Should I use a Google number or a non-Google number?
Choosing to use a Google number while setting up Google Voice allows you to access a number of extra Google Voice features. You will need to give your friends and family the new custom number you selected during setup. It is not possible to use your existing mobile number with all of Google Voice's features at this time.
Choosing to use a non-Google number during Google Voice setup allows you to have access to Google voicemail and other select Google Voice features with your existing mobile number. The following chart should help you identify the features you wish to use and which option to select.
| Using a Google number | Using a non-Google number | |
|---|---|---|
You chose a custom number from Google during sign up. |
You are using a phone number assigned to you by your mobile carrier. |
|
| Receive a new custom number |  |
 |
| Google voicemail | |
|
| Forwarding calls | |
|
| Recording calls | |
|
| SMS | |
|
| International calling | |
|
| Voicemail transcription | |
|
| ListenInTM | |
|
| Custom Voicemail Greetings | |
|
| Blocking callers | |
|
| Conference calling | |
|
| Mobile apps | |
|
I already selected an option. Am I using a Google number or non-Google number?
You can determine which option you selected during Google Voice setup in one of two ways. While logged into Google Voice, the top right corner of your screen should display your Google Account's username and a phone number. If you selected a custom Google number during setup, you should see this number only. If you selected a non-Google number during setup, you should see your access number next to a small blue voicemail icon. The following screenshots show an example.
Using a Google number
Using a non-Google number
Alternatively, the navigation menu on the left side of Google Voice will indicate which option you selected during setup. If you selected a custom Google number during setup, the navigation menu should have both the 'Call' and 'SMS' buttons, as well as navigation options for 'SMS', 'Recorded', and 'Received'. If you selected a non-Google number during setup, you should only see the 'Call' button. The navigation options for 'SMS', 'Recorded', and 'Received' should be gone as shown in the screenshots below.
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Using a Google number |
Using a non-Google number |
|---|---|
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