{"id":3592,"date":"2024-12-06T08:37:10","date_gmt":"2024-12-06T13:37:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/?p=3592"},"modified":"2025-04-04T10:06:57","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T14:06:57","slug":"port-number-to-google-voice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/port-number-to-google-voice","title":{"rendered":"Should you port number to Google Voice? Think twice."},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>We take it that you&#8217;re looking to port number to Google Voice, that means moving you&#8217;re looking to move from your current carrier to a cloud based system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;I mean, we get it, it\u2019s modern, convenient, and sounds like a dream for staying connected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maybe you\u2019re so done with your current provider or you&#8217;re out looking for a budget friendly VoIP solution. Either way, it\u2019s worth knowing that porting to Google Voice isn\u2019t as smooth as it sounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Google Voice seems like a good option &#8211; it&#8217;s popular and widely used. But here\u2019s the thing: it might not be the best fit for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For starters, the process can be time consuming, and the cost can add up quickly depending on your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plus, Google Voice has some frustrating limitations like <strong>NO<\/strong> toll free number, support and doesn\u2019t support texting outside the US among others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you make the leap and hit that port button, let\u2019s take a moment to talk about some of the downsides of Google Voice &#8211; because trust us, there are a few you\u2019ll want to keep in mind. We&#8217;ve got all the details lined up for you below<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-you-need-to-think-twice-before-porting-number-to-google-voice\"><strong>Think twice before you Port number to Google Voice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Thinking about porting your number to Google Voice? Before you make the big jump, see if you&#8217;re okay with the following,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Lots of limitations on the free plan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Google Voice\u2019s free plan is packed with restrictions. You need a US number to verify your account, and porting costs $20. Plus, guess what? Your personal contacts sync with your business contacts, making it hard to separate work and personal life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>No desktop app<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Google Voice doesn\u2019t have a desktop app. Whether you\u2019re using the free version or Google Workspace, you\u2019re stuck with web and mobile only access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>No toll free numbers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Google Voice doesn\u2019t support toll-free numbers. It\u2019s not the best option if you\u2019re looking to expand your business nationwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Customer support? Non-existent<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You have to rely on forums and blogs if you face any technical issues. Google Voice does not have customer support for its users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Texting limitations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Google Voice has major texting limits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ITC-listitems\">\n<li>Messages longer than 160 characters split into multiple texts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No sharing files like Word docs, PDFs or videos.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>International texting? Not supported.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Complicated porting process<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Porting your number to Google Voice can get messy. The process involves multiple steps, lots of paperwork, and some users have reported issues like losing their numbers altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Google Voice may seem like a good choice at first, but these downsides could make it less than ideal for your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-port-your-number-to-google-voice\"><strong>How to port your number to Google Voice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Okay, if you&#8217;re still looking to port number to Google Voice. Here&#8217;s a simple guide to help you make the switch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Porting your number to Google Voice (Personal)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before we get started, there are a few thing we want to let you know:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>US-only: <\/strong>You can only port US numbers to Google Voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Location: <\/strong>You must be based in the US to use Google Voice\u2019s free version. (Google Voice Personal)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fees:<\/strong> If you\u2019re porting from Verizon, Google Fi or AT&amp;T, there\u2019s a $20 fee. So, don&#8217;t be surprised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Steps to port number<\/strong> to <strong>Google Voice<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list ITC-listitems\">\n<li>If you haven\u2019t already, sign up for Google Voice. You\u2019ll get a free phone number, but once your porting request is complete, your existing number will take over.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Open Google Voice and navigate to <strong>Settings &gt; Account.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Find <strong>Port a Number<\/strong> option.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click <strong>Get Started.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Type in the phone number you want to port over.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Google Voice will ask you to receive a 6-digit verification code via call or SMS. Enter the code when prompted.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your number is eligible, you\u2019ll need to provide your carrier account information.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complete the payment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019ll get an email receipt confirming your porting request.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>How long does it take to port your Google Voice number? Well, that depends. But normally, the <a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/voice\/answer\/1065667?hl=en#:~:text=Phone%20numbers%20can%20take%20up,help%2C%20contact%20Google%20Voice%20Support.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">porting process can take up to 48 hours to port your number to Google Voice<\/a>, but it can vary depending on your carrier. While the number will port pretty quickly, text messages may take up to 3 business days to show up in your Google Voice account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once everything\u2019s set up, you\u2019ll be good to go with your new Google Voice number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Porting your number to Google Voice for business<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Porting numbers to Google Voice for Business is a pretty straightforward process too if you follow these steps. Here\u2019s how you can do it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Steps to port number to Google Voice for Business:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list ITC-listitems\">\n<li>First, log in to the Google Admin console where you&#8217;ll manage all your business services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Under Number Porting, click <strong>Create Port Order<\/strong> to begin the process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enter the following details &#8211; Port name and country of service.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enter the contact person who will handle any questions about the porting process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use a recent billing statement from your current provider to fill in the required port details.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check the box that says &#8220;<em>I authorize Google Voice<\/em>&#8221; and then click Continue.