Does Google Voice offer toll free numbers?

If you’ve ever wondered how to get a Google Voice toll free number, you’re not alone.

Many small business owners and entrepreneurs are on the lookout for a simple and cost effective way to manage their communications – and Google Voice often comes up as a top contender.

But when it comes to toll-free numbers, there’s a bit of confusion. Can you use Google Voice to get 800 numbers, or other toll-free prefixes? Or is it strictly for local calls?

Here’s the answer – Google Voice does not offer toll-free numbers directly.

Currently, the only way to add a toll-free number to your Google Voice account is by working with a third-party phone service provider, like iTeleCenter or similar companies that can provide toll-free numbers that you can port over.

We’ll find out a bit more into whether Google Voice offers toll-free numbers, how you can port your existing toll-free number to Google Voice, and what to consider if you’re looking for a virtual number solution.

How to get a toll free number with iTeleCenter?

 To get a toll-free number with iTeleCenter, simply follow these steps:

Sign up: Visit iTeleCenter’s pricing page and choose a plan that fits your needs.

Choose your toll free or local number: Pick a local or toll-free number (800, 888, etc.)

Set up features: Login and customize your settings, like call forwarding, voicemail, etc.

Start using it: That’s about it, you can use your toll-free number for all your business calls and texts.

What Google Voice can’t do (And what it’s missing)

Google Voice offers a lot, but it also comes with quite a few limitations. Apart from not offering toll-free numbers, here are some other key drawbacks to keep in mind:

Google workspace requirement

If you want a Google Voice number for your business, you’ll need a Google Workspace account. This means paying at least $6/month for Workspace plus an additional $10/month for Google Voice’s base plan. 

Limited 3^rd party integrations

Google Voice only works well with Google Workspace apps like Gmail and Calendar, but it doesn’t integrate with other popular third-party platforms, which limits its CRM capabilities.

Limited country availability

Google Voice is only available in select countries, such as the U.S., Canada, and a few European countries like the UK, Germany, and Italy. So, if you want a global solution, you’re going to have to look elsewhere.

No desktop app

Google Voice works pretty well on mobile and web browsers but there’s no desktop app. It can be a bit inconvenient if you need to manage calls or messages while multitasking on your computer.

No free trials

Google Voice doesn’t offer a free trial, so if you’re a small business wanting to test it out before making a call, you’ll have to pay upfront to see if it fits your needs.

In comparison, services like iTeleCenter offer a free 14-day trial, letting you explore all the features—giving you a risk free way to decide if it’s the right fit for your business.

Contact management issues

Google Voice combines business and personal contacts, making it tricky and a pain to keep things organized. Your business contacts can sync with personal ones in your Google account, leading to potential confusion.

No auto-replies

If you need an auto-reply feature to inform callers when you’re unavailable and when they can expect a response, Google Voice doesn’t offer this option.

Whether you’re on a free or paid plan, auto-replies are simply not available. This can be a setback for businesses looking to provide a seamless customer experience when you’re away.

Call recordings

While Google Voice does offer call recording, it’s not available on the basic plans. Here’s what you need to know,

On the free plan: You can record your calls, but it requires manual activation for each call. Plus, all participants must be on the line before recording starts.

Google workspace plans: Call recording is only available on their higher-tier plans. They have additional costs which can quickly add up if you have multiple users and requirements.

So, while call recording is available, the extra cost and setup can make it a little annoying and costly for businesses on Google Voice.

How to port your Google Voice number to a new business phone service

Now, if you’ve been using Google Voice for business and want to upgrade to a new service provider without losing your Google Voice number ..

Don’t worry.

Porting your Google Voice number to a new business phone service is possible. Here’s how to go about it,

1. Unlock your Google Voice number

You will need to first unlock your Google Voice number. Navigate to Google Voice settings and look for the “Porting” section and get it unlocked.

This basically gives your new service provider the green light to access it for the transfer process.

2. Request port from new service provider

Now that your phone number is unlocked, it’s time to get your new provider involved. Reach out to your new service provider and request them to port your Google Voice number.

This is the official request that kicks off the porting process. At iTeleCenter, we provide concierge number porting service for all our customers.

3. Submitting port request

Your new service provider will get all the details required from you and submit a porting request through the NPAC. We will ensure everything is processed smoothly and legally.

4. Wait for Google’s approval

Once your new service provider submits the request, Google will review and approve it once it verifies all the details. When the porting request is approved, you’ll see the status change in your Google Voice account.

Your new provider will now take over and will handle the rest of the process. The new provider will guide you through any additional steps needed to complete the switch.

Get a toll-free number with iTeleCenter

Getting a toll-free number with iTeleCenter is as easy as filling out as 1, 2, 3! It only takes a few steps to get started, and we’ll handle the rest for you.

Whether you’re looking to purchase a toll-free number and keep it with iTeleCenter, or you prefer to get a toll-free number through us and port it to Google Voice, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.

Frequently asked questions