want to have a Google Number, is it possible to convert?
Is it possible for me to keep both my Verizon number for certain people and a Google number for other people? and use them as two separate lines on my phone?

Also, if I do that, is there another way/app to get visual voicemail? (I am rooted)

Thanks,

JSS

 

[Joevarm]

I know you can get a gv number as well as your current phone number, because I do. You can set it up so that both ring your phone. Not sure about separate voice mails, both go to my gv account.

 

[JSS12]

Can someone explain how I go about converting from my current google voice set up to one with a google number?

Also, how does it work?

Everytime I make a call or type a text it will ask which number i want to call/text from or can I make one my default number??

Thanks

 

[Rob.G]

Can someone explain how I go about converting from my current google voice set up to one with a google number?

Also, how does it work?

Everytime I make a call or type a text it will ask which number i want to call/text from or can I make one my default number??

In the Voice app, under Settings (or using the widget) you can set up the calling rules (Use GV for all, Ask every time, Do Not Use GV).

Texting, right now, only can be used with other GV users. This is set up through the website under Settings > Calls. When texting another GV user it can show your GV or phone number. There isn't a quick way of doing this like with the calling rules.

The only thing I am not certain of is the setting up a new number since I already have it set up, although it shouldn't be any different. On the website under Settings > Phones, it should have an option to get a number.

 

[namoroman]

That's not correct. I text people who don't have Google Voice all the time from my GV number. Daily in fact.

 

[Tre Lawrence]

Yes, GV texting can be used with non-GV users.

 

[Rob.G]

I know it works from the desktop, but can it be used from the phone which is what the OP was concerning.

 

[lexluthor]

I know it works from the desktop, but can it be used from the phone which is what the OP was concerning.

Yes, GV sends texts via data, not the cell connection. GV can sent texts to any phone, whether it's through the app or website.

 

[Rob.G]

Yes, GV sends texts via data, not the cell connection. GV can sent texts to any phone, whether it's through the app or website.

That's good to know, Thanks. I wonder when that started.

Edit: Yes it does. I guess I just never tried or didn't see it. I just remember when it was first offered, it didn't do that. Thanks again for setting me straight.

 

[dylo22]

I now think I want to have a Google Number, is it possible to convert?
Is it possible for me to keep both my Verizon number for certain people and a Google number for other people? and use them as two separate lines on my phone?

Yes, you can get a GV number. Log into your GV account, go into settings, under the phone tab, you should have an option to add a GV Number. Follow the instruction and pick a number from a list of available numbers for GV. Once you have that set up, people can call you on either number. You are not replacing Verizon's service with GV. All the GV number is doing is forwarding the call to your Verizon's number.

For outgoing calls on your phone, download GV app from the market. When you first set it up, it will ask you whether you want use GV to make all calls, no calls, only for international calls or ask everytime I make a call. Pick the one that you want - don't worry you can change it later. After that, depending on your selection, your phone will make outgoing calls either using gv or your verizon number.

Getting started with Google Voice | Android Central

If you want to use GV automatically only for certain contacts and not others, the only way to do that is through an app call "Voice Plus". In it you can specifiy which contact group/s you want to use GV number with. For example I set up all my coworker numbers under the group "coworkers" in my gmail contact list. In the voice plus app, I checked to use GV to make calls for numbers under the coworkers group. This way any time I dial a coworker's number it will automatically use my google voice number, while if I dial a number not in the coworker's group, I will use my verizon number.

Also, if I do that, is there another way/app to get visual voicemail? (I am rooted)

Assuming you have Google Voice setup up for your voicemail, you will continue to use that for both your numbers. You can get visual voicemail through GV app in market.

 

[JSS12]

THANK YOU DYLO22!!

few more questions... so to use Voice Plus, it says that I have to allow all calls to be made through GV and then use Plus to adjust the settings, correct?
Then I made a group 'X' and selected that as my GV Group Name under Dial by Groups.
And under the Main Group Name, I selected NOTHING...

Is this setup correct if I only want Group X on my GV number and EVERYONE ELSE on my Verizon number??

Also, how do I:
1) Use GV to text? can I do it through handcent or does it require a Google Text program?

2) Use GV to block certain numbers from calling me
If they are blocked from calling me...
a) can I still text them?
b) can they text me?
c) Can I call them?
d) What do they see when I call/text them?

THANKS!!

 

[JSS12]

Found an answer to one of my own questions..

THANK YOU DYLO22!!

few more questions... so to use Voice Plus, it says that I have to allow all calls to be made through GV and then use Plus to adjust the settings, correct?
Then I made a group 'X' and selected that as my GV Group Name under Dial by Groups.
And under the Main Group Name, I selected NOTHING...

Is this setup correct if I only want Group X on my GV number and EVERYONE ELSE on my Verizon number??

Also, how do I:
1) Use GV to text? can I do it through handcent or does it require a Google Text program?
use the google voice app.. select Compose, or do it on the computer
2) Use GV to block certain numbers from calling me
If they are blocked from calling me...
a) can I still text them?
b) can they text me?
c) Can I call them?
d) What do they see when I call/text them?

