How to Port a Phone Number to Google Voice

If you’re looking to save money on your phone services, you’re in luck.

By porting your number to Google Voice, you can connect all of your devices to one phone number. The usual features apply—you can send and receive calls and text messages, use voicemail services, and screen calls—and you won’t pay a dime within the U.S. and Canada.

Here’s why you may want to port your number to Google Voice, and how to do it.

Related: How to Get a Google Voice Number

Why port your number to Google Voice?

Google Voice offers flexibility and convenience. You can link up to six additional lines under one phone number, whether it’s another cellphone, home phone or work phone. When someone calls your Google Voice number, it will ring on each device that’s linked to your account. This means it’s easier for you to stay on top of your important calls.

You can make and receive calls from any device you link to the Google Voice line—be it your computer, tablet or smartphone—which turns any Android or iOS computer or device into an extension of your smartphone.

By porting your numbers to a Google Voice line, you might also save money. For example, you can avoid paying for a landline by transferring your number and using Google Voice. This requires two steps: First, port your landline to your mobile carrier; then, transfer it to Google Voice (you can’t directly port a landline to Google Voice). Want to keep your landline handsets? You can purchase devices, like an Obihai Obi200 ($50 on Amazon), that turns a cordless landline phone into a Google Voice receiver.

Two important things to keep in mind: You can’t make 911 calls with Google Voice unless through a work or school G Suite account or through your smartphone’s phone app. Also, Google charges a $20 one-time fee to port your number unless your mobile number is through Google Fi.

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How to transfer your phone number to Google Voice

To port your mobile number to Google Voice, follow these steps:

• Check to see if your number can be ported to Google Voice on its porting status page. Proceed to the next step if it says you can port your existing phone number.
• Gather all the information needed from your old carrier, including your account number and PIN.
• Set up a Google Voice account if you haven’t done so. It will prompt you to choose a phone number; pick one, and you can port your number afterward.
• Log in to your Google Voice account and go to Legacy Google Voice, then head to the “Phones” tab in settings.
• Click “Change/Port” beside your current Google Voice number.
• Once you indicate you want to use your mobile phone number, follow the instructions to set up your new number. Before completing the porting, you’ll need to agree to pay the $20 fee.
• Once completed, numbers can take up to 96 hours to port.

Conclusion

Porting your number to Google Voice can be a great way to save money and manage phone calls on multiple devices. If you intend on using Google Voice as your primary phone carrier, remember that you can’t make 911 calls. Also, there is a $20 fee to port your phone number, but the upfront cost may save you hundreds of dollars down the line.