Heres how it’s possible for you to transfer your number over to Google Voice.

Why Would You Port a Mobile Number to Google Voice?

When purchasing a phone plan from a new carrier, you will usually be assigned a new number.

A man looking down at his phone.

The Advantages of Google Voice

The singlelargest advantage that Google Voice offersis cost.

There are many reasons why you might want to retain your old number.

It can also be worthwhile to keep separate phone numbers for personal and professional purposes.

The main landing page with info for Google Voice. It has buttons to sign up for personal or business use.

First, is the one-time $20 charge when you bring the number over.

The second thing to consider before you port is that Google Voice is not a stand-alone phone service.

Making use of the app does require an internet connection, whether Wi-Fi or cellular.

The main welcome page for the Google Voice signup process.

Thankfully, the process for doing so is fairly straightforward.

Here, youll be greeted with two options, personal or business use.

Clicking on the button will bring up a drop-down where you might select your platform.

A page of the Google Voice signup process prompting the user to select a Google Voice number. A search box in the center of the page allows the user to search by city or zipcode.

Choosing Web will take you directly to the signup process.

If you already have a Google account, then youll be able to skip most of the process.

tap on the continue button to move on to the next step.

A form used by Google Voice to send out a verification code to a pre-existing phone number.

Youll be prompted to search for a number to use as your Google Voice number.

This is part of why youll need to have a second currently functional service before starting the porting process.

slide in your new number and snag the send code button.

The main settings page for a Google Voice account.

Completing this process attaches your main phone number to this Google voice account.

You must not use the number you are planning to port over to verify with.

If you do, you may not be able to continue porting it later on.

The start screen for Google Voice’s phone number porting process.

Youll see a gear icon near the upper right-hand corner of the screen.

Clicking on it will bring you to the options page for Google Voice.

Scrolling down slightly will show a section in the parameters labeled Port your number to Google Voice.

A form in Google Voice prompting the user to enter the phone number that they would like to port to the service.

Under this section, smack the Port a number button.

This will bring you to the first page.

tap on the Get started button to begin the porting process.

First, youll be prompted to enter the phone number that you are bringing over.

Once youve entered your old phone number into the box, youll be texted a confirmation code.

Enter it into the boxes, and youll be brought to the next step in the process.

At this point, Google will perform a check to ensure that your number can be ported over.

If it is, you’ll automatically be directed to the next step in the process.

Here, you will be offered several checkboxes to agree to.

Each is attached to a different part of the porting policy.

Youll need to check each before it’s possible for you to move forward with the process.

Once you click to continue, Google will begin the mostly automated steps to move the number.

The exact info required depends on who your current carrier is.

Once you make the payment, your provider is alerted and your part is done.

you might check the process by returning to your main Voice dashboard.

Once this message disappears, your old phone number will automatically be attached to your voice account.

There are plenty of other benefits Google Voice brings through some of its rich features.