THANKS!!

NEW QUESTION!!

Just tested out Texting to my brother... he got the text but when he replied I never got them... I had him call my GV number (the one that I have on my phone, and the one that he saw from my text (the same number))... When he called the number... SOMEONE ELSE ANSWERED.. IT NEVER CAME THROUGH TO ME!!

WTF???

 

[dylo22]

few more questions... so to use Voice Plus, it says that I have to allow all calls to be made through GV and then use Plus to adjust the settings, correct?
Then I made a group 'X' and selected that as my GV Group Name under Dial by Groups.
And under the Main Group Name, I selected NOTHING...

Is this setup correct if I only want Group X on my GV number and EVERYONE ELSE on my Verizon number??

Yes, that is how you set it up. First you allow all calls to be made through GV on your phone. Then in voice plus setting you check "Main number is default" and "Dial by Groups". Under GV group name, you select the group name you created on your gmail contact list. You don't have to select anything for Main Group Name.

Also, how do I:
1) Use GV to text? can I do it through handcent or does it require a Google Text program?

No, you can't do it through handcent (at lease that I'm aware of). The only way to access your GV texts is through the GV app from the market. The GV app is where you go for all the GV text and visual voicemail.

2) Use GV to block certain numbers from calling me
If they are blocked from calling me...
a) can I still text them?
b) can they text me?
c) Can I call them?
d) What do they see when I call/text them?
!

I can't answer this one since I have never used any of the call blocking features.

Just tested out Texting to my brother... he got the text but when he replied I never got them... I had him call my GV number (the one that I have on my phone, and the one that he saw from my text (the same number))... When he called the number... SOMEONE ELSE ANSWERED.. IT NEVER CAME THROUGH TO ME!!

Hmm....can you see your brother's text when you log into your google voice account through a computer? If it's there, then that means you phone is not giving you a notification. First check your GV app setting to make sure notification is turned on. Another thing to try is rebooting your phone to see if it fixes it. You can check to see if it's working by sending a text to yourself. The notifications are pushed just like your gmail, so you should get notified within seconds of receiving the text.

Now, If you can't see the text in your account, then your brother may have text the wrong number.

Your google voice number should be on the top right corner of your GV account page. Make sure you brother is calling that number (including area code) and not something else.

I just tested everything on my phone and it works.

 

[JSS12]

Hmm....can you see your brother's text when you log into your google voice account through a computer? If it's there, then that means you phone is not giving you a notification. First check your GV app setting to make sure notification is turned on. Another thing to try is rebooting your phone to see if it fixes it. You can check to see if it's working by sending a text to yourself. The notifications are pushed just like your gmail, so you should get notified within seconds of receiving the text.

Now, If you can't see the text in your account, then your brother may have text the wrong number.

Your google voice number should be on the top right corner of your GV account page. Make sure you brother is calling that number (including area code) and not something else.

I just tested everything on my phone and it works.

Rebooted my phone... still nothing...
the number appears on my phone as +1(917) ***-****
and on the top right corner as (917) ***-****

Sent text to my Verizon number from GV - that worked!
Sent text to my GV number from Verizon - that DID NOT WORK!

 

[parth100]

Just like Yahoo Messenger!
Google Voice can also be used without havving Google Voice Number

 

[dylo22]

Rebooted my phone... still nothing...
the number appears on my phone as +1(917) ***-****
and on the top right corner as (917) ***-****

Sent text to my Verizon number from GV - that worked!
Sent text to my GV number from Verizon - that DID NOT WORK!

What happens when you log into your google voice account on your computer? Do you see any text messages? What happens when you try to send a text message directly from your google voice account to you GV number? Do you receive your text in your account then? If you don't, then there's a problem with your number and not your phone. BTW, you don't need the 1 before the area code when you text.

Another thing to check - log into your GV account. Under the phone tab in settings, is your Verizon number checked for "Forward to"? Make sure that is checked.

 

[JSS12]

Just like Yahoo Messenger!
Google Voice can also be used without havving Google Voice Number

Care to explain how this is done??

What happens when you log into your google voice account on your computer? Do you see any text messages? What happens when you try to send a text message directly from your google voice account to you GV number? Do you receive your text in your account then? If you don't, then there's a problem with your number and not your phone. BTW, you don't need the 1 before the area code when you text.

Another thing to check - log into your GV account. Under the phone tab in settings, is your Verizon number checked for "Forward to"? Make sure that is checked.

- My Forward To is checked next to my Verizon number
- When I text from GV to GV on my computer I get BOTH the OUTGOING and the INCOMING message

Me: Test 123 (sent)
+1917*******: Test 123 (received)

Yet when I send a text from Verizon to GV I don't get anything in my inbox??


Should I try to contact Google Voice??

 

[Deleted User]

No, you can't do it through handcent (at lease that I'm aware of). The only way to access your GV texts is through the GV app from the market. The GV app is where you go for all the GV text and visual voicemail.

