You can change your Google Voice number through your account settings, but the process depends on whether you have a new number already or need Google Voice to assign one

Google Voice lets you change the phone number associated with your account, but the steps and what you can do depend on your situation. If you want to keep your current Google Voice number and just link it to a different phone, that is one process. If you want a completely different Google Voice number, that is another. You cannot change a number you have had for less than 30 days, and you can only change it once every 30 days after that.

The change happens in your Google Voice settings and takes effect immediately, but any calls or texts already in progress will not be affected. Your contacts will not be notified of the change — you will need to tell them yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • You must wait 30 days after creating or last changing your Google Voice number before you can change it again.
  • Changing your number is free, but you lose access to the old number permanently once you confirm the change.
  • If you want to keep your current number and just add a new phone to receive calls on it, you do not need to change the number itself — you add the phone in settings instead.
  • The change takes effect immediately, and you will need to tell your contacts the new number manually.

How to change your Google Voice number in settings

Go to voice.google.com and sign in with the Google account that owns the number. On the left side, click Settings. Click the Account tab at the top. Under "Google Voice number," you will see your current number. Click Change / Port next to it.

A window will open asking whether you want to get a new number or port an existing number from another carrier. If you want Google Voice to give you a new number, select Get a new number. If you have a phone number from a cell phone company or landline that you want to move to Google Voice, select Port your number. Porting costs $20 and takes several business days; getting a new number is free and instant.

If you choose to get a new number, Google will show you available numbers in your area code or a code you choose. Pick one and confirm. If you choose to port, you will enter your existing number and follow Google's instructions to authorize the transfer from your current carrier. Either way, once you confirm, the old number is gone and cannot be recovered.

What happens to calls and texts on your old number

Once you change your Google Voice number, the old number stops working immediately. Any calls or texts sent to the old number will not reach you. If someone tries to call or text the old number, they will get a message that the number is not in service or no longer available — the exact message depends on their carrier.

Google does not forward calls or texts from the old number to the new one, so you must tell your contacts the new number yourself. If you have the old number written down anywhere — business cards, social media, email signature, voicemail greeting — update those before you change the number, or do it right after.

If you want to add a new phone without changing your number

If you like your current Google Voice number and just want to receive calls on a different phone, you do not need to change the number. Instead, you add the new phone in your settings. Go to voice.google.com, click Settings, then click the Devices tab. Click Add another device and enter the phone number you want to add.

Google will send a verification code to that phone. Enter the code to confirm. Once verified, calls and texts to your Google Voice number will ring on both the old phone and the new one. You can set which devices ring for calls, which receive texts, and which are used for voicemail — all in the Devices tab. This way your Google Voice number stays the same, but you control where it reaches you.

The 30-day waiting period and other limits

You cannot change your Google Voice number within 30 days of creating it or within 30 days of your last change. If you try to click Change / Port before 30 days have passed, you will see a message telling you when you can change it next. The date is based on when you first got the number or when you last changed it, whichever is more recent.

After the first 30 days, you can change your number as often as you want, but each change must be at least 30 days apart. There is no limit to how many times you can change it over the life of your account, but each change is permanent — you cannot undo it or get an old number back.

Porting a number from another carrier to Google Voice

If you have a phone number from a cell phone company, landline, or VoIP service and want to move it to Google Voice, you can port it instead of getting a new number. Porting costs $20 and usually takes three to five business days, though it can take longer depending on your carrier and the type of number.

Before you port, make sure you have your account number and PIN or password for the carrier that currently owns the number — Google will ask for these. You also need to make sure the number is not suspended or in collections. Once you start the port, you cannot cancel it, so double-check that you want to move the number before you confirm.

During the porting process, your number may not work for a few hours. Calls and texts might not go through, and you might not be able to make calls. Once the port is complete, the number will work on Google Voice and will no longer work on your old carrier's service.

What to do if you cannot change your number

If you see an error message when you try to change your number, the most common reason is that you are within the 30-day waiting period. Check the message — it will tell you the exact date you can change it. If the message says something else, try signing out of your Google account completely and signing back in, then go to Settings again.

If the problem continues, clear your browser cache and cookies, or try a different browser. If you are still stuck, you can contact Google Voice support through the Help section in your account settings. Google does not offer phone support for Voice, but you can submit a written request and someone will respond within a few business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my old Google Voice number back after I change it?

No. Once you change your number and confirm the change, the old number is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. Google does not reassign old numbers to the same account. If you are unsure about changing, wait a few days before confirming.

Will my contacts automatically know my new number?

No. Google Voice does not send a notification to your contacts when you change your number. You must tell them yourself by text, email, phone call, or however you normally communicate. Update your voicemail greeting and any public profiles with the new number.

Do I have to pay to change my Google Voice number?

Getting a new number is free. Porting an existing number from another carrier costs $20. You pay the $20 fee only if you choose to port; if you choose to get a new number, there is no charge.

What if I change my number by mistake?

If you realize immediately that you made a mistake, you cannot undo the change. The old number is gone. You can get a new number (different from both the old and the mistaken one), but you will have to wait 30 days from the date of the mistaken change.

Can I use Google Voice on multiple phones with the same number?

Yes. Add each phone in the Devices tab of your settings. Calls and texts to your Google Voice number will ring on all the devices you add. You can choose which devices ring for calls, which receive texts, and which get voicemail independently.