In today’s world, technological advancement and digitalization is the current scenario, everything we do from the way we communicate, to instantly sharing of information to the way we live has changed drastically. The increased dependency of the internet has led many to abandon the old forms of telephonic communication and replaced it with cloud-based phone systems. The cloud system basically refers to the services that run on the internet instead of being wired to a physical structure like a building. The benefits of cloud phone or virtual phone is its ability to provide secure, scalable and reliable service as it is hosted digitally meaning it is less expensive, easy to use and faster to implement.
One of the popular cloud-based phone systems or virtual phones is Google Voice. Google voice offer the opportunity to receive or make calls from any device with an internet connection and can be accessed from anywhere. Google voice provides the same feature of an onsite phone system but as calls are transmitted over a secure internet connection rather than the public internet, the level of security is higher. Let’s not forget the cost benefits, as Google voice is managed by a cloud provider, it relieves all IT related tasks like maintenance and troubleshooting issues as well as the huge monthly phone bills. From voicemail, voicemail transcriptions, call recording, forwarding calls, cheaper international calls, conference calls to online meetings with free messaging and video calling features, Google Voice is a handy tool one can implement in their professional as well as their personal lives.
Whether one is looking for an affordable way to get a business phone or simply use it as an alternative to one’s home phone, Google Voice has an outstanding slate of services for its users. There are plenty of benefits, however, Google Voice services are currently available within the U.S. and Canada. To use Google voice account/number outside the U.S one needs to have a U.S based number. Worry not with this guide, you will be able to access your Google voice account and number no matter where you are residing right now.
Google Voice and its features
Google Voice works as a voice over the Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service which means one can easily access the calling service using WIFI. This Cloud-based phone platform developed by Google allows users to make and receive phone calls, send text messages, forward calls from one number to another. Google Voice can be accessed via using any device whether the laptop or smartphone, one can make or place free calls making it simple to manage all communication under one single platform.
Key features of Google Voice
- Make and receive free calls
- Call forwarding with call forwarding rules
- Call screening power
- One virtual number
- Voicemail to email transcriptions
- Routing numbers
- Block unwanted numbers
- Free SMS and voicemails
- Customizations
- Maintains privacy
- Receives multiple calls
- Recording calls, sharing voicemails and conducting calls
- Cheaper international calls
How to get a free Google Voice account & number outside the US?
Google Voice services are only available within the US, those living outside the US can get a Google Voice account and number in three simple steps. By getting a free US Phone Number and using a VPN service to change their location to the United States, you can easily create a Google Voice account from any country.
Step 1: How to get a Free US Number?
One of the steps in creating a Google Voice account is to verify your account using a US based phone number. To get a free US based Phone Number from any country, there are a couple of free and paid apps. Some of the popular options include TextNow, TextFree, Skype. For instance, Text Now is a free messaging app that provides users with a free phone number as well as make free calls, send texts and verify online accounts. Signing up for TextNow is pretty simple, all you need to provide is your email address, google account or facebook account. Enter area code for any city in the US, select a number of your choice from the list. Once all the steps are completed, you will receive your new free US phone number.
Step 2: How to use VPN service to change your current location to the US?
The second step to get a Google Voice number from outside the US is to use a VPN service to change your current location to the United States. This is an important step in the Google Voice sign up process if your location is outside the US as Google will immediately detect your current location and prevent you from completing the sign up process with a message displaying ‘Google Voice is currently unavailable in your country’. There are many free and paid VPN services available for you to choose from. You can take the help of a VPN service named TunnelBear VPN, it is free to use up to 500 MB of data usage. Go to the TunnelBear website and download the app onto your Windows or Mac. Once done signing up for a TunnelBear account, change your location to the United States.
Step 3: How to create a Google Voice number from outside the US?
Upon completing the above two steps, you can now create your Google Voice account and get a Free Google Voice Number.
- Visit the Google Voice website and sign up for Google Voice: On the Google Voice web page, select for personal use option and then choose the Web option in the drop down menu bar. Sign into your Google account with your Gmail ID and password on the next screen. If you don’t have a Google account, you won’t be able to create your Google Voice account so make sure you create a Google account beforehand.
- Select your Google Voice Number: Once you have signed in your account, you will be asked to enter the City or Area code. Select any city and choose your Free Google Voice Phone number from the given list.
- Provide the TextNow Number for verification: The next step is to provide a Phone number for verification purpose. Enter your TextNow Phone Number into Google Voice and click on the send code. You will receive a 6-digit verification code from Google on your TextNow number.
- Enter the verification code: On your TextNow app, you will receive the verification code. Enter the code into the Google Voice and click on the verify button. Upon completing the verification process, you will receive a confirmation message.
There you go, you can now avail all the benefits and features of Google Voice no matter where you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I get a Google Voice number from outside the US on my Android phone?
To get a free google voice number from outside the US on your smartphone, you will need to need to get a free US number and a VPN service on your phone. Firstly you will need to download the Google Voice App from Google Play Store. Sign into your Google account, after reviewing the terms and conditions, click on continue. Choose a city of your choice, and select a number from the list. You will need to provide your free US number (either from any free virtual number provider app like TextNow, TextFree) for verification purposes. Google will send a 6-digit code on your number. Enter the code and hit verify. You can now use Google voice account on your phone.
- How can I use Google voice account from my Mac if I am not from the US?
To get a Google Voice number if you’re not residing in the US, you will need to fulfil the above two requirements i.e. use a free US phone number and a VPN service. Once you have completed the steps, you can create a Google Voice account by using the web browser. On Mac you can access the Google Voice service on the Chrome or Firefox web browser.