You don't need the GV app from the Market to access your text messages. In fact, I don't have the GV app installed on my phone. On the GV website, I have configured my cellphone to receive text messages. When someone texts my GV number, it comes to my phone as a "normal" text message.

The one thing to keep in mind is when I receive a text message sent to my GV number, it comes from a "access number", not the person's phone number. The first part of the text message is the name / number of the person sending it. When I reply, I reply to the "access number" and the person receiving the text sees it coming from my GV number, not my cell phone number.

 

[takeshi]

Is it possible for me to keep both my Verizon number for certain people and a Google number for other people? and use them as two separate lines on my phone?

You can. Personally, I don't see the point. I use GV for everyone. GV has great tools, including those for handling unwanted calls, but you can't use most of GV's features if people aren't calling your via your GV number.

Also, how do I:
1) Use GV to text? can I do it through handcent or does it require a Google Text program?

The only way to use a standard messaging app (such as Handcent) with GV is to enable SMS forwarding. The problem with SMS forwarding is that you have to reply to an incoming messaging since SMS forwarded messages don't come directly from your contact and you have to send via the forwarding number. Sending a text directly to a contact in Handcent and other standard messaging apps will create a message sent from your carrier number, not your GV number. Also, forwarded messages and their replies are billable -- they count as text messages whereas SMS sent and received via the GV app are data.

The only way to access your GV texts is through the GV app from the market. The GV app is where you go for all the GV text and visual voicemail.

...and the GV site. I use it all the time on my PC to send/receive SMS (handy when I forget my phone) and check VM.

Google Voice can also be used without havving Google Voice Number

Only GV VM can be used without a GV number. All other GV features require that inbound calls are made to the GV number.

Should I try to contact Google Voice??

I would. This seems to be a GV forwarding issue.

 

[Deleted User]

The only way to use a standard messaging app (such as Handcent) with GV is to enable SMS forwarding. The problem with SMS forwarding is that you have to reply to an incoming messaging since SMS forwarded messages don't come directly from your contact and you have to send via the forwarding number. Also, forwarded messages and their replies are billable -- they count as text messages whereas SMS sent and received via the GV app are data.

One technique I have started using is to save the forwarding number from my contact's SMS messages. So my contact will have two numbers, their cell phone and the forwarding number. That way if I want to send them a text and I have already deleted prior texts (thus no text to reply to), I can text the forwarding number and they receive the text as coming from my GV number.

 

[JSS12]

I submitted my problem to google voice under the help tab on the website. I was unable to find an email address out phone number to call.

Anyone know an email or number?

I'll keep you posted

Thanks

 

[dylo22]

- My Forward To is checked next to my Verizon number
- When I text from GV to GV on my computer I get BOTH the OUTGOING and the INCOMING message

Me: Test 123 (sent)
+1917*******: Test 123 (received)

Yet when I send a text from Verizon to GV I don't get anything in my inbox??

Well if you can send a text to yourself and it arrives in your inbox on your account, that means the server is recieving text through your GV number. So the issue is getting the notification on your phone. Either the GV server is not pushing the notification to you or on your phone the notifications are not setup properly.

Did you follow all the instructions on the link I posted? I know at one point in the process GV needs call you on your phone and verify that it's you by having you enter a code. Perhaps you missed that step?

Other than that I say try uninstalling and reinstalling GV app on your phone and make sure all your notifications are turned on.

Should I try to contact Google Voice??

Definately! It's their product. They certianly know more about it than I do.

One technique I have started using is to save the forwarding number from my contact's SMS messages. So my contact will have two numbers, their cell phone and the forwarding number. That way if I want to send them a text and I have already deleted prior texts (thus no text to reply to), I can text the forwarding number and they receive the text as coming from my GV number.

Yes that works, but Verizon is going to charge you for incoming and outgoing text, which I think it takes away the main advantage of using GV to do texting - getting free sms.

 

[Deleted User]

Yes that works, but Verizon is going to charge you for incoming and outgoing text, which I think it takes away the main advantage of using GV to do texting - getting free sms.

I have Sprint and have unlimited text. I decided to switch because 1) the GV app was keeping the phone awake and 2) I started using Juice Defender which shuts off data. If data is off, no text....

All about how you use your device which dictates which option to go with, text or data.

 

[dylo22]

You can. Personally, I don't see the point. I use GV for everyone. GV has great tools, including those for handling unwanted calls, but you can't use most of GV's features if people aren't calling your via your GV number.

The issue with that is GV uses your minutes, so if you talk alot on your phone and you don't have many minutes then you may incur overage charges. At least with your verizon number you can take advantage of the free in network calling with other Verizon customers.

Also updating your all your contacts with your GV number can be a pain.

 

[dylo22]

I have Sprint and have unlimited text. I decided to switch because 1) the GV app was keeping the phone awake and 2) I started using Juice Defender which shuts off data. If data is off, no text....

All about how you use your device which dictates which option to go with, text or data.

Really? I never had that problem with GV.

You're right, if does depend on how you use your phone. I just prefer not have to pay an extra 20/month to Verizon for unlimited texting.