Heres how to use Google Voice to replace your built-in voicemail on Android.
If youre unfamiliar with the service, sneak a peek at our guide to learnhow Google Voice works.
To get your number, installGoogle Voice.
initiate the app, choose your Google account, then selectContinue.
You don’t have to choose a Google Voice number based on your current geographical location.
you’ve got the option to claim a number using any area code in the US.
Youll want to get familiar with two options:Devices and numbersandDo not disturb.
TheGoogle Voice Helpsite will show you how to do this.
Next, lets forward all future voicemails from your carriers voicemail to your Google Voice voicemail.
Traditionally, this has been a pain in the neck.
To deactivate, dial*91#.
Fortunately, your Android phones Phone app simplifies call forwarding.
kick off the app and tap thethree-doticon in the top-right corner of the screen.
Now go toSettings > Calls > Call forwardingto jump into the Phone app’sCall forwarding settingsscreen.
One by one, tap theWhen busy,When unanswered, andWhen unreachablefields.
Paste your Google Voice number into each of them and selectUpdate.
When someone calls your main number your phone will ring as normal.
Unlike your carriers voicemail, you’re free to create a custom greeting within the Google Voice app.
To do this:
Repeat the process to add more greetings if you need them.
To set another greeting as Active, select thethree-dotsicon and tapSet as active.
TapDeleteon any greetings you no longer wish to use.
Open Google Voice, and you could listen to your voicemails directly in the app.
If you’d prefer to have your voicemail messages delivered to your email, this is easy.
SelectSettings, then tap the toggle next toVoicemail transcriptsand the toggle next toGet voicemail via email.
Going forward, every new voicemail message will be automatically transcribed and emailed to you.
Voicemails will still be redirected to Google Voice, but youll never be notified of new messages.
Google Voice Is Voicemail, Modernized
Voicemail is in a kind of purgatory.
It feels outdated and clunky, but in some situations, its still necessary.
Google Voice changes that by incorporating new, quality-of-life features that your current voicemail desperately needs.
