Google Voice is a free VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service that allows users to make and receive calls, send texts, and manage voicemail using a virtual phone number. Whether you use Google Voice for personal convenience, business, or as a secondary number, there may come a time when you need to delete or change your Google Voice number.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about deleting or changing your Google Voice number, including reasons why you might want to do it, step-by-step instructions, and important considerations to keep in mind before making the change.
Why Delete or Change Your Google Voice Number?
People choose to delete or change their Google Voice number for a variety of reasons:
-
Spam and Unwanted Calls: Over time, your number may get picked up by robocallers or spammers.
-
Personal Privacy: You may want a fresh number after a life event such as a move, job change, or personal safety concern.
-
Area Code Preferences: You may want a number that reflects your current location or business region.
-
Business Rebranding: If your number is tied to a business identity that has changed, a new number might better reflect your branding.
-
Mistaken Assignment: Some users are assigned numbers with unintended area codes or patterns they dislike.
Whether your goal is to get a new number or remove it entirely, the process is straightforward once you know where to look.
Important Considerations Before Deleting or Changing Your Number
Before you make any permanent changes, consider the following:
-
Deletion is irreversible: Once you delete your Google Voice number, it is released and may be reassigned to someone else. You cannot guarantee you’ll get it back.
-
You may be charged to change numbers: While Google Voice is mostly free, changing your number (as opposed to deleting your account) carries a $10 fee in most cases.
-
Your linked devices and accounts will be affected: Make sure to update your new number on all accounts and with contacts if you change it.
-
Voicemails and call history stay on your account: Deleting your number does not erase your message history or voicemail unless you also delete the entire account.
Now, let’s get into how to delete or change your Google Voice number.
Part 1: How to Delete Your Google Voice Number
Deleting your Google Voice number removes your assigned number from the account but does not delete the Google Voice account itself.
Steps to Delete Your Google Voice Number:
-
Go to voice.google.com and sign in with the Google account that owns the Voice number.
-
Click the gear icon (⚙️) in the top-right corner to access Settings.
-
In the Account tab, under your Google Voice number, click Delete (or Remove).
-
Confirm the deletion when prompted.
Your number will be released and removed from your account. Google typically holds the number for 90 days, during which you may be able to reclaim it. After that period, it may be reassigned to someone else.
To check if you can reclaim your number:
-
Go back to voice.google.com.
-
In the settings menu, choose Get a number.
-
Search using your area code or previous number to see if it’s still available.
Part 2: How to Change Your Google Voice Number
If you want to change your Google Voice number, Google provides an option—but this process is not free and includes a $10 one-time fee.
Steps to Change Your Google Voice Number:
-
Sign in at voice.google.com.
-
Click the Settings (gear icon) in the top-right corner.
-
Under the Account tab, find your current Google Voice number.
-
Click Change / Port (or Change Number).
-
Follow the prompts to:
-
Search for a new number by city or area code.
-
Select your preferred number from the list.
-
Confirm your selection and proceed to the payment step.
-
Payment Details:
-
You’ll be prompted to pay $10 via Google Pay.
-
Ensure your Google account has a valid payment method linked.
Once the change is complete, your old number is held for 90 days, giving you a chance to reclaim it if needed.
What Happens After You Change or Delete Your Number?
1. Incoming Calls and Texts
After deleting or changing your number, people who try to call your old number will receive a message stating that the number is no longer in service or has changed.
2. Linked Numbers
Your linked mobile or landline numbers will remain in your Google Voice settings, but you may need to verify them again when assigning a new number.
3. Voicemail & History
-
Deleting your number does not delete your voicemails, call logs, or text messages.
-
However, these will only be accessible if you still have a Google Voice number assigned to your account.
4. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
If you use your Google Voice number for 2FA (e.g., with your bank, email, or social media accounts), be sure to update those services immediately after the number change to avoid lockouts.
How to Reclaim a Deleted Google Voice Number
If you deleted a number and want it back:
-
Go to voice.google.com.
-
Click Settings > Account.
-
Choose Get a Voice Number.
-
Enter your area code and see if your old number is available.
-
If it appears, you can reclaim it by following the prompts and verifying your linked phone.
Note: After 90 days, your number is no longer guaranteed to be available.
Can You Have More Than One Google Voice Number?
Google Voice is designed for one number per account, but there are workarounds:
-
You can create multiple Google accounts, each with its own Voice number.
-
You can forward multiple Voice numbers to the same mobile number or landline.
However, you cannot have more than one active Voice number per Google account.
Troubleshooting Tips
Problem: Can’t find a number in your area code
-
Try nearby area codes.
-
Availability varies by region.
Problem: Change Number option isn’t showing
-
Ensure you are using a personal Google account, not a Workspace or organizational account.
-
Use a U.S.-based Google account and IP address.
Problem: Error when deleting number
-
Try using a different browser or clearing your cache.
-
Make sure you're signed in to the correct Google account.
Final Thoughts
Changing or deleting your Google Voice number is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s important to understand the implications—especially if the number is tied to personal or business communications. Whether you're trying to escape spam, start fresh, or switch to a local area code, Google provides options to help you manage your virtual number effectively.
Just remember to update all connected accounts and contacts, and keep a backup of your old messages and voicemails if they’re important to you.
Also Read
How To Download Photos From Twitter On Mobile And Desktop?
How to Fix Outlook App Notifications Not Working On Any Device
Comments
0 comment