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enter the phone numbers you&#8217;re looking to port. You can port multiple number at once.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pick the date you&#8217;d like to activate your Google Voice numbers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Double-check all the details to ensure everything is correct, then click on Continue.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Once everything is confirmed, click Create Port Request to finalize the process.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>In some regions or countries, you\u2019ll need to provide a Letter of Authorization (LOA) form. You have 7 days after creating your port order to upload this document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Here\u2019s how to submit the LOA:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ITC-listitems\">\n<li>Under Number Porting, find and select your port request.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the Required Documentation section, click Download Template.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Print the template, fill it out, and sign the letter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click Upload Signed Document to upload your completed form.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select Submit for Review to finish the submission process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-port-out-google-voice-number\"><strong>How to port out Google Voice number<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re looking to port your phone number out from Google Voice, it&#8217;s super easy. Here&#8217;s how to do it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ITC-listitems\">\n<li>Go to <a href=\"https:\/\/voice.google.com\/u\/0\/about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Voice<\/a> and sign in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Find the Google Voice number you want to port out. If you have multiple numbers, select the one you want to transfer, then click &#8220;Unlock my number.&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019ll be prompted to pay a $3 fee to port your number to another provider. Complete the payment via Google Pay and you\u2019ll get a receipt emailed to you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Once the payment is processed, you\u2019ll see the status change to \u201cUnlocked\u201d. You\u2019re now ready to port your number.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Note: <\/strong>If you\u2019re porting a number from Google Voice for Google Workspace, check out the steps below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-port-out-google-voice-number-for-google-workspace\"><strong>How to port out Google Voice number for Google Workspace<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re using Google Voice for Google Workspace. Here&#8217;s how to do it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ITC-listitems\">\n<li>Head to your Admin console and log in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Go to <em>Apps &gt; Google Workspace &gt; Google Voice<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Once you\u2019re on the Google Voice page, click on Number Porting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At the top, click on Port-out info to get the details you&#8217;ll need for your porting request.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Once you\u2019re done, click Close to exit the page.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Note: <\/strong>You might need a <strong>PIN <\/strong>number to proceed, and depending on your account, additional details may be required. You can just find more information under View invoice details (for invoiced accounts).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And that\u2019s it! You\u2019re all set to start your port-out process with your new provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-much-does-it-cost-to-port-to-google-voice\"><strong>How much does it cost to port to Google Voice?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When porting a number to Google Voice, here are a few things to keep in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re porting a personal Google Voice account, Google charges you a one time $20 setup fee. For modern business phone systems like iTeleCenter, there are no porting fees &#8211; you can port in as many number as you like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"make-the-switch-to-i-tele-center-from-google-voice\"><strong>Make the switch to iTeleCenter from Google Voice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Port_your_google-voice.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"619\" height=\"552\" src=\"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Port_your_google-voice.png\" alt=\"Port your Google voice number to iTeleCenter\" class=\"wp-image-3604\" style=\"width:509px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Port_your_google-voice.png 619w, https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Port_your_google-voice-300x268.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 619px) 100vw, 619px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for a more budget-friendly option without porting fees, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/\">Google Voice alternatives like iTeleCenter<\/a> could be a better fit for your business. Get features like,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ITC-listitems\">\n<li>Free number porting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose from 800, local and toll free numbers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Call forwarding<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SMS and MMS text messaging<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conference calling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Call recording<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Business voicemail<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Call analytics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Call blocking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Web and mobile apps<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And a whole lot more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#why-you-need-to-think-twice-before-porting-number-to-google-voice\">Think twice before you Port number to Google Voice<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-to-port-your-number-to-google-voice\">How to port your number to Google Voice<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-to-port-out-google-voice-number\">How to port out Google Voice number<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-to-port-out-google-voice-number-for-google-workspace\">How to port out Google Voice number for Google Workspace<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-much-does-it-cost-to-port-to-google-voice\">How much does it cost to port to Google Voice?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#make-the-switch-to-i-tele-center-from-google-voice\">Make the switch to iTeleCenter from Google Voice<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We take it that you&#8217;re looking to port number to Google Voice, that means moving you&#8217;re looking to move from your current carrier to a cloud based system. &nbsp;I mean, we get it, it\u2019s modern, convenient, and sounds like a dream for staying connected. Maybe you\u2019re so done with your current provider or you&#8217;re out [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":3602,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-container-style":"default","site-container-layout":"default","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-transparent-header":"default","disable-article-header":"default","disable-site-header":"default","disable-site-footer":"default","disable-content-area-spacing":"default","footnotes":""},"categories":[105],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3592","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3592","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3592"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3592\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4083,"href":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3592\/revisions\/4083"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3602"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3592"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3592"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.itelecenter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3592"